Research use only. All products are supplied strictly for laboratory research purposes — not for human or veterinary consumption.
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Melanotan II (MT2)

Melanotan II, commonly abbreviated MT2, is a synthetic cyclic analogue of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone and a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors. It is supplied strictly as a research material for in-vitro laboratory work.

Specification

  • Presentation: to be confirmed — not published until the specification is confirmed
  • Price: £80
  • Evidence status: Preclinical and early research literature; unlicensed in the UK

Research background

Melanotan II is a cyclic lactam analogue of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). The cyclisation gives it considerably greater stability than the linear native sequence, which is why it appears as a reference ligand in melanocortin receptor work.

It originates from academic research into melanocortin receptor pharmacology. Unlike selective analogues developed since, MT2 is non-selective: it acts across several melanocortin receptor subtypes rather than one.

That lack of selectivity is precisely what makes it useful as a comparator compound in receptor profiling studies, and it is the basis on which it appears in the research literature.

Pathways under investigation

Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonism

MT2 acts at multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes, including MC1R, MC3R and MC4R. In receptor pharmacology research it is used as a non-selective reference ligand against which more selective analogues are profiled.

MC1R and pigmentation pathways

MC1R is the receptor subtype associated with melanin synthesis in melanocytes. It is the pathway most often studied in connection with α-MSH analogues, principally in cell culture.

Structural stability from cyclisation

The cyclic lactam structure confers resistance to enzymatic degradation relative to linear α-MSH. This stability is a practical reason for its use as a laboratory reference material.

Research and regulatory status

  • Melanotan II is not a licensed medicine in the United Kingdom. No product containing it holds a marketing authorisation from the MHRA.
  • The MHRA has issued public warnings about unlicensed products containing melanotan and has taken enforcement action against their sale.
  • Afamelanotide, a distinct and selective melanocortin analogue, is licensed for a specific rare indication. It should not be confused with Melanotan II, which is a different molecule with a different regulatory position.
  • Material supplied by VIP Peptide is for in-vitro laboratory research use only and is not supplied for, or intended for, administration to humans or animals.

Analytical testing and certificates of analysis

Batch documentation for Melanotan II (MT2) is available on request where we hold it. We do not publish a public batch database, and no purity, identity, sterility or manufacturing claim is stated anywhere on this site unless documentation for that exact batch supports it. To ask what is held for a particular lot, contact us.

References and further reading

These are starting points for your own reading, not endorsements of any conclusion.

Frequently asked questions

What is the confirmed strength of this product?

The specification for this line has not yet been confirmed. We will publish the strength and composition once it is confirmed, and not before. If you need it ahead of that, contact us and we will tell you what we hold.

Is Melanotan II a licensed medicine in the UK?

No. It is not licensed and holds no marketing authorisation from the MHRA. The MHRA has issued public warnings about unlicensed products containing melanotan.

Is this the same as afamelanotide?

No. Afamelanotide is a different, selective molecule that is licensed for a specific rare indication. Melanotan II is non-selective and unlicensed. They are frequently confused and should not be.

Why is it used in research?

Its non-selectivity across melanocortin receptor subtypes makes it useful as a reference ligand when profiling more selective analogues, and its cyclic structure makes it stable enough to work with.

Related research

Related compounds

  • KLOW 80mg — The GLOW combination with KPV added, supplied as a four-peptide research blend.
  • MOTS-C 40mg — Mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in cellular energy and metabolic research.
Research use only

This product is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research. It is not a medicine, is not licensed by the MHRA, and is not for human or veterinary consumption or administration. We do not supply dosing, reconstitution or administration guidance, and nothing on this page is a therapeutic claim.