Peptide Lab HQ Research Guide
Melanotan II
A research-focused compound profile covering Melanotan II identity, melanocortin receptor research, pigmentation pathway models, CNS signaling, concentration reference, reconstitution reference, and safety considerations.
Compound Data
Compound Profile
| Compound Name | Melanotan II |
|---|---|
| Common Synonyms | MT-II, Melanotan-2, Melanotan II acetate depending on form |
| Compound Type | Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide / melanocortin receptor agonist research peptide |
| CAS Number | 121062-08-6 |
| PubChem CID | 92432 |
| Amino Acid Length | 7 amino acids, cyclic peptide structure |
| Amino Acid Sequence | Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂ |
| Molecular Formula | C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉ |
| Molecular Weight | Approximately 1024.2 g/mol |
| Research Category | Melanocortin receptor, melanogenesis, pigmentation, CNS signaling, appetite, autonomic-response, and sexual-function research |
| Appearance | White to off-white lyophilized powder |
| Use | For laboratory research use only. |
Research Applications
Key Research Applications
Melanotan II is commonly discussed in controlled research models involving melanocortin receptor activation, melanogenesis, pigmentation response, CNS signaling, appetite regulation, autonomic response, and sexual-function pathway research.
Melanocortin Receptor Research
Melanotan II is studied as a melanocortin receptor agonist, commonly discussed around MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R pathway activity.
Pigmentation / Melanogenesis Models
Used in research involving melanocyte activity, melanin production, skin pigmentation response, and UV-response pathway models.
CNS Signaling Research
Melanocortin peptides are commonly discussed in central nervous system signaling models involving appetite, energy balance, and neurobehavioral response.
Sexual-Function Study Context
Human studies have evaluated Melanotan II in erectile-response research, separate from prescription-product or approved-drug contexts.
Autonomic Response Models
Relevant to research involving flushing, nausea, yawning, blood-pressure response, heart-rate response, and other autonomic markers.
α-MSH Analog Research
Melanotan II is commonly discussed alongside α-MSH-related peptide analogs, Melanotan I, and PT-141 / Bremelanotide research contexts.
Research Scope
These applications are provided for educational and research-reference purposes only. Research outcomes may vary based on study model, route, formulation, pigmentation baseline, concentration, peptide purity, and laboratory conditions.
Reference Only
Reconstitution / Research Dosing Reference
Select Reference Vial
Select a vial size to update the concentration, U-100 unit references, and frequency table below.
Quick Reference Summary
| Reference Vial | 5 mg Melanotan II |
|---|---|
| Primary Solution Volume | 2 mL bacteriostatic water |
| Primary Concentration | 2.5 mg/mL |
| Measurement Reference | On a U-100 syringe, 1 unit = 0.01 mL. |
| Amount per U-100 Unit | At 2.5 mg/mL, 1 unit equals 0.025 mg / 25 mcg Melanotan II. |
| Storage Reference | Refrigerate at 2–8°C / 35.6–46.4°F after reconstitution, protected from direct light. |
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 2 mL bacteriostatic water using a sterile syringe for the main concentration reference shown below.
- Slowly add the BAC water down the side of the vial wall.
- Gently roll or swirl the vial until the material is completely dissolved. The solution should appear clear. Do not shake!
- Label with compound name, vial amount, concentration, solvent volume, preparation date, storage conditions, and handling notes.
- Store refrigerated at 2–8°C / 35.6–46.4°F, protected from direct light.
