Melanotan II (MT-II) – Melanocortin Receptor Research Peptide

Synthetic Cyclic Heptapeptide for MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R, Melanogenesis & Neuroendocrine Signaling Research

Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide developed as an analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH).

It belongs to the melanocortin receptor agonist family and has been investigated for its effects on pigmentation, melanocyte signaling, central nervous system pathways, appetite-related responses and sexual function.

Unlike highly selective receptor agonists, Melanotan II interacts with several members of the melanocortin receptor family.

Its principal pharmacological targets include:

• MC1R: Melanocyte signaling and pigmentation biology

• MC3R: Neuroendocrine and metabolic signaling

• MC4R: Central nervous system, appetite and sexual-response research

• MC5R: Exocrine and tissue-specific melanocortin signaling

Melanotan II has demonstrated biological activity in laboratory models and small early-stage human studies.

However, Melanotan II is not an approved human therapeutic drug, and its long-term safety has not been established.

Research findings involving skin pigmentation or sexual responses do not establish that Melanotan II is a safe tanning product, sexual dysfunction treatment or general wellness compound.

ICAME Pharmacy Melanotan II is intended strictly for laboratory research and development purposes. Not for human or veterinary use.

What Is Melanotan II?

Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide designed to mimic selected biological activities of the endogenous hormone α-MSH.

Alpha-MSH belongs to the melanocortin family of peptide hormones and is produced through processing of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor.

Melanocortin signaling participates in several physiological systems, including:

• Melanin production

• Skin pigmentation

• Appetite regulation

• Energy homeostasis

• Central nervous system signaling

• Sexual-response pathways

• Neuroendocrine regulation

• Exocrine gland physiology

Melanotan II was developed to investigate how structural modifications of α-MSH influence melanocortin receptor activation.

Its cyclic molecular structure and modified amino acid sequence distinguish it from the natural hormone.

Because the compound can activate several melanocortin receptor subtypes, its biological effects may involve multiple tissues and signaling pathways.

This broad receptor activity is scientifically useful but also complicates interpretation of its safety profile.

Melanotan II Molecular Structure

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic peptide containing seven amino acid residues.

Its structure includes a lactam bridge formed between the side chains of aspartic acid and lysine.

This intramolecular connection constrains the peptide's conformation.

Molecular Characteristics

Compound Name: Melanotan II

Alternative Names: Melanotan-2 / MT-II / MT-2

Classification: Synthetic Cyclic Melanocortin Receptor Agonist

Peptide Length: 7 Amino Acid Residues

Molecular Formula: C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉

Molecular Weight: Approximately 1,024.2 g/mol

CAS Number: 121062-08-6

PubChem CID: 92432

Parent Hormone: Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone

Structural Classification: Lactam-Cyclized Heptapeptide

Principal Receptor Targets: MC1R / MC3R / MC4R / MC5R

Primary Signaling System: Gs–Adenylyl Cyclase–cAMP–PKA

Research Fields: Melanogenesis / Receptor Pharmacology / Neuroendocrinology

These molecular properties describe the free peptide form.

Salt forms and preparations containing counterions or residual moisture may have different total material masses.

Melanotan II Amino Acid Sequence

The commonly reported sequence of Melanotan II is:

Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂

The seven amino acid residues are:

The structure also contains an N-terminal acetyl group and a C-terminal amide.

The lactam bridge connects the Asp and Lys side chains.

Why Is the Cyclic Structure Important?

Peptide cyclization can influence:

Conformational stability

Receptor-binding interactions

Proteolytic susceptibility

Structure–activity relationships

Molecular recognition

Biological activity

However, increased molecular stability does not establish clinical safety.

Development and Discovery of Melanotan II

Melanotan II emerged from research into synthetic analogues of α-MSH.

Scientists investigated how modifications to the natural hormone could influence melanocortin receptor activity.

The peptide was developed through structure–activity relationship research involving the melanocortin pharmacophore.

