MT-2 (Melanotan 2) 10 mg
$50.00
Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It activates melanocortin receptors MC1R through MC5R and is used in research to study melanogenesis, neuroendocrine signaling, sexual function pathways, and neuroprotection. Supplied as 10mg lyophilized powder with batch-specific HPLC verification and mass spectrometry confirmation. Domestic cold-chain shipping. Research use only.
Where to Buy Melanotan 2: The Melanocortin Research Peptide With Four Receptor Targets
Melanotan 2 is not a single-pathway compound. It hits four melanocortin receptor subtypes simultaneously, which makes it one of the most versatile research peptides in neuroendocrine and dermatological studies. Researchers use it to study pigmentation, sexual function, appetite regulation, nerve regeneration, and metabolic signaling. The problem is finding a supplier that verifies what they ship.
Pure Peptide Factory stocks research-grade Melanotan 2 in 10mg vials with batch-specific HPLC verification and domestic cold-chain shipping. If you have been trying to figure out where to buy Melanotan 2 from a vendor that backs its claims with actual data, this is where your search ends.
Why Researchers Buy Melanotan 2 from Pure Peptide Factory
Purity Documentation You Can Verify Before You Order
Melanotan 2 is a cyclic heptapeptide with a lactam bridge and non-natural amino acid substitutions. That complexity makes it harder to synthesize correctly than linear peptides, and easier to fake. A degraded or misfolded batch will not produce the receptor binding affinity your protocol depends on. Every batch we ship includes a lot-specific HPLC chromatogram and mass spectrometry report confirming the molecular weight at 1024.2 g/mol and sequence integrity of Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. Download the COA before you buy. Compare it against published data. No generic certificates.
Domestic Cold-Chain That Protects Cyclic Peptide Stability
Cyclic peptides are more stable than linear analogs but still degrade under heat and light. We ship from domestic cold-storage with phase-change cooling. Most orders arrive within 1 to 3 business days. International suppliers cannot guarantee that timeline or temperature integrity across customs and freight.
One Vial Size for Standard Protocols
Melanotan 2 is available in 10mg vials. This concentration suits most published research protocols including pigmentation studies, neuroendocrine assays, and cell culture work. You get the standard research quantity without overbuying or splitting vials.
Synthesis Logs Archived for 24 Months
Every batch is logged and archived. If your IRB or compliance office requests chain-of-custody documentation, it is ready before your compound arrives.
What Is MT2?
A Cyclic Peptide Engineered for Stability and Receptor Breadth
Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It was engineered with two specific modifications that separate it from the native hormone. First, the Nle substitution at position 2 replaces methionine with norleucine, which eliminates oxidation susceptibility and extends half-life. Second, the D-Phe substitution at position 4 creates a cyclic lactam bridge between Asp and Lys residues, locking the peptide into a conformation that resists enzymatic degradation .
These modifications make MT-2 more stable than native alpha-MSH and more potent at melanocortin receptors. The tradeoff is reduced selectivity. MT-2 activates MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R non-selectively, which produces a broader physiological profile than selective analogs like Melanotan I .
Molecular Profile:
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Sequence: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2
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Molecular Formula: C50H69N15O9
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Molecular Weight: 1024.2 g/mol
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CAS: 121062-08-6
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Structure: Cyclic heptapeptide with Asp-Lys lactam bridge
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Receptor targets: MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R
How Melanotan 2 Works at the Receptor Level
MT-2 binds to melanocortin receptors with high affinity across all four subtypes. Each receptor mediates distinct physiological effects in research models:
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MC1R on melanocytes drives melanogenesis and eumelanin synthesis. This is the pathway behind the pigmentation changes researchers study.
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MC3R in the central nervous system modulates energy homeostasis and immune function.
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MC4R in the hypothalamus regulates appetite, sexual behavior, and metabolic rate. This receptor is why MT-2 produces effects that extend far beyond skin pigmentation.
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MC5R in peripheral tissues influences exocrine gland function and lipid metabolism.
