Descripción
Melanotan 2 (also known as Melanotan II or MT2) is one of the best-known research peptides for tanning and pigmentation studies. It is a synthetic analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), developed to investigate how melanocortin signalling regulates melanin production and the skin’s physiological response to ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
Beyond pigmentation research, Melanotan 2 has played an important role in advancing our understanding of the melanocortin system. During early clinical investigations, researchers observed effects beyond skin pigmentation, leading to the later development of PT-141 (Bremelanotide), a more selective melanocortin peptide designed specifically for sexual function research.
Today, Melanotan 2 remains one of the most extensively investigated peptides for pigmentation biology, melanocortin receptor signalling and neuroendocrine physiology.
Why Melanotan 2 is widely investigated
Published research has investigated Melanotan 2 in relation to:
- tanning research
- skin pigmentation
- melanin production
- melanogenesis
- UV-independent pigmentation
- melanocyte biology
- melanocortin receptor signalling
- appetite regulation
- neuroendocrine physiology
Its broad receptor activity has made Melanotan 2 one of the foundational research peptides for understanding the melanocortin system.
How Melanotan 2 promotes pigmentation
Published research demonstrates that Melanotan 2 primarily activates the MC1 melanocortin receptor, which regulates melanin production within melanocytes.
Research has explored its relationship with:
Melanin production
Activation of melanocytes and increased melanin synthesis, making Melanotan 2 one of the best-known peptides in pigmentation research.
UV response
Investigation of the relationship between melanocortin signalling, melanin production and the skin’s physiological response to ultraviolet exposure.
Pigmentation biology
Studies examining how melanocortin receptors regulate pigmentation across different skin types and experimental models.
Because Melanotan 2 also activates other melanocortin receptors, researchers have investigated additional physiological pathways involving appetite regulation, energy balance and central nervous system signalling.
Why Melanotan 2 became important beyond tanning research
Although Melanotan 2 was originally developed for pigmentation research, investigators later discovered that melanocortin receptor activation also influenced central nervous system pathways involved in sexual behaviour.
These findings ultimately led to the development of PT-141 (Bremelanotide), a more selective melanocortin peptide that focuses on sexual desire and arousal research rather than pigmentation.
This makes Melanotan 2 one of the most influential peptides in the history of melanocortin research.
Investigación humana y preclínica
Melanotan 2 has been investigated extensively in both laboratory and human studies.
Published research includes:
- tanning physiology
- pigmentation biology
- melanogenesis
- UV response
- melanocortin receptor pharmacology
- appetite regulation
- neuroendocrine signalling
Although newer melanocortin analogues have since been developed for more specific applications, Melanotan 2 remains one of the principal research compounds for studying the melanocortin receptor family.
How Melanotan 2 differs from related peptides
| Research objective | Recommended peptide |
|---|---|
| Tanning & pigmentation research | Melanotan 2 |
| Sexual desire & arousal research | PT-141 (Bremelanotide) |
| Reproductive hormone regulation | Kisspeptin-10 |
| Social bonding & neuroendocrine behaviour | Oxytocin |
Although Melanotan 2 and PT-141 share a common developmental history, they are now investigated for different research objectives. Melanotan 2 primarily focuses on pigmentation and melanocortin biology, whereas PT-141 investigates central pathways involved in sexual desire and arousal.
Published safety observations
Published human studies have most commonly reported nausea, facial flushing, yawning and transient increases in skin pigmentation. Researchers have also observed increased pigmentation of freckles and existing moles, which has become an area of continued investigation. Current knowledge is based primarily on controlled clinical studies and experimental research, and long-term safety remains an active topic within the scientific literature.
Características del producto
Aplicación: investigación de laboratorio y análisis
Uso restringido: no apto para consumo humano; no apto para uso médico, veterinario o cosmético
Producido en instalaciones que cumplen con GMP bajo estrictos protocolos de control de calidad.
Cada lote se somete a pruebas de laboratorio exhaustivas después de la producción (puede encontrar el Certificado de Análisis debajo de las imágenes del producto).
Liofilizado (liofilizado) para máxima estabilidad y vida útil prolongada.
Sellado en viales estériles, listo para la reconstitución.
Purity: ≥ 99% (HPLC)
Apariencia: polvo blanco liofilizado
Fórmula molecular: C50H69N15O9
Molecular weight: 1024.2
CAS No: 121062-08-6
Almacenamiento: los viales liofilizados sin abrir se almacenan mejor refrigerar a 2–8 °C, que es el método de almacenamiento confirmado por nuestro socio de fabricación y adecuado para hasta 24 meses. Se prefiere la refrigeración porque minimiza los ciclos innecesarios de congelación y descongelación durante la manipulación rutinaria. Si se requiere un almacenamiento a más largo plazo, los viales liofilizados sin abrir también pueden mantenerse congelados. Una vez reconstituidos, almacene siempre a 2–8 °C y no congele.
