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Melanotan II
99%+ Purity

Melanotan II Peptide

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that interacts with the melanocortin receptor system, including MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R receptors. These receptors are involved in biological pathways related to pigmentation, metabolic signaling, and neuroendocrine regulation. In laboratory research, Melanotan II is frequently studied for its role in melanocortin receptor activation and melanin production pathways, particularly through interaction with MC1R receptors associated with pigmentation biology. Scientific literature has also explored melanocortin signaling in relation to neuroendocrine pathways that influence appetite regulation, behavioral signaling, and sexual function through MC3R and MC4R receptor activity. Because of its activity across several melanocortin receptors, Melanotan II continues to be investigated in research areas such as melanocortin receptor signaling, pigmentation and melanin pathway research, neuroendocrine signaling studies, appetite and metabolic pathway research, and behavioral and neuropeptide signaling. For Research Use Only. Not intended for human or veterinary use.

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Certificate of Analysis

Third Party TestedISO/IEC 17025 Accredited
ISO 170253rd Party
99.822%
Purity
Passed full QC panel
TestedFeb 20, 2026
Full QC Panel
Purity (HPLC)99.822%
ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited

Compound Information

Structured specifications and handling data

Molecular profile

Technical specifications

Type:Cyclic Heptapeptide (Melanocortin Agonist)
CAS Number:121062-08-6
Molecular Weight:1024.2 g/mol
Amino Acids:7
Sequence:Ac-Nle-cyclo(Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys)-NH2
Formula:C50H69N15O9
PubChem Database
Storage requirements

Stability and handling

Lyophilized
Cold Storage
Light Sensitive
Storage TemperatureStore in a cool, dry place away from light; refrigerate at 2–8°C (36–46°F)
ReconstitutionSterile water or bacteriostatic water recommended
StabilityStable when stored properly; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Chemical structure

Molecular model

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Melanotan II research overview

Melanotan II is a lab-made version of alpha-MSH, the natural hormone that triggers melanin production in skin cells. It has been modified into a cyclic structure (its chain loops back on itself) which makes it more stable and allows it to activate multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes. The two receptors it hits most strongly are MC1R, which sits on melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment), and MC4R, which is found in the brain and is part of several neuroendocrine circuits.

In cell culture experiments, Melanotan II triggers cyclic AMP production when it binds to melanocortin receptors, which activates an enzyme called tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is the key enzyme in melanin synthesis, the process by which cells produce pigment. This makes Melanotan II a useful research tool for studying the melanogenesis pathway at a molecular level.

Animal studies have explored its ability to cross into the central nervous system and activate hypothalamic pathways related to MC4R signaling and neuropeptide circuits. The non-selective nature of Melanotan II, meaning it hits multiple melanocortin receptor types rather than just one, makes it both broadly useful and pharmacologically complex as a research compound. For Research Use Only. Not intended for human or veterinary use.

Melanocortin Receptor Agonism

Acts as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist with activity across melanogenic and neuroendocrine targets.

cAMP Signaling

Activates Gs-coupled receptor signaling to increase cAMP in melanocortin-responsive cells.

Melanogenesis Modulation

Stimulates pigmentation pathways associated with MC1R signaling in melanocytes.

Central MC4R Pathways

Engages central melanocortin circuits implicated in appetite, sexual arousal, and autonomic responses in models.

Research evidence

Published studies and concise summaries for research review.

Research Paper
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Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study
Dorr RT et al.
View Paper
Research Paper
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AI-generated summary of this research paper below.

This pilot phase I, single-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated subcutaneous Melanotan II in three healthy male volunteers with dose escalation from 0.01 to 0.025–0.03 mg/kg. The cyclic heptapeptide produced measurable increases in pigmentation after five low doses administered every other day, confirming potent melanotropic activity in humans. Reported effects included mild nausea, fatigue/somnolence at higher doses, and a stretching/yawning complex associated with spontaneous erections, with overall tolerability supporting further investigation.
Research overview
Total Papers
241+
Year Range
1992+
Research status
Active
Peer-reviewed studies available
Research FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Concise answers about laboratory context, handling, and documentation for this compound.

Laboratory compliance notice

All compounds sold by Validated Peptides are intended for in-vitro laboratory research only.

These materials are not approved by the FDA for human or animal use and are not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical applications.

Purchasers are responsible for compliant handling, storage, and use within an appropriate laboratory environment.

Research Use Only
Not for Human Use
21+ Required