Published Research Context
| Reference Type | Reported Amount / Context | Research Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compound Identity Reference | Melanotan II, also referenced as MT-II | Melanotan II is commonly identified as a synthetic cyclic peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone used in melanocortin receptor research. |
| Melanocortin Receptor Research | Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist context | Commonly discussed in MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R, receptor activation, melanocortin signaling, and pathway-response contexts. |
| Melanogenesis / Neuroendocrine Research | Model-dependent concentration and endpoint tracking | Research discussions commonly include melanogenesis, pigmentation markers, appetite/energy-balance, thermogenic markers, and behavioral-response models. |
| Public Protocol-Style Reference | Microgram-to-milligram reference examples | Public protocol-style references are not clinical dosing standards and should not be treated as research-chemical use instructions. |
| Clinical / Research-Chemical Status | No universal research-chemical protocol established | Published study references, public protocol-style references, clinical-use references, or wellness protocols should not be treated as dosing instructions for research-chemical vial formats. |
Concentration Reference
| Vial Amount | Solution Volume | Final Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL |
| 10 mg | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL |
Research Dosing Amount / Volume Reference
| Reference Amount | Volume at 2.5 mg/mL | U-100 Unit Reference | Approx. References per 5 mg Vial |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mcg | 0.02 mL | 2 units | 100 |
| 0.1 mg / 100 mcg | 0.04 mL | 4 units | 50 |
| 0.25 mg / 250 mcg | 0.10 mL | 10 units | 20 |
| 0.5 mg / 500 mcg | 0.20 mL | 20 units | 10 |
| 1 mg / 1000 mcg | 0.40 mL | 40 units | 5 |
| 2 mg / 2000 mcg | 0.80 mL | 80 units | 2.5 |
| 5 mg / 5000 mcg | 2.00 mL | 200 units | 1 |
| 10 mg / 10000 mcg | 4.00 mL | 400 units | 0.5 |
Research Frequency / Amount Reference
| Research Window | Frequency | Reference Amount | Units / Volume Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Conversion Reference | Public protocol-style reference, not a clinical dosing standard | 50 mcg reference amount | 2 units / 0.02 mL |
| Low-to-Mid Conversion Reference | Public protocol-style reference, not a clinical dosing standard | 0.1 mg / 100 mcg reference amount | 4 units / 0.04 mL |
| Standard Conversion Reference | Public protocol-style reference, not a clinical dosing standard | 0.25 mg / 250 mcg reference amount | 10 units / 0.10 mL |
| Mid-Range Conversion Example | Public protocol-style reference, not a clinical dosing standard | 0.5 mg / 500 mcg reference amount | 20 units / 0.20 mL |
| Upper Conversion Example | Public protocol-style reference, not a clinical dosing standard | 1 mg / 1000 mcg reference amount | 40 units / 0.40 mL |
| High Conversion Example | Public protocol-style reference, not a clinical dosing standard | 2 mg / 2000 mcg reference amount | 80 units / 0.80 mL |
Common Research Windows
| Reference Window | Common Length | Research Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cell-Culture / Marker Observation Window | 24–72 hours | May be used for melanocortin receptor activation, melanocyte-response, pigmentation-marker, intracellular signaling, or pathway-response documentation depending on the model. |
| Acute Observation Window | Single session to several days | Used for short-term response tracking, timing comparison, early marker observation, or preparation comparison depending on the research design. |
| Short Research Window | 1–2 weeks | May be used for early controlled observation involving melanogenesis markers, appetite-related endpoints, thermogenic markers, or neuroendocrine-response documentation. |
| Standard Protocol-Style Window | 2–4 weeks | Commonly used in public protocol-style references for structured observation and comparison across baseline and follow-up periods. |
| Extended Observation Window | 4–8 weeks | Used when longer documentation is needed for pigmentation-marker trends, receptor-response patterns, appetite/energy-balance models, or follow-up marker tracking. |
| Follow-Up / Washout | 1–4 weeks | Used to document post-study observations, marker return, delayed response patterns, or follow-up data depending on the research model. |
Research Note: These tables are provided for educational, research-planning, concentration, frequency-reference, and volume-reference purposes only. Melanotan II is commonly discussed in melanocortin receptor, alpha-MSH analog, melanogenesis, pigmentation-marker, MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, appetite/energy-balance, thermogenic, neuroendocrine, sexual-function, and behavioral-response research contexts. The selector above updates calculations for 5 mg and 10 mg vial references, each reconstituted with 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