Description
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a cyclic, seven-residue analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), developed at the University of Arizona and used as a broad melanocortin-receptor agonist in laboratory research. Pure Peptides Canada supplies it only as a lyophilized laboratory reagent in 10 mg vials, with tracked shipping from inside Canada. It is not an approved medicine, not a tanning product and not for human use.
Melanotan II at a glance
- What it is: Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂, a lactam-bridged α-MSH analogue that activates MC1, MC3, MC4 and MC5 receptors.
- What researchers study: melanocortin-receptor pharmacology, melanogenesis in pigment-cell cultures, and structure–activity comparisons with α-MSH fragments.
- Evidence level: cell and animal studies plus small early-phase human studies in the 1990s. Never approved anywhere.
- Regulatory status: not authorized in Canada, and named in Health Canada’s April 2026 public advisory on unauthorized injectable peptides.
- Supplied as: sealed lyophilized powder, 10 mg, single vial or box of 10.
- Delivery: ships from inside Canada by tracked Xpresspost in 3–7 days ($25 CAD), or free in 4–12 days on orders over $299.
Regulatory status: Melanotan II has never been approved as a medicine. It is not authorized in Canada, and Health Canada’s April 2026 public advisory on unauthorized injectable peptides names it. We sell it strictly as a laboratory reagent for in-vitro research to qualified research buyers, and we do not provide dosing, administration or medical information.
Melanotan II
MT-II · cyclic α-MSH analogue · non-selective melanocortin agonist
- Ac
- Nle
- D
- H
- dF
- R
- W
- K
Blue: non-coded residues (norleucine and D-phenylalanine). Dashed: aspartate and lysine, joined by a lactam bridge that closes the ring. Ac: N-terminal acetyl group. The C-terminus is amidated.
- Length
- 7 residues, cyclic (lactam bridge)
- Molecular formula
- C50H69N15O9
- Molecular weight
- ≈ 1024.2 g/mol
- CAS number
- 121062-08-6
- Form
- Lyophilized powder, sealed vial
- Sizes
- 10 mg (single or box of 10)
- SKU
- PP-MTIIMELANOTAN2
Where the evidence stands
- Cell studies
- Animal models
- Controlled human trials
- Approved medicine
Human data are limited to small early-phase studies from the 1990s; clinical development moved to its derivative, bremelanotide. Melanotan II was never approved.
What is Melanotan II?
α-MSH is a 13-amino-acid hormone that acts on melanocortin receptors, including MC1R on pigment cells. Researchers at the University of Arizona built stabilized analogues of it in the 1980s and 1990s; Melanotan II is the cyclic version, in which a lactam bridge between aspartate and lysine locks the core of the molecule into a ring and two non-coded residues resist enzymatic breakdown.
Unlike the more selective linear analogue, Melanotan II activates several melanocortin receptors at once, which is why it is used as a broad reference agonist in receptor work. Early human studies reported pigmentation and unexpected effects mediated by central melanocortin receptors, which led to the development of bremelanotide, a closely related molecule. Case reports have since described changes in moles among people using unlicensed melanotan products, one reason health regulators warn against them.
What Melanotan II research looks at
- Receptor pharmacology: binding and cAMP signalling across MC1, MC3, MC4 and MC5 receptors.
- Melanogenesis: pigment production in melanocyte and melanoma cell cultures.
- α-MSH structure–activity: comparisons with α-MSH fragments such as the C-terminal tripeptide KPV.
- Analytical methods: identity and purity testing of cyclic peptides.
Ordering Melanotan II for laboratory research
Check the report names Melanotan II and shows a mass near 1024 Da.
See lab resultsMelanotan II FAQ
Where can I buy Melanotan II in Canada?
Pure Peptides Canada supplies Melanotan II only as a lyophilized laboratory reagent in 10 mg vials, shipped from inside Canada by tracked Xpresspost in 3–7 days ($25 CAD), or free in 4–12 days on orders over $299. It is not a tanning product or a medicine, and it is not sold for human use.
Is Melanotan II approved in Canada?
No. Melanotan II has never been approved as a medicine anywhere, and Health Canada’s April 2026 public advisory on unauthorized injectable peptides names it.
What is the difference between Melanotan II and bremelanotide (PT-141)?
Bremelanotide was developed from Melanotan II and shares its cyclic core. Melanotan II carries a C-terminal amide; bremelanotide has a free acid at that position. Their masses differ slightly, so identity data tells them apart.
How do I confirm the identity of a Melanotan II batch?
Check that the mass-spectrometry result matches Melanotan II’s theoretical mass, about 1024 Da, and that the lot number matches your vial. Our COA guide explains what else to look for.
Can Melanotan II be used in people or animals?
No. This product is for in-vitro laboratory research only and is not a drug, supplement, food or cosmetic. We do not provide dosing or administration information.
For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, food or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.