Vitality
Melanotan II
Melanotan-II
Melanotan-II (MT-II)
Research context
Melanotan II is a cyclic lactam analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone characterised as a non-selective agonist across melanocortin receptor subtypes. Research examines melanogenesis in melanocyte culture and receptor binding across the MC1R–MC5R family.
Common assays: Melanogenesis quantification · MC receptor panel binding · Tyrosinase activity
Specification
| Designation | Melanotan-II |
|---|---|
| Full name | Melanotan-II (MT-II) |
| Sequence | Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂ |
| CAS number | 121062-08-6 |
| Molecular formula | C50H69N15O9 |
| Molecular weight | 1024.18 g/mol |
| Formats | 10 mL Vial · 15 mL Advanced Liquid Peptide Spray |
| Solubility | Sterile water, bacteriostatic water |
| Storage | Lyophilised: −20 °C, protected from light. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C. |
| Regulatory status | Not an approved drug. Removed from FDA 503A Category 2 in April 2026. The next advisory committee review is expected before the end of February 2027. 2026 status by compound → |
| Current lot | MEL10VAS0426 → |
Melanotan II COA: certificates of analysis by lot
2 lots of Melanotan II have a published certificate of analysis from AxisPharm, LLC, an independent laboratory. Each certificate reports the laboratory's results for that lot.
| Lot | Format | Purity (HPLC-UV) | Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEL10VAS0426 | 10 mg Vial | >99.3% | 2026-04-30 |
| MEL215N0126 | 15 mg Spray | >99.1% | 2026-01-08 |
Published literature
Selected peer-reviewed references describing research involving this compound. Listed for reference only; inclusion is not a claim about any outcome.
- Hadley ME, Dorr RT.Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercializationPeptides · 2006 Find on PubMed ↗
Common questions
What distinguishes Melanotan II from PT-141 structurally?
Melanotan II carries a C-terminal amide; PT-141 has a free carboxyl at that position. The difference is associated with the distinct receptor selectivity profiles reported for each.
Where can I see the Melanotan II certificate of analysis?
Every published Melanotan II lot has its own certificate page on this site, listed under "Melanotan II COA" above. There are 2 published lots; the most recent, lot MEL10VAS0426, was reported on 2026-04-30 at >99.3% purity by HPLC-UV. The certificates are issued by AxisPharm, LLC, an independent laboratory.
Components, blends and pathway
Related compounds
PT-141
Bremelanotide
A cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist studied in MC3R and MC4R signalling.
Kisspeptin
KISS1-derived peptide
A decapeptide fragment of the KISS1 gene product, studied in GnRH neuron signalling.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin
A cyclic nonapeptide hormone studied in receptor signalling and social neuroscience research.
PT-141 / Oxytocin
Peptide blend
A prepared blend combining a melanocortin receptor agonist with oxytocin.