Reconstitución y manipulación
Melanotan 2 is supplied as a lyophilised vial and should be handled using standard peptide reconstitution procedures appropriate to the research setting. Must be reconstituted with agua bacteriostática antes de usar. Para ayudar a preservar la integridad estructural, agregue el disolvente elegido lentamente contra la pared interior del vial en lugar de directamente sobre el péptido en polvo, y evite agitar vigorosamente. La agitación suave suele ser suficiente una vez que el péptido se ha disuelto por completo. La práctica estándar de laboratorio también incluye permitir que los viales refrigerados alcancen la temperatura ambiente antes de la reconstitución para minimizar la condensación dentro del vial.
Para otras guías sobre selección de solventes, planificación de concentraciones y almacenamiento, consulte el completo Guía de Reconstitución de Péptidos y Calculadora de Reconstitución.
Referencias de investigación seleccionadas
- Hadley ME. Melanocortin Peptide Therapeutics: Historical Milestones, Clinical Studies and Commercialization, Peptides, 2006
A comprehensive review describing the development of Melanotan peptides, pigmentation research and the subsequent evolution of PT-141 from Melanotan 2.
- Dorr RT, et al. Evaluation of Melanotan-II, a Superpotent Cyclic Melanotropic Peptide in a Pilot Phase I Clinical Study, Life Sciences, 1996
The first human clinical study evaluating Melanotan 2 and its effects on pigmentation.
- Habbema L, Halk AB, Neumann M, Bergman W. Risks of Unregulated Use of Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Analogues: A Review, International Journal of Dermatology, 2017
A review summarising the published evidence on Melanotan analogues, pigmentation effects and reported safety considerations.
- Wessells H, et al. Melanocortin Receptor Agonists and Human Sexual Function, International Journal of Impotence Research, 2000
One of the early human studies showing central nervous system effects beyond pigmentation, contributing to the later development of PT-141.
Preguntas Frecuentes
What is Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 2 is a synthetic analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is one of the world’s most extensively investigated research peptides for tanning, pigmentation and melanocortin receptor biology.
How does Melanotan 2 promote pigmentation?
Melanotan 2 primarily activates the MC1 melanocortin receptor, which regulates melanin production within melanocytes. This has made it one of the leading research peptides for pigmentation and tanning studies.
How does Melanotan 2 differ from PT-141?
Although PT-141 was developed from Melanotan 2, the two peptides are investigated for different purposes. Melanotan 2 primarily focuses on pigmentation and melanocortin biology, while PT-141 is a more selective melanocortin peptide investigated mainly for sexual desire and arousal research.
Why is Melanotan 2 associated with appetite and sexual function research?
Melanotan 2 activates several melanocortin receptor subtypes in addition to MC1R, including receptors involved in appetite regulation and central nervous system signalling. Early studies unexpectedly observed effects on sexual function, which contributed to the later development of PT-141.
What research areas commonly investigate Melanotan 2?
Published research includes tanning physiology, skin pigmentation, melanogenesis, UV response, melanocortin receptor signalling, appetite regulation and neuroendocrine physiology.
How does Melanotan 2 differ from Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide)?
Both peptides are derived from α-MSH, but Melanotan 2 activates multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes, whereas Afamelanotide is considerably more selective for MC1R. This broader receptor activity has made Melanotan 2 useful across a wider range of melanocortin research topics.
¿Está este producto destinado al uso humano?
No. Melanotan 2 supplied by LIFE Peptide is provided strictly for laboratory and analytical research. It is not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease. Any discussion of published studies summarises the current scientific literature relating to the Melanotan 2 molecule rather than the intended use of this product.
Contexto de investigación relacionado
Melanotan 2 belongs to the broader Melanocortin and neuroendocrine peptide research category, focusing on pigmentation pathways and central melanocortin signaling mechanisms.
Researchers exploring related melanocortin pathway models may also examine:
• PT-141 (Bremelanotide) — selective melanocortin receptor signaling research
• Cognitive & neuroresearch peptides — CNS peptide signaling models
NOTA: Esto es solo para fines de referencia educativa y no constituye asesoramiento médico.
Descargo de responsabilidad
Este producto se vende únicamente para fines de investigación. No está destinado a diagnosticar, tratar, curar ni prevenir ninguna enfermedad. El comprador asume toda la responsabilidad por su manipulación y uso adecuados.






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