An important early clinical study published in the 1990s investigated its pigmentation-related effects in a small group of human volunteers.

Researchers also observed unexpected physiological responses involving yawning, nausea and spontaneous erections.

These observations contributed to later investigations of melanocortin signaling in sexual physiology.

The compound therefore became relevant to two major research areas:

Peripheral melanocyte signaling

Central melanocortin receptor signaling

However, early exploratory studies were not sufficient to establish an acceptable long-term benefit–risk profile.

How Does Melanotan II Work?

Melanotan II acts as an agonist at several melanocortin receptors.

These receptors belong to the G protein-coupled receptor family.

The five known melanocortin receptor subtypes are:

MC1R

MC2R

MC3R

MC4R

MC5R

Melanotan II is principally associated with agonist activity at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R.

MC2R is primarily the ACTH receptor and is not a defining pharmacological target of Melanotan II.

Simplified Signaling Pathway

Melanotan II

↓

Melanocortin Receptor Activation

↓

Gs Protein Signaling

↓

Adenylyl Cyclase Activation

↓

Increased Intracellular cAMP

↓

Protein Kinase A (PKA) Signaling

↓

Cell-Specific Biological Responses

The downstream effects depend on the receptor subtype and cellular context.

For example, MC1R signaling is particularly relevant to pigmentation biology, whereas MC4R signaling is associated with central neuroendocrine functions.

Melanotan II and MC1R

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is strongly associated with pigmentation biology.

MC1R is expressed in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin.

Activation of MC1R can stimulate intracellular cAMP signaling.

This pathway influences transcriptional regulators involved in melanin synthesis.

Simplified Melanogenesis Pathway

Melanotan II

↓

MC1R Activation

↓

Adenylyl Cyclase

↓

cAMP / PKA

↓

CREB-Associated Signaling

↓

MITF Regulation

↓

Melanogenic Enzyme Expression

↓

Melanin Production

MITF is an important transcription factor in melanocyte biology.

It regulates genes involved in melanocyte differentiation and pigment synthesis.

This pathway is central to Melanotan II pigmentation research.

However, stimulation of melanin production does not establish protection against skin cancer or ultraviolet injury.

Melanotan II and Melanogenesis Research

Melanogenesis is the biological process through which melanocytes produce melanin.

Melanin contributes to skin, hair and eye pigmentation.

Two major categories of melanin are:

Eumelanin

Generally associated with brown-to-black pigmentation.

Pheomelanin

Generally associated with yellow-to-red pigmentation.

MC1R-associated signaling can influence the balance of melanogenic pathways.

Melanotan II has been investigated because of its ability to stimulate pigmentation-associated responses.

Experimental Research Areas

Melanocyte receptor activation

cAMP signaling

MITF-associated transcription

Tyrosinase expression

Melanin synthesis

Pigmentation changes

Melanocortin receptor pharmacology

Although pigmentation changes have been observed in human research, the compound has not been established as a safe cosmetic tanning treatment.

Melanotan II and Tyrosinase Research

Tyrosinase is a key enzyme involved in melanin biosynthesis.

It participates in the conversion of tyrosine-derived substrates into melanin precursors.

MC1R signaling can influence tyrosinase-associated gene expression.

Melanotan II is relevant to research examining this regulatory system.

Potential endpoints include:

Tyrosinase expression

Tyrosinase activity

Melanin concentration

Melanocyte signaling

MITF expression

Pigment-related gene regulation

However, these measurements are molecular or cellular research endpoints.

They do not establish the long-term safety of induced pigmentation.

Melanotan II and MITF Signaling

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) plays an important role in melanocyte development and pigmentation.

MITF regulates genes involved in melanin synthesis and melanocyte function.

MC1R-associated cAMP signaling can influence MITF activity.

Melanotan II has been investigated within this broader melanogenic signaling framework.

MITF also participates in melanoma biology.

