Melanotan II: The Non-Selective Melanocortin Agonist

Melanotan II is a designed molecule: a synthetic cyclic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone built to be more stable and more potent than the natural peptide. Its research value comes from the fact that it hits the whole melanocortin receptor family, not just one member.

The molecule

Melanotan II (C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉, ≈ 1024 g/mol) is a cyclic lactam analog of α-MSH. The cyclization confers stability against enzymatic degradation — a standard design move that transformed a short-lived native peptide into a research-stable agonist. It acts across the melanocortin receptors MC1R–MC5R.

What the research looks at

• Melanogenesis and pigmentation — MC1R-driven pigment research, the original thread
• MC-receptor pharmacology — non-selective agonism makes it a useful reference for receptor-subtype studies
• Appetitive and behavioral pathways — melanocortin signaling extends beyond pigment to energy and behavior

Its scaffold also produced PT-141, a derivative engineered for MC4R selectivity.

Handling notes

Lyophilized, reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; the reconstitution calculator handles the math. Store at −20°C lyophilized, protect from light.

See Melanotan II for CAS, purity and full specifications.

For laboratory research use only. Not medical advice.