MT-2 (MELANOTAN II)

MT-2 (Melanotan II)

MT-2 (Melanotan II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It grew out of 1980s work on cyclic lactam α-melanotropins: a lactam bridge between aspartic acid and lysine side chains locks the His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp core into a ring. The result is a much smaller, conformationally constrained molecule than the 13-residue hormone or the linear MT-1.

Product Specifications

• Product: MT-2 (Melanotan II)
• Amount: See available options above
• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Purity: Third-party tested by an ISO 17025 U.S. laboratory. See the batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) on this page.
• Storage: Keep sealed and refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F), protected from light.
• Ships from: United States, 2-day UPS

Chemical Profile

• Compound class: Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide (lactam-bridged α-MSH analog)
• Sequence: Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂ (lactam bridge between Asp and Lys side chains; Nle = norleucine)
• Molecular formula: C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉
• Molecular weight: 1024.2 g/mol
• CAS number: 121062-08-6

What researchers study

MT-2 is a non-selective agonist at the melanocortin MC1, MC3, MC4 and MC5 receptors, which makes it a broad tool for melanocortin biology:

• Central melanocortin signaling: MC3 and MC4 receptor pathways in the hypothalamus, studied in rodent models of energy balance and food intake.
• Autonomic and reproductive physiology: rodent and rabbit models of erectile function, where central melanocortin receptors and downstream nitric oxide signaling are examined.
• Peripheral MC1R biology: melanocyte and melanoma cell systems.
• Peptide chemistry: solution- and solid-phase synthesis routes, and new cyclization strategies that use MT-2 as a test scaffold.

These are preclinical and chemical studies and do not establish effects in humans.

Regulatory status

Melanotan II is not approved by the FDA or by any other regulator, and health agencies in several countries have issued warnings against unlicensed melanotan products since 2007. Bremelanotide, a closely related melanocortin peptide, is the active ingredient of a separate FDA-approved drug; MT-2 is not that product. The material sold here is a research reagent only.

Quality & Documentation

Every batch of MT-2 is made in small runs for Rogue Compounds and tested by an independent U.S. laboratory for identity (mass spectrometry) and purity (HPLC). Each vial is labeled with its batch number and a QR code that opens the testing lab’s own report for that batch. The same batch Certificate of Analysis is posted on this page and in our COA Library, so you can check one against the other.

Research overview

For a longer look at MT-2 (Melanotan II), covering where it came from, what cell and animal studies have measured, and what the evidence does not show, read our MT-2 (Melanotan II) research overview. It is written as background reading, and every study it cites is linked to PubMed.

Selected literature

• Al-Obeidi F, et al. Potent and prolonged acting cyclic lactam analogues of alpha-melanotropin: design based on molecular dynamics. J Med Chem. 1989;32(12):2555-2561. PMID 2555512
• Hadley ME, Dorr RT. Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization. Peptides. 2006;27(4):921-930. PMID 16412534
• King SH, et al. Melanocortin receptors, melanotropic peptides and penile erection. Curr Top Med Chem. 2007;7(11):1098-1106. PMID 17584130
• Ryakhovsky VV, et al. The first preparative solution phase synthesis of melanotan II. Beilstein J Org Chem. 2008;4:39. PMID 19043625

Research Use Only

This product is sold strictly as a research chemical for in-vitro laboratory and analytical use by qualified professionals. It is not a drug, dietary supplement, food, or cosmetic, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not for human or veterinary use. Rogue Compounds does not provide dosing, preparation, or usage instructions. The literature on this page is listed for scientific background only and does not describe this product or any use of it.