Therefore, altering pigmentation-related signaling should not automatically be considered harmless.

The relationship between melanocortin agonism and melanoma risk remains complex and cannot be reduced to a simple protective claim.

Melanotan II and Skin Pigmentation Research

Early human research demonstrated that Melanotan II could produce measurable pigmentation changes.

This finding established its biological activity in humans.

However, the available clinical studies were small and exploratory.

They did not establish long-term safety, cosmetic suitability or skin cancer prevention.

Important Distinction

Increased pigmentation is not equivalent to proven ultraviolet protection.

A darker skin appearance does not eliminate the need for established sun-protection measures.

Melanotan II should not be promoted as a substitute for sunscreen or protective clothing.

Melanotan II and Ultraviolet Radiation Research

Ultraviolet radiation can damage DNA in skin cells.

UV exposure is associated with photoaging and skin cancer risk.

Melanin provides some natural photoprotection, but its protective capacity is limited.

Because Melanotan II stimulates pigmentation-associated pathways, it has attracted interest in research involving photobiology.

Relevant topics include:

Melanin synthesis

UV-associated cellular stress

Pigmentation regulation

Melanocyte signaling

DNA damage responses

Photoprotection biology

However, Melanotan II has not been established to prevent melanoma or other skin cancers.

Its use does not make intentional ultraviolet exposure safe.

Melanotan II and MC3R Research

The melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) is involved in neuroendocrine and metabolic signaling.

It is expressed in parts of the central nervous system and other tissues.

MC3R-associated research includes:

Energy homeostasis

Neuroendocrine signaling

Metabolic regulation

Melanocortin ligand selectivity

Receptor pharmacology

Central signaling networks

Because Melanotan II is not highly selective for one melanocortin receptor, MC3R may contribute to some experimental responses.

However, assigning a particular physiological effect exclusively to MC3R requires receptor-specific investigation.

Melanotan II and MC4R Research

The melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is an important component of central nervous system signaling.

It participates in the regulation of appetite, energy balance and other neuroendocrine processes.

Melanotan II has been used as an experimental melanocortin agonist in studies involving MC4R-associated pathways.

Research Areas

Hypothalamic signaling

Appetite-associated pathways

Energy homeostasis

Central melanocortin receptor pharmacology

Sexual-response mechanisms

Autonomic regulation

MC4R-associated activity may contribute to some of the physiological responses observed in early Melanotan II studies.

However, Melanotan II's nonselective receptor profile complicates interpretation.

Melanotan II and Appetite Research

The central melanocortin system participates in appetite regulation.

MC3R and MC4R are particularly relevant to metabolic signaling.

Melanotan II has been investigated in experimental models involving appetite-related pathways.

Potential research endpoints include:

Food intake

Hypothalamic receptor activation

Energy expenditure

Neuropeptide signaling

Metabolic responses

Central nervous system activity

However, Melanotan II has not been established as a safe or effective weight-loss medication.

Appetite-related effects do not establish sustainable or clinically beneficial weight reduction.

Melanotan II and Energy Homeostasis

Energy homeostasis involves the regulation of energy intake, expenditure and storage.

The melanocortin system is an important component of this regulation.

Melanotan II is relevant to experimental research involving central melanocortin signaling.

Potential research topics include:

MC3R and MC4R signaling

Hypothalamic pathways

Energy balance

Appetite-associated neuropeptides

Metabolic regulation

Autonomic responses

However, long-term metabolic effects and clinical safety have not been adequately established.

Melanotan II and Sexual Function Research

One of the most distinctive areas of Melanotan II research involves sexual-response pathways.

Early clinical investigators observed spontaneous erections in some male volunteers.

This prompted controlled studies in men with erectile dysfunction.

Human Research Findings

Small placebo-controlled studies reported increased erectile responses after Melanotan II administration.

Some participants also reported changes in sexual desire.

