Melanotan II

Overview

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), studied as a non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist for research into pigmentation signaling and melanocortin-receptor pharmacology.

Mechanism

Melanotan II acts as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5. It produces melanogenesis via MC1-receptor activation, shifting melanocyte cultures toward eumelanin production, and unlike linear α-MSH it can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Research Areas

• Melanocortin-receptor (MC1/3/4/5) agonism
• MC1-mediated melanogenesis and eumelanin production
• Central melanocortin-signaling research

Handling & Storage

Lyophilized; store refrigerated. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for research use.

References

1. 1.Ugwu SO, et al. The potent melanocortin receptor agonist melanotan-II and pharmacology of melanocortin receptors. PubMed 12591111, 2003.
2. 2.Kim ES, et al. Evidence that Melanocortin Receptor Agonist Melanotan-II synthetically stimulates melanocortin signaling. PubMed 26108334, 2015.