What Is Melanotan-2?
Melanotan-2 (MT-2) is a cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), an endogenous neuropeptide derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC). It was originally developed as a synthetic agonist of melanocortin receptors with enhanced metabolic stability compared to native α-MSH, which has an extremely short half-life in vivo.
Mechanism of Action
MT-2 is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, binding with varying affinity to MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Its binding to MC1R on melanocytes stimulates eumelanin production (the dark form of melanin), which has been the basis of research into photoprotection and pigmentation. MC4R activation has attracted significant research interest due to its role in energy homeostasis, sexual function, and cardiovascular regulation.
Research Areas
The primary research domains for Melanotan-2 include melanocortin receptor pharmacology, pigmentation biology (particularly skin phototype studies and photoprotection), sexual function research (MC4R pathway), metabolic regulation and appetite suppression (central MC4R agonism), and cardiovascular biology. MT-2 has been instrumental as a research tool in understanding the broader melanocortin system due to its potency and receptor promiscuity.
Storage and Reconstitution
MT-2 is supplied in lyophilised form and should be stored at -20°C for long-term stability. For short-term use (up to 4–6 weeks), storage at 2–8°C is adequate. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water using standard peptide reconstitution procedures. Protect from light during storage and handling as melanotropic peptides can be light-sensitive.
Sourceing Melanotan-2 in Europe
Peptifly supplies Melanotan-2 in 10mg lyophilised vials, independently tested for 99%+ purity. All orders are dispatched from EU warehouses with temperature-controlled packaging and same-day dispatch for orders before 2PM. Browse our catalogue at peptifly.com/shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What receptors does Melanotan-2 act on?
MT-2 is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, binding to MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R with varying affinity.
How should Melanotan-2 be stored?
Store lyophilised MT-2 at -20°C for long-term stability. Protect from light. Once reconstituted, store at 2–8°C and use within 4–6 weeks.
Where can I buy Melanotan-2 in Europe?
Peptifly supplies Melanotan-2 10mg vials with EU dispatch, independent COA verification, and temperature-controlled delivery. Order at peptifly.com/shop.
Disclaimer: All peptides sold by Peptifly are strictly for research and laboratory use only. This article is for informational purposes only.