These findings supported further investigation of central melanocortin pathways.

However, the studies were small, and adverse effects were common.

Important Limitation

Melanotan II is not an approved treatment for erectile dysfunction or sexual desire disorders.

The existence of early human pharmacological effects does not establish an acceptable long-term benefit–risk profile.

Melanotan II and Erectile Response Research

Penile erection involves coordinated vascular, neurological and smooth-muscle mechanisms.

Central melanocortin signaling can influence sexual-response pathways.

Melanotan II has been investigated in controlled human studies involving erectile responses.

In a study of 20 men with psychogenic or organic erectile dysfunction, investigators reported erectile responses in 17 participants after Melanotan II exposure.

Nausea and yawning were frequently observed.

Scientific Interpretation

These findings demonstrate pharmacological activity in a small clinical research population.

They do not establish Melanotan II as a licensed or clinically recommended treatment.

The findings also cannot be generalized to all populations.

Melanotan II and Sexual Desire Research

Melanocortin receptors participate in neural pathways associated with sexual behavior.

Melanotan II has been investigated for its effects on sexual desire in early human studies.

Some participants reported increased desire following experimental exposure.

However, these studies involved small samples and short observation periods.

The compound's long-term efficacy and safety for sexual dysfunction remain unestablished.

It should not be marketed as a clinically proven libido-enhancing treatment.

Melanotan II and Central Nervous System Research

Melanocortin signaling is important in several central nervous system processes.

Relevant research areas include:

Hypothalamic signaling

Autonomic nervous system regulation

Appetite pathways

Sexual-response signaling

Neuroendocrine communication

Receptor selectivity

Behavioral pharmacology

Melanotan II's activity at multiple melanocortin receptors makes it useful as an experimental pharmacological probe.

However, its effects cannot always be attributed to one receptor subtype.

Melanotan II and MC5R Research

The melanocortin 5 receptor (MC5R) is expressed in several tissues.

It has been associated with exocrine gland physiology and other cellular processes.

Melanotan II can interact with MC5R-associated signaling systems.

Potential research areas include:

Exocrine gland biology

Melanocortin receptor pharmacology

cAMP signaling

Tissue-specific receptor responses

Receptor ligand selectivity

The physiological significance of MC5R activation by Melanotan II remains context-dependent.

Melanotan II and Receptor Selectivity

Melanotan II is commonly described as a nonselective melanocortin receptor agonist.

This means it can activate several receptor subtypes rather than one exclusive target.

Principal Research Receptors

Receptor selectivity depends on experimental methods, ligand concentration, receptor expression and assay conditions.

Consequently, receptor activity should be evaluated using appropriate pharmacological studies.

Melanotan II vs. Melanotan I

Melanotan I and Melanotan II are distinct synthetic melanocortin analogues.

Melanotan I is also known as afamelanotide.

Afamelanotide is a linear 13-amino-acid analogue of α-MSH.

Melanotan II is a cyclic seven-amino-acid peptide.

Important Regulatory Difference

Afamelanotide has been authorized as a prescription medicine for specific medical use, including erythropoietic protoporphyria in applicable jurisdictions.

This approval does not apply to Melanotan II.

The two compounds must not be confused.

Melanotan II vs. Bremelanotide (PT-141)

Bremelanotide, also known as PT-141, is a synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist structurally related to Melanotan II.

Both compounds are associated with melanocortin receptor pharmacology.

However, they are chemically distinct.

Key Differences

Melanotan II: Investigated in pigmentation and central melanocortin signaling research.

Bremelanotide: Developed specifically for sexual-response-related therapeutic research.

An FDA-approved bremelanotide product exists for a narrowly defined clinical indication in eligible premenopausal women.

That approval does not establish the safety or efficacy of Melanotan II.

Results from bremelanotide trials should not automatically be attributed to Melanotan II.

Melanotan II vs. Alpha-MSH

Alpha-MSH is an endogenous peptide hormone.