The non-selective nature of MT-2 means researchers cannot isolate one pathway without the others. This makes it a powerful tool for studying integrated melanocortin signaling but requires careful experimental design to separate receptor-specific effects .
MT 2 Results: What Published Research Shows
Pigmentation and Melanogenesis
The foundational research application for MT-2 is melanin production. In melanocyte cell cultures and animal models, MT-2 stimulates eumelanin synthesis through MC1R activation. Research models show darkened pigmentation in the face, upper body, and buttock regions without UV exposure .
Unlike UV-induced tanning, which triggers DNA damage and inflammation, MT-2-driven pigmentation occurs through receptor-mediated melanogenesis. This distinction matters for researchers studying photoprotection, skin cancer prevention, and the biology of melanin itself .
Neuroprotection and Nerve Regeneration
A 2015 study in murine peripheral nerve injury models found that MT-2 exposure produced sensory function recovery within 48 hours. When researchers induced toxic neuropathy with cisplatin, MT-2 partially protected nerves from damage. The mechanism appears to involve MC4R-mediated neurotrophic signaling, with potential promotion of neurite outgrowth and nerve sprouting .
Researchers studying neuroprotection, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and peripheral nerve regeneration use these findings to design MT-2 protocols. The exact signaling pathways remain under investigation, but the protective effect is reproducible across models.
Sexual Function and Arousal Signaling
Clinical research has examined MT-2 for its effects on sexual arousal through MC4R activation in hypothalamic circuits. In one study, MT-2 induced increased arousal neuron signaling in over 80% of cases compared to 20% with placebo. The mechanism involves dopaminergic and oxytocinergic pathways downstream of MC4R activation .
This research angle makes MT-2 relevant for studying hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function, sexual behavior neurobiology, and the intersection of melanocortin signaling with reproductive endocrinology.
Appetite Suppression and Metabolic Regulation
Through MC4R activation in the hypothalamus, MT-2 reduces food intake and increases energy expenditure in research models. This effect is mechanistically distinct from GLP-1 agonism and operates through central melanocortin circuits that regulate satiety and metabolic rate .
Researchers studying obesity models, energy homeostasis, and alternative appetite regulation pathways use MT-2 to probe melanocortin-specific mechanisms without the gastrointestinal side effects common to other compounds.
Safety and Toxicity Data Researchers Need to Know
Here is what other suppliers bury or omit. MT-2 has documented safety concerns in case reports and clinical literature that researchers must account for in protocol design:
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Renal infarction: A published case report documented renal infarction in a user of MT-2, with histological confirmation. The mechanism is unclear but may involve vascular effects of melanocortin receptor activation .
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Melanoma risk: Multiple case reports associate MT-2 use with melanoma and melanoma in situ, particularly in individuals with pre-existing nevi. The peptide stimulates melanogenesis in all melanocytes, including potentially dysplastic ones .
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Nevus darkening: Benign moles frequently darken with MT-2 exposure, which complicates dermatological monitoring in research models .
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Nausea and flushing: Common acute effects in research contexts, mediated by MC3R and MC4R activation .
These findings do not make MT-2 unusable in research. They make it a compound that requires informed protocol design, dermatological monitoring, and realistic safety endpoints. We include this data because your research depends on accurate information, not marketing hype.
How Much Melanotan 2 to Inject: Published Research Protocols
Animal Model Dosing
Researchers searching for how much Melanotan 2 to inject will find the literature varies by endpoint and species. Published protocols include:
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Pigmentation studies: 0.025 mg/kg daily subcutaneous injection in murine models, typically for 10 to 14 days
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Neuroprotection studies: 0.5 to 2 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection in rodent nerve injury models
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Sexual function studies: 0.5 to 2 mg/kg subcutaneous or intraperitoneal in murine models
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Cell culture: 10 to 100 nanomolar concentration in melanocyte and neuronal cell lines
These figures come from peer-reviewed publications and provide validated frameworks for protocol design. Translation between species requires allometric scaling appropriate to your research model.
