Product overview
Melanotan-2 10mg/10vials is a sterile lyophilized research peptide. Melanotan-2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s as a research probe for melanocortin-receptor pharmacology. It differs from Melanotan-1 (MT-I) in being a smaller, cyclized analog with broader receptor activity across the melanocortin family.
Independently assayed by HPLC and MS, and lot-traceable to the source preparation.
Mechanism
Melanotan-2 binds and activates the melanocortin family of G-protein-coupled receptors, with affinity at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Activation of MC1R on cutaneous melanocytes drives the eumelanin synthesis pathway, which is the basis for the preclinical pigmentation literature on the molecule. Activity at MC3R and MC4R in the central nervous system underlies a separate preclinical literature on appetite regulation and energy expenditure.
The broad receptor profile distinguishes MT-2 from MT-I, which is more selective for MC1R. This makes MT-2 a more versatile pharmacology tool but also accounts for the wider range of downstream effects reported in animal studies.
Typical research dose range
Published preclinical pigmentation and melanocortin-receptor pharmacology protocols use Melanotan-2 in animal models in the range of roughly 50-500 mcg per administration, cycled across a multi-week study window. Researchers should consult source literature for the specific endpoint under investigation.
Stack and pairing
Melanotan-2 is studied alongside Melanotan-1 in comparative receptor-selectivity work, and alongside PT-141 (bremelanotide) — a metabolite of MT-2 with a different downstream pharmacology — in protocols examining MC4R-mediated endpoints.
Reconstitution and storage
Reconstitute each vial with 1-2 mL of bacteriostatic water for the target working concentration. Use sterile technique. Once reconstituted, store at 2-8 °C and use within 30 days for best stability.
Lyophilized vials should be kept refrigerated at 2-8 °C until first use. For long-term storage beyond six months, store at -20 °C in the original sealed vial. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Kit contents
- 10 × 10mg vials of lyophilized Melanotan-2
- 1 × certificate of analysis (lot-specific)
- 1 × handling and reconstitution insert
Frequently asked questions
Is this product for human consumption?
No. This product is sold strictly for laboratory research use only. It is not a drug, food, cosmetic, or dietary supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
How does Melanotan-2 differ from Melanotan-1?
MT-2 is a smaller cyclic analog with broader affinity across the melanocortin-receptor family (MC1R through MC5R). MT-I is more selective for MC1R. The two molecules are used to ask different pharmacology questions in preclinical study designs.
Do you ship internationally?
This SKU ships from our Canadian fulfillment facility to addresses within Canada. International availability varies by region — see our shipping policy for current routing.
What is the shelf life of an unopened vial?
Properly stored at 2-8 °C in the original sealed vial, lyophilized Melanotan-2 retains potency for 24 months from the date of manufacture. The expiration date is printed on each vial.