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analogue.

Melanotan II was designed to alter the structural and pharmacological properties of the natural melanocortin sequence.

Melanotan II vs. KPV

KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide of α-MSH.

Its amino acid sequence is Lys–Pro–Val.

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide with a different sequence and receptor profile.

The two peptides should not be considered interchangeable.

Melanotan II Human Clinical Research

Melanotan II has been evaluated in small human studies.

This distinguishes it from research peptides for which only cell and animal data are available.

However, the clinical evidence remains limited.

Pigmentation Research

Early studies observed pigmentation changes following experimental exposure.

These findings demonstrated biological activity but did not establish clinical safety or skin cancer prevention.

Sexual-Response Research

Small controlled studies reported erectile responses and changes in sexual desire in selected participants.

However, these investigations involved limited sample sizes.

Adverse Events

Nausea, yawning, stretching and other effects were observed in early studies.

Evidence Limitations

The existing clinical research does not establish:

• Long-term safety

• Safe cosmetic tanning

• Prevention of UV-induced skin damage

• Prevention of melanoma

• Safe treatment of erectile dysfunction

• Sustainable weight loss

• Improved general wellness

• Acceptable risk with repeated exposure

Larger and appropriately designed studies would be required to establish any specific therapeutic benefit–risk profile.

Melanotan II Safety Concerns

Melanotan II has significant safety concerns.

Its systemic biological activity extends beyond pigmentation.

1. Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea was frequently reported in early clinical research.

Some participants experienced severe nausea.

2. Yawning and Stretching

These effects were observed in early human studies and may reflect central neuroendocrine activity.

3. Pigmented Skin Lesions

Changes in freckles and melanocytic nevi have been reported in association with Melanotan II exposure.

Any new or changing pigmented lesion requires medical evaluation.

4. Melanoma-Related Concerns

Case reports have described melanoma diagnoses in individuals who had used Melanotan II.

However, case reports alone cannot establish causation.

The compound's long-term influence on melanoma risk remains uncertain.

5. Cardiovascular and Autonomic Effects

Melanocortin signaling can influence autonomic physiology.

Potential cardiovascular effects require further investigation.

6. Unintended Sexual Responses

Spontaneous erections were reported in clinical research.

Prolonged or painful erections can represent a medical emergency.

7. Unknown Long-Term Effects

Long-term human safety data are insufficient.

8. Unregulated Product Quality

Products sold outside regulated pharmaceutical systems may contain impurities, incorrect quantities or unidentified substances.

9. Immunogenicity and Peptide Impurities

Peptide-related impurities and formulation characteristics can create additional safety concerns.

Melanotan II should not be used as an unregulated tanning product or self-administered medicine.

Melanotan II and Melanoma Research

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer involving melanocytes.

Because Melanotan II stimulates pigmentation-related pathways, questions have been raised about its effects on melanocytic lesions.

Reports have described changes in nevi and cases of melanoma temporally associated with Melanotan II exposure.

However, such reports do not establish that the peptide caused the malignancy.

Important Scientific Distinction

Association does not establish causation.

Nevertheless, the lack of long-term safety data means that claims of melanoma prevention or skin cancer protection are not justified.

Melanotan II should not be described as a clinically proven photoprotective agent.

Melanotan II and Regulatory Status

Melanotan II is not an FDA-approved human therapeutic drug.

It is also not an established EMA-authorized medicine.

Health authorities have warned against unregulated products marketed for tanning purposes.

The regulatory status of afamelanotide and bremelanotide does not apply to Melanotan II.

A research-use label does not authorize human administration or establish pharmaceutical quality.

Melanotan II and Anti-Doping Considerations

Melanocortin-related compounds may raise anti-doping questions depending on the substance, context and applicable regulations.

Athletes should consult the current WADA Prohibited List and relevant sports authority rules.

A compound's research-use designation does not provide an exemption from anti-doping requirements.

No claim should be made that Melanotan II is universally permitted or prohibited without checking the applicable current rules.

Melanotan II Research Quality and Analytical Characterization

The chemical identity of a Melanotan II preparation should be confirmed through appropriate analytical methods.

Important specifications include:

Peptide sequence

Cyclization identity

Molecular mass

Peptide purity

Peptide content

Counterion composition

Impurity profile

Degradation products

Batch-specific documentation

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

HPLC can help evaluate purity and chromatographic impurities.

Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

LC-MS can support molecular identity verification.

Mass Spectrometry

Mass analysis can confirm consistency with the expected molecular species.

Peptide Content Analysis

Content testing helps distinguish active peptide quantity from total formulation mass.

Stability Studies

Stability assessment can identify degradation under defined storage conditions.

Certificate of Analysis

A batch-specific COA should include validated identity and quality results.

A reported purity percentage alone does not establish suitability for human use.

Scientific Evidence and Research Limitations

Established Findings

• Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide.

• It is structurally related to α-MSH.

• Its molecular formula is C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉.

• Its molecular weight is approximately 1,024.2 g/mol.

• It acts at multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes.

• MC1R-associated signaling is relevant to its pigmentation effects.

• Early human studies observed increased pigmentation.

• Small controlled studies demonstrated sexual-response-related pharmacological activity.

• Nausea and other adverse effects occurred in human research.

• Melanotan II is not an approved human therapeutic drug.

Important Limitations

• Long-term human safety is not established.

• Cosmetic tanning safety has not been demonstrated.

• Skin cancer prevention has not been established.

• Melanoma risk remains uncertain.

• Clinical efficacy for sexual dysfunction has not been adequately established.

• Weight-loss benefits are unproven.

• Nonselective receptor activity complicates safety assessment.

• Research-grade products are not approved medicines.

Potential Melanotan II Research Applications

Melanotan II may be relevant to appropriately controlled laboratory investigations involving:

• Melanocortin receptor pharmacology

• MC1R signaling

• MC3R signaling

• MC4R signaling

• MC5R signaling

• Alpha-MSH analogue research

• Cyclic peptide structure–activity relationships

• Gs–cAMP–PKA signaling

• Melanocyte biology

• Melanogenesis

• MITF regulation

• Tyrosinase-associated pathways

• Skin pigmentation research

• UV-associated photobiology

• Hypothalamic signaling

• Appetite-related pathways

• Energy homeostasis

• Central melanocortin signaling

• Sexual-response neurobiology

• Neuroendocrine pharmacology

• Receptor selectivity

• Peptide stability

• Analytical peptide characterization

These are scientific research applications, not established therapeutic benefits.

Melanotan II Research Overview

Compound Name: Melanotan II

Alternative Names: MT-II / MT-2 / Melanotan-2

Classification: Synthetic Cyclic Melanocortin Agonist

Peptide Length: 7 Amino Acid Residues

Sequence: Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂

Molecular Formula: C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉

Molecular Weight: Approximately 1,024.2 g/mol

CAS Number: 121062-08-6

PubChem CID: 92432

Parent Hormone: Alpha-MSH

Principal Receptors: MC1R / MC3R / MC4R / MC5R

Principal Signaling: Gs–cAMP–PKA

Primary Research Fields: Pigmentation / Melanocortin Pharmacology / Neuroendocrinology

Established Human Therapeutic Use: None

Long-Term Human Safety: Not Established

Intended Product Use: Laboratory Research Only

Product Information

Product Name: Melanotan II

Alternative Name: MT-II

Brand: ICAME Pharmacy

Product Category: Research Peptide

Research Classification: Cyclic Melanocortin Receptor Agonist

Research Areas: MC1R / MC3R / MC4R / MC5R / Melanogenesis / Neuroendocrine Signaling

Intended Use: Laboratory Research & Development Only

Product identity and specifications should be verified using batch-specific analytical documentation.

Relevant quality information includes:

• Verified peptide sequence

• Cyclization confirmation

• Molecular identity

• Peptide purity

• Peptide content

• Counterion composition

• Impurity profile

• Analytical methodology

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)

• Batch/lot identification

• Validated storage conditions

No claims of pharmaceutical quality, sterility, injectable suitability or clinical efficacy should be made without appropriate supporting documentation and regulatory authorization.

Important Research Use Notice

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY (RUO)

This ICAME Pharmacy product is intended exclusively for legitimate laboratory, analytical and scientific research purposes.

Not for human or veterinary use. Not for cosmetic tanning, diagnostic, therapeutic, sexual performance, weight-loss, anti-aging or other clinical purposes. Not for direct administration to humans or animals.

Melanotan II is a biologically active melanocortin receptor agonist.

It has demonstrated pigmentation-related and neuroendocrine effects in experimental research.

Its long-term human safety has not been established.

Potential risks include nausea, changes in pigmented skin lesions, unintended systemic responses and complications associated with unregulated peptide products.

Melanotan II is not an approved human therapeutic drug.

Information presented on this page is intended solely for scientific and educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, prescribing information, dosage guidance or instructions for human use.

About ICAME Pharmacy

ICAME Pharmacy provides specialized research products for professional laboratory and scientific applications.

Our portfolio focuses on compounds relevant to peptide science, receptor pharmacology, molecular signaling, pigmentation biology and neuroendocrine research.

We emphasize accurate product identification, responsible research use, scientific transparency and clear communication of evidence limitations.

For batch-specific analytical documentation and product inquiries, please contact ICAME Pharmacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Melanotan II

What is Melanotan II?

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic seven-amino-acid peptide that acts as an agonist at several melanocortin receptors.

Is Melanotan II the same as Melanotan 2?

Yes. Melanotan II, Melanotan-2, MT-II and MT-2 commonly refer to the same compound.

How many amino acids does Melanotan II contain?

Seven amino acid residues.

What is the Melanotan II sequence?

Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂.

What is the molecular formula of Melanotan II?

C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉.

What is the molecular weight of Melanotan II?

Approximately 1,024.2 g/mol for the free peptide.

What is the CAS number of Melanotan II?

121062-08-6.

Is Melanotan II a cyclic peptide?

Yes. It contains a lactam bridge between the Asp and Lys side chains.

What receptors does Melanotan II activate?

Its principal pharmacological targets include MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R.

What is the main mechanism of action?

Melanotan II activates melanocortin receptor-associated signaling, commonly involving cAMP and PKA pathways.

Does Melanotan II stimulate melanin production?

Pigmentation-related effects have been demonstrated experimentally, including in small human studies. This does not establish safe cosmetic use.

Does Melanotan II protect against skin cancer?

No. Skin cancer prevention has not been established.

Does Melanotan II cause melanoma?

Case reports describe melanoma diagnoses following Melanotan II exposure, but causation has not been established. Long-term risk remains uncertain.

Is Melanotan II the same as Melanotan I?

No. Melanotan I is afamelanotide, a different 13-amino-acid peptide.

Is Melanotan II the same as PT-141?

No. PT-141 is bremelanotide, a structurally related but distinct compound.

Is Melanotan II the same as KPV?

No. KPV is a three-amino-acid α-MSH-derived fragment with different research applications.

Has Melanotan II been studied in humans?

Yes. Small early-stage human studies investigated pigmentation and sexual-response-related effects.

Is Melanotan II approved by the FDA?

No. Melanotan II is not an FDA-approved human therapeutic drug.

Is Melanotan II safe for tanning?

Its safety for cosmetic tanning has not been established, and health authorities have warned against unregulated use.

Is ICAME Pharmacy Melanotan II intended for human use?

No. ICAME Pharmacy Melanotan II is intended strictly for laboratory research and development purposes.