MTII, Melanotan2 · 10mg

MTII (Melanotan 2) is a synthetic peptide used in laboratory research to study melanocortin receptor signaling, peptide-receptor interactions, and pigment-related pathway behavior in controlled experimental systems. This product is supplied strictly for research use only. It is not approved or intended for human or animal use, and any discussion of biological activity refers only to preclinical or in vitro research.

For research integrity and reproducibility, MTII supplied for laboratory use is commonly produced as a high-purity peptide, manufactured to meet stringent analytical standards. Research-grade MTII is typically prepared as an LPS-free peptide and verified as an endotoxin-free peptide, helping minimize confounding variables in sensitive experimental assays. Additionally, research peptides are endotoxin tested to ensure consistency and reliability across in vitro and non-clinical investigative studies.

This material is designated for research purposes only and is not for human or animal use. Any reference to MTII remains strictly within the context of scientific investigation and experimental analysis. MTII Melanotan 2 10mg from Licensed Peptides.

Storing Melanotan 2 properly within laboratory inventory will preserve the stability of the peptide.

Short-Term Storage

When storing for near-term laboratory work, keep to the following recommendations:

• Keep the vial sealed in its original packaging.
• Refrigerate it below 4°C.
• Protect it from light and moisture.
• Avoid unnecessary temperature changes.

Long-Term Storage

To preserve unopened lyophilized vials of Melanotan 2, it’s important to store them at -20°C or below.

Laboratories should always make a record of the following information:

• The storage temperature
• Receipt date
• Lot number
• Associated analytical documents.

Lower archival temperatures may suit validated institutional procedures.

Why Researchers Choose to Study Melanotan 2

MTII acts as a nonselective agonist at several melanocortin receptors instead of one single receptor. Due to its broad receptor activity and constrained cyclic structure, this peptide is a useful comparator for pharmacology and peptide-design studies.

Current areas of research for this peptide include:

• Binding affinity across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R
• Receptor-mediated cAMP responses
• Differences in potency and receptor selectivity
• Cyclic peptide conformation
• Amino-acid substitutions and structural analogues
• Structure–activity relationships
• Melanocortin assay development
• Comparison with more selective receptor ligands

MC1R Binding and cAMP Signaling

During an experiment, Dr. Haskell-Luevano and colleagues compared α-MSH, MTI, and MTII at the cloned human MC1 receptor. Their assays measured receptor binding and cAMP buildup. This gave a direct comparison of how three melanocortin peptides interacted with MC1R.²

The study established MTII as a useful reference compound for examining MC1R pharmacology, and showed why researchers should assess binding strength and functional response separately. A peptide can bind strongly without causing the same signaling response. Researchers should test both properties independently to stop them from mistakenly assuming that tight binding always equals strong biological action.

Activity at MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R

MTII also interacts with the MC3, MC4, and MC5 receptor subtypes.

Bednarek and colleagues changed the N-terminal region of MTII (the starting end of the amino acid chain) and compared the new analogues across three human receptors. They made small structural changes that altered both potency and selectivity of the peptide, demonstrating that closely related cyclic peptides can produce different receptor profiles.³

These comparisons help researchers use MTII as the control group when evaluating compounds. These compounds are highly selective, which means they’re designed to favor one melanocortin receptor over another.

Cyclic Structure and Structure–Activity Relationships

The lactam bridge in MTII is what limits conformational movement and lets researchers change individual residues while retaining the cyclic framework of the peptide. Because of this, researchers are able to tweak the properties of this peptide.

Made up of four amino acids (Histidine, D-Phenylalanine, Arginine, and Tryptophan), studies have identified the central His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp sequence as an important part of melanocortin receptor recognition. When researchers make changes to this region, the N-terminus, or the ring geometry can affect the following properties:

• Receptor affinity
• Functional potency
• Preference for specific receptor subtypes
• Molecular conformation
• How stable the peptide is under experimental conditions

In order for Bednarek, Grieco, and their colleagues to explore these relationships above, they used modified MTII analogues. Their findings were interesting because they showed that even small substitutions could change receptor activity substantially.

