Melanotan 2

Melanotan 2

Melanotan 2 is a synthetic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), structured as a cyclic heptapeptide. It acts as a non-selective agonist across four of the five melanocortin receptor subtypes (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R), with each receptor interaction potentially producing distinct effects — from skin pigmentation to appetite modulation and arousal signaling.

Chemical Makeup Molecular Formula: C50H69N15O9 | Molecular Weight: 1024.19 g/mol | Also known as: MT-II

Research Highlights

• Nerve Regeneration — In murine models of peripheral nerve injury, Melanotan 2 appeared to support sensory recovery within 48 hours and showed partial neuroprotective properties against chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity, potentially via MC4R-mediated neurite outgrowth.
• Arousal Neurosignaling — Clinical research suggests Melanotan 2 may induce arousal neuron signaling in over 80% of cases vs. 20% with placebo, potentially acting through MC4R and downstream dopaminergic and oxytocinergic pathways.
• Neurodevelopmental Modulation — Research indicates Melanotan 2 may stimulate oxytocin release via MC4R-sensitive circuits, potentially influencing social cognition, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmitter systems including serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, and GABA.
• Pigmentation — By engaging MC1R on melanocytes, Melanotan 2 may increase eumelanin synthesis and induce deeper pigmentation without UV exposure.

Available for research and laboratory purposes only.