Melanotan 2 Dosage Reference Table
| Body Weight | Pigmentation Protocol (Low) | Neuroprotection Protocol (Low) |
|---|---|---|
| 250g rat | 6.25 mcg | 125 mcg |
| 500g rat | 12.5 mcg | 250 mcg |
| 1kg animal | 25 mcg | 500 mcg |
We do not provide human dosing recommendations. Melanotan 2 is not approved for human use and is sold strictly for research purposes.
How to Reconstitute Melanotan 2
Step-by-Step Laboratory Protocol
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Sanitize the vial stopper with 70% isopropyl alcohol
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Inject bacteriostatic water slowly against the vial wall. Do not aim directly at the lyophilized cake
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Allow the cake to dissolve without agitation for 2 to 3 minutes
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Gently swirl until fully clear. Do not shake
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Inspect for clarity and label with date and concentration before storage
Concentration Reference
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10mg vial + 1mL bacteriostatic water = 10mg/mL
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10mg vial + 2mL bacteriostatic water = 5mg/mL
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10mg vial + 5mL bacteriostatic water = 2mg/mL
Adjust to your protocol’s required working concentration.
Storage Requirements
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Lyophilized powder: 24 months at -20°C, protected from light
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Reconstituted solution: 14 days at 2 to 8°C under sterile conditions. Do not freeze
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Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
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Protect from light at all stages
Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2: Which Is Better for Your Research?
Two Peptides, Different Receptor Profiles
Researchers frequently ask which is better: Melanotan 1 or Melanotan 2. The answer depends entirely on your research endpoints:
| Feature | Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) | Melanotan II |
|---|---|---|
| Receptor selectivity | MC1R only | MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R |
| Primary research focus | Pigmentation, photoprotection | Pigmentation, neuroendocrine, sexual function, appetite |
| Systemic effects | Minimal | Broad |
| Half-life | Longer | Shorter |
| Onset | Gradual | Rapid |
| Safety profile in research | Higher | Moderate (dose-dependent) |
Melanotan I is the precision tool for pigmentation and UV protection studies without confounding systemic variables. Melanotan II is the broader probe for researchers studying integrated melanocortin signaling across multiple physiological systems. Neither substitutes for the other in protocol design .
If your research requires selective MC1R activation, Melanotan I is the better choice. If you need to study the full melanocortin receptor family and their interactions, Melanotan II is the compound. We stock both for researchers running comparative or combination studies.
Regulatory Context and Research Use
Current Status
Melanotan 2 is not FDA approved for any indication. It is not scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act. It is available for laboratory research under research-use-only terms without a prescription. You must agree to these terms at checkout. This compound is not for human consumption, veterinary use, or diagnostic application.
Why Purity Verification Matters for Melanotan 2
The cyclic structure and non-natural amino acids in MT-2 make synthesis more complex than linear peptides. Incorrect cyclization, oxidation of sensitive residues, or racemization of the D-Phe substitution will produce a compound that looks similar on basic analysis but fails to bind melanocortin receptors with the expected affinity. Our batch-specific HPLC and mass spectrometry documentation confirms the correct cyclic conformation and sequence integrity. Every COA is lot-specific and verifiable against published molecular data.
Product Specifications
Available Configuration
Melanotan 2 is available in 10mg vials. Select your quantity from the product options above.
Quality Verification
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Purity: 98% minimum (HPLC verified)
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Sequence identity: Mass spectrometry confirmed against published Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 sequence
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Molecular weight: 1024.2 g/mol
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Endotoxin: Less than 0.1 EU/mL
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Sterility: Verified per USP 71
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Form: Lyophilized powder
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Storage: -20°C long-term, 2 to 8°C short-term
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Current Batch: #PPF-MT2-0426 Purity: 98.9% Download: HPLC Certificate | MS Report
FAQ
What is MT2 peptide used for in research?
Melanotan 2 is used to study melanogenesis and pigmentation through MC1R activation, neuroendocrine signaling through MC3R and MC4R, sexual function pathways, appetite regulation, nerve regeneration, and neuroprotection against chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Its non-selective melanocortin receptor activity makes it a broad research tool across dermatology, endocrinology, and neuroscience.
