Melanotan II Peptide | High‑Purity Melanocortin Analog for Receptor Research (Canada)

Melanotan 2 (MT‑2) is a synthetic analog of the body’s natural melanocyte‑stimulating hormone (MSH). By activating melanocortin receptors, it promotes increased melanin production, leading to a deeper tanning effect even with limited sun exposure.

In addition to its role in pigmentation, Melanotan 2 has been explored for its potential influence on appetite regulation and sexual function, due to its interaction with specific neural pathways involved in these processes.

Key Research Areas & Mechanistic Highlights

🎨 Pigmentation & Melanin Production

• Synthetic analog of endogenous α‑MSH

• Activates MC1R receptors on melanocytes

• Studied for its ability to increase eumelanin synthesis

• Used in research exploring UV‑independent pigmentation pathways

🧠 Neural Pathways & Receptor Activity

• Interacts with multiple melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R)

• Examined for its influence on CNS signaling networks

• Studied in relation to neuroendocrine communication and behavioral pathways

🍽️ Appetite & Energy Regulation

• Investigated for potential effects on satiety‑related signaling

• Explored in metabolic research involving melanocortin‑mediated pathways

• Used to study mechanisms related to energy balance and feeding behavior

🔥 Sexual Function & Arousal Pathways

• Preclinical interest due to interactions with MC3R and MC4R

• Studied for its role in neural circuits associated with sexual response

• Considered a model compound for understanding melanocortin‑linked arousal mechanisms.

🔬 Research Applications (Non‑Medical)

Melanotan II is widely used in melanocortin‑receptor research, particularly involving MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R signaling in controlled in‑vitro systems.

Key research applications include:

• Receptor‑binding assays — used to evaluate affinity and receptor‑subtype selectivity across the melanocortin family.

• Intracellular signaling studies — supports research into cAMP accumulation, PKA activation, and downstream transcriptional responses.

• Structure–activity analysis — applied in comparisons of cyclic vs. linear melanocortin analogs to evaluate stability and receptor bias.

• Peptide‑stability modeling — used to study enzymatic degradation and cyclic‑peptide resistance to proteolysis.

• Analytical method development — suitable for validating chromatographic separation of cyclic heptapeptides.

🧬 Molecular Characteristics

• Type: Cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin analog.

• Form: Lyophilized powder (10mg).

• Identity: Verified via MS and HPLC/UPLC.

• Biochemical Notes:

  • Cyclic structure enhances stability and receptor affinity.

  • Solubility varies with pH; performs best in mildly acidic buffers.

• Stability:

  • Stable in dry form; sensitive to hydrolysis and oxidation in solution.

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures.

❄️ Storage & Handling

• Store at –20°C, protected from humidity and light.

• Reconstituted solutions should be stored at 2–8°C and used promptly.

• Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.

📄 Documentation / COA Visibility

• COA includes MS identity, HPLC purity, solvent system, and lot traceability.

• RUO‑only; not for human or veterinary use.

⚠️ Compliance Notice

Melanotan II is supplied for laboratory research only. Not for human or veterinary use. No therapeutic, metabolic, or performance‑related claims are made or implied.