Melanocortin Receptor Selectivity

MTII is a broad-spectrum agonist and doesn’t selectively activate one melanocortin receptor – rather, laboratory studies report activity at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R.²

It’s worth drawing attention to MC2R, which differs from the other family members. It controls the release of cortisol and is activated almost exclusively by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH acts as its principal endogenous ligand. This distinction is important to keep in mind when researchers are comparing compounds across the melanocortin receptor family.

Because MTII interacts with several subtypes, it provides a practical reference point that allows researchers to evaluate more selective melanocortin ligands.⁶

References

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 92432, Melanotan-II. Accessed August 5, 2026.

2. Haskell-Luevano C, Miwa H, Dickinson C, et al. Binding and cAMP studies of melanotropin peptides with the cloned human peripheral melanocortin receptor, hMC1R. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 1994;204(3):1137–1142. doi:10.1006/bbrc.1994.2581.

3. Bednarek MA, MacNeil T, Kalyani RN, Tang R, Van der Ploeg LHT, Weinberg DH. Analogs of MTII, lactam derivatives of alpha-melanotropin, modified at the N-terminus, and their selectivity at human melanocortin receptors 3, 4, and 5. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 1999;261(1):209–213.

4. Bednarek MA, Silva MV, Arison B, et al. Structure-function studies on the cyclic peptide MT-II, lactam derivative of alpha-melanotropin. Peptides. 1999;20(3):401–409. doi:10.1016/S0196-9781(99)00048-0.

5. Grieco P, Cai M, Han G, et al. Further structure-activity studies of lactam derivatives of MT-II and SHU-9119: their activity and selectivity at human melanocortin receptors 3, 4, and 5. Peptides. 2007;28(6):1191–1196. doi:10.1016/j.peptides.2007.02.012.

6. Cai M, Hruby VJ. The melanocortin receptor system: a target for multiple degenerative diseases. Current Protein & Peptide Science. 2016;17(5):488–496. doi:10.2174/1389203717666160226145330.

At Licensed Peptides, we deliver high-quality research material that undergoes controlled manufacturing and independent analytical testing. With batch-specific documentation, you never have to second-guess our quality.

Controlled U.S. Manufacturing

All our peptide batches are made by U.S. manufacturers through standardized peptide-synthesis and quality-control procedures.

99%+ HPLC-Verified Purity

Independent laboratories use HPLC to assess chromatographic purity. Each batch comes with a Certificate of Analysis for verification, so researchers can purchase with peace of mind.

Identity and Contaminant Testing

Our products undergo mass spectrometry that verifies the molecular identity of each peptide. All batches also have laboratory reports that document endotoxin, LPS, and heavy-metal screening.

Lyophilized Format

Licensed Peptides supplies MTII in a lyophilized form (freeze-dried powder). This removes most of the material’s water content and supports stability while the peptide is transported and stored before use.

Batch-Specific Documentation

Researchers can review reports covering:

• HPLC purity
• Molecular identity
• Endotoxin and LPS screening
• Heavy-metal results
• Content and appearance checks
• Laboratory and batch information
• U.S.-Based Support

Our expert support team is available to assist researchers with questions regarding product availability, analytical reports, manufacturing information, shipping, and order inquiries.

At Licensed Peptides, we process orders through a U.S.-based fulfillment operation.

Same-Day U.S. Shipping

When you order before the daily cutoff, our fulfillment team will dispatch qualifying in-stock orders that same business day.

Domestic Delivery

Delivery is handled by expedited carriers throughout the United States, and transit times can vary depending on destination, carrier service, and order date.

Controlled Storage Before Dispatch

Our warehouse team stores research materials in the correct conditions until shipment. This helps to preserve the stability of your chosen research materials.

Protective Packaging

Our fulfillment team takes care to package orders. This limits exposure to:

• Moisture
• Excessive heat
• Environmental fluctuations
• Physical damage during normal transit

Real-Time Tracking

Customers receive tracking information after dispatch.

Additional information