Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of endogenous α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), acting as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors MC1R through MC5R. Developed as a research analogue with enhanced receptor affinity and metabolic stability compared to α-MSH, it has become a widely used tool in melanocortin system pharmacology.
Preclinical research has investigated its role in melanogenesis via MC1R activation, including eumelanin production, melanocyte proliferation, and UV-independent skin pigmentation mechanisms. Additional areas of research include MC3R and MC4R-mediated modulation of appetite, energy expenditure, and body weight regulation in rodent models.
MC4R-related research using MT-II has also explored central nervous system pathways involved in reward, sexual function, and autonomic regulation. Its non-selective receptor profile makes it a valuable reference compound for characterising melanocortin receptor subtype pharmacology and for comparative studies with selective MC receptor agonists and antagonists.
Format: Lyophilised powder | Purity: ≥99% by HPLC | For Research Use Only