Melanotan II (MT-2) from Super Human Peptides UK is a synthetic, cyclic heptapeptide analogue of the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). In laboratory research, MT-2 is distinguished from Melanotan 1 by its non-selective receptor binding. While MT-1 strictly targets the MC1 receptor for pigmentation, Melanotan II acts as a broad-spectrum agonist across multiple melanocortin receptors (MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5).
This broader affinity allows researchers to utilize MT-2 to study a wide array of physiological pathways simultaneously, including melanogenesis (tanning), metabolic regulation (appetite suppression), and psychogenic sexual arousal. Produced under GMP-compliant conditions and verified for 99% purity or higher, Melanotan II is a highly stable, multi-pathway model for endocrine and neurological research.
WarningFor laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.
Key Features
- —Broad-Spectrum Agonist: Activates MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5 receptors.
- —Cyclic Peptide Structure: Engineered with a lactam bridge for superior metabolic stability.
- —High Purity: 99% purity or higher (verified by HPLC and MS analysis).
- —Quality Standard: GMP / ISO certified manufacturing.
Research Focus
- —Melanogenesis (MC1R): Studying the stimulation of eumelanin production in melanocytes.
- —Arousal and Libido (MC4R): Preclinical models investigating central nervous system pathways related to erectile function and sexual desire.
- —Energy Homeostasis (MC3R / MC4R): Researching the peptide's ability to suppress appetite and modulate lipid metabolism.
- —Peptide Stability: Investigating the pharmacokinetic advantages of cyclic peptide structures over linear sequences.
- —Behavioral Studies: Exploring the neurobiological links between the melanocortin system and stress/reward pathways.
Published Research and Study Findings
Melanotan II was originally synthesized by researchers at the University of Arizona who were looking for a more stable and potent variant of alpha-MSH. Laboratory and early clinical studies demonstrated that while MT-2 successfully induced skin pigmentation without UV exposure, it also produced profound secondary effects. Most notably, activation of the MC4 receptor in the central nervous system led to significant spontaneous erections in male animal models and increased arousal in females.
This dual-action discovery made MT-2 a foundational compound in sexual dysfunction research, eventually leading to the development of its derivative, PT-141, which isolates the arousal effects. Additionally, MT-2 is frequently studied in obesity models due to its observed ability to reduce feeding behavior and increase energy expenditure.
NoteAll findings are derived from laboratory and non-clinical research settings.
Representative Scientific References
- 1.Dorr, R.T. et al., "Evaluation of Melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study," Life Sciences, 1996.
- 2.Wessells, H. et al., "Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction," The Journal of Urology, 1998.
- 3.Hadley, M.E. et al., "Discovery and development of novel melanogenic drugs (Melanotan-I and -II)," Integration of Pharmaceutical Discovery and Development, 2006.
- 4.Cowell, S.M. et al., "The melanocortin receptors: their structures and the development of specific agonists and antagonists," Peptide Science, 2004.
