Description
Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide, molecular formula C50H69N15O9, molecular weight 1,024.20 g/mol, CAS 121062-08-6. Its key structural feature is a lactam bridge, an internal bond connecting two amino acids within the chain that forces the peptide into a cyclic, ring shape, making it more compact and enzyme-resistant than linear peptides.
Melanotan 2 was developed at the University of Arizona in the 1990s as part of the broader alpha-MSH analog research program that also produced PT-141 (bremelanotide). While Melanotan 1 is selective for the MC1R receptor, Melanotan 2’s cyclic structure gives it structural compatibility with multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes: MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. This broader receptor activity is a direct consequence of its three-dimensional shape, and is the key mechanistic distinction researchers use when comparing it to more receptor-selective compounds like Melanotan 1 or PT-141.
Melanotan 2 is classified as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist. It is supplied as a white to off-white lyophilized powder soluble in both water and dilute acetic acid. This product is strictly for research purposes only.
PubChem Reference: View compound profile on NIH PubChem
Key Characteristics
MOLECULAR PROFILE
Formula: C50H69N15O9
Weight: 1024.20 g/mol
CAS: 121062-08-6
Structure: Cyclic heptapeptide with lactam bridge
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Form: White to off-white lyophilized powder
Solubility: Soluble in water and acetic acid
Selectivity: Non-selective MC1R/3R/4R/5R agonist
Storage: Keep refrigerated 36‑46 °F (2‑8 °C)
Melanotan 2 in Published Research
Melanotan 2’s broad melanocortin receptor activity has made it a widely used tool compound for probing the melanocortin system as a whole, since its non-selectivity engages multiple receptor pathways simultaneously, pigmentation (MC1R), energy homeostasis and sexual function (MC4R), and others. This is precisely the property that led to the development of more selective derivatives like Melanotan 1 (MC1R-selective) and PT-141 (MC3R/MC4R-selective) for research where a specific receptor pathway needs to be isolated.
Frequently Asked Questions :
What is Melanotan 2 studied for?
Melanocortin receptor research broadly, given its non-selective activity across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R subtypes.
How does it differ from Melanotan 1?
MT-1 is linear and MC1R-selective; MT-2 is cyclic (via a lactam bridge) and activates multiple receptor subtypes.
How is it related to PT-141?
Both originated from the same University of Arizona alpha-MSH research program; PT-141 was later refined from MT-2 for greater MC3R/MC4R selectivity.
How should it be reconstituted and stored?
Bacteriostatic water or dilute acetic acid, refrigerate 2–8°C.
Where can I buy it?
10mg kit, HPLC/MS verified.
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