Overview
Melanotan 2 is a synthetic cyclic lactam heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, in which a side-chain lactam bridge between aspartate and lysine residues constrains the molecule into a stable ring. This cyclization confers metabolic stability and high potency relative to the linear parent hormone. Unlike the MC1R-selective melanotan 1, it behaves as a non-selective agonist across the melanocortin receptor family (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R). It is the structural parent from which the cyclic heptapeptide PT-141 (bremelanotide) is derived, and is produced synthetically for research use.
Mechanism as studied
The research literature characterizes melanotan 2 as a broad melanocortin-receptor agonist signaling predominantly through Gs-coupled adenylyl-cyclase activation and cyclic-AMP generation. At MC1R on melanocytes this cascade is associated with tyrosinase upregulation and eumelanin synthesis in cultured systems. At the centrally expressed MC3R and MC4R subtypes, receptor engagement is studied in relation to hypothalamic circuits governing energy balance and autonomic output. Its non-selective profile makes it a common reference agonist in comparative melanocortin-receptor pharmacology.
Research context
Contexts in which this compound appears in the in-vitro and preclinical research literature:
- Melanocyte cultures assessing cAMP, tyrosinase activity, and melanin accumulation.
- Recombinant MC1R/MC3R/MC4R/MC5R systems for receptor-activation and selectivity profiling.
- Preclinical rodent studies of central melanocortin circuits and energy-balance signaling.
- Comparative pharmacology against linear alpha-MSH analogs and the MC1R-selective melanotan 1.
- Structure-activity work relating lactam cyclization to receptor potency and stability.
Handling & storage
Supplied as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution in the laboratory with bacteriostatic water, the diluent volume set to reach the target working concentration (e.g. 1 mL into a 10 mg vial yields 10 mg/mL). Introduce the diluent gently against the vial wall and swirl to dissolve rather than shaking. Aliquot the reconstituted material to reduce freeze-thaw cycles.
Store the sealed lyophilized vial at −20 °C away from light, where it remains stable long-term. Refrigerate reconstituted solution at 2–8 °C and minimize freeze-thaw cycles.
Certificates of analysis
Independent and in-house certificates published for this compound. Each reports identity and HPLC purity for the tested lot.
Order Melanotan 2
Lot-traceable, certificate-backed, and shipped cold-chain from the US.
For research use only
This guide is reference material for qualified researchers. The compound is an analytical-grade reference material supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and development — not a drug, supplement, or medical device, and not for human or animal consumption or any therapeutic, clinical, or diagnostic use. No medical claims are made or implied.
