Melanotan II Research Guide: The Broad-Spectrum Melanocortin Probe

Melanotan II is the melanocortin family's broad-spectrum probe: a cyclic α-MSH analogue hitting MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R with potency far exceeding the native hormone. When researchers need the whole receptor family activated, this is the reference tool.

The molecule

A cyclic heptapeptide — the loop conferring both stability and potency. Developed at the University of Arizona in pigmentation research, it became the scaffold from which PT-141 was later derived; our melanocortin overview article tells that story.

Laboratory notes

Melanotan II is notably light-sensitive — amber vials or foil wrapping and dark storage are standard practice. Otherwise typical lyophilised handling: -20°C powder, 2-8°C solutions.

Research positioning

Use MT-II for pan-melanocortin activation and MC1R-melanogenesis models; reach for PT-141 when MC4R weighting matters; run both for subtype-selectivity comparisons. 10mg vials, HPLC-verified with documentation on request, from our Australian facility.

Trade note: our wholesale program supplies Australian-sourced peptides to research businesses Australia-wide, with white-label options for those building their own range.

All compounds discussed are for in-vitro laboratory research only and are not for human or veterinary use.