What are MT 2 results in published research models?
Published studies show darkened pigmentation without UV exposure, sensory function recovery in peripheral nerve injury models, partial protection against cisplatin-induced neuropathy, increased arousal signaling in over 80% of clinical research subjects, and reduced food intake through central melanocortin activation. Safety data includes documented cases of renal infarction and melanoma association.
How much Melanotan 2 to inject in animal studies?
Pigmentation protocols typically use 0.025 mg/kg daily subcutaneously. Neuroprotection studies use 0.5 to 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally. Cell culture work uses 10 to 100 nanomolar. All dosing requires species-specific allometric scaling and should follow published protocols for your specific endpoints.
How long does Melanotan 2 stay in your system in research models?
The half-life of MT-2 in plasma is approximately 30 to 60 minutes in rodent models, but receptor-mediated effects persist longer due to downstream signaling cascade activation. Pigmentation changes can persist for weeks after cessation depending on melanocyte turnover rates in the species studied.
Which is better: Melanotan 1 or Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 1 is better for selective pigmentation and photoprotection research without systemic confounders. Melanotan 2 is better for studying integrated melanocortin signaling across pigmentation, neuroendocrine, sexual function, and appetite pathways. Choose based on your research endpoints, not potency alone.
Is MT2 the same as melatonin?
No. MT-2 (Melanotan 2) is a synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist peptide. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles. They share no mechanism, receptor targets, or research applications. The similar abbreviation causes confusion but the compounds are entirely different.
When does Melanotan 2 start working in research models?
Pigmentation changes typically appear within 3 to 7 days of daily administration in rodent models. Neuroprotective effects in nerve injury models have been observed within 48 hours. Onset varies by endpoint, species, and dosing protocol.
Are Melanotan 2 effects permanent?
Pigmentation changes gradually fade after cessation as melanocytes turnover and melanin degrades. The timeline depends on species, baseline pigmentation, and duration of exposure. Neuroprotective and metabolic effects are transient and tied to ongoing receptor activation.
Where do you inject Melanotan 2 in research models?
Published rodent protocols use subcutaneous injection in the dorsal scruff or intraperitoneal injection depending on the study design. Cell culture applications use direct media addition. Administration route should match your published protocol.
How long to use Melanotan 2 in research protocols?
Pigmentation studies typically run 10 to 14 days. Neuroprotection protocols may extend to 28 days. Long-term safety studies have examined chronic exposure but researchers should design protocols within published safety windows and monitor for adverse endpoints.
Is Melanotan 2 safe in research?
MT-2 has a documented safety profile in research models that includes nausea, flushing, nevus darkening, and more serious concerns including renal infarction and melanoma association in case reports. These findings make it essential to design protocols with appropriate monitoring, ethical oversight, and realistic safety endpoints. It is not approved for human use.
Where can I buy Melanotan 2 for research?
Pure Peptide Factory stocks research-grade Melanotan 2 with domestic cold-chain shipping and batch-specific HPLC and mass spectrometry documentation. Orders placed before 2 PM EST ship same-day and arrive within 1 to 3 business days. You must agree to research-use-only terms at checkout.
How should Melanotan 2 be stored?
Lyophilized powder stores at -20°C for up to 24 months protected from light. Reconstituted solution stores at 2 to 8°C for up to 14 days under sterile conditions. Do not freeze reconstituted solution. Protect from light at all stages.
What is the purity of your Melanotan 2?
Our current batch tests at 98.9% purity by HPLC with sequence confirmation by mass spectrometry. The Certificate of Analysis is available for download with your order.
Order Melanotan 2 for Research
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Same-day dispatch for orders placed before 2 PM EST
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Cold-chain packaging with phase-change cooling
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Discreet labeling and full tracking
Institutional Accounts
Net-30 terms and purchase order acceptance available for universities and pharmaceutical companies. Contact us for bulk pricing on 50 vials or more.
Add to cart and get batch-verified Melanotan 2 delivered to your lab with the documentation your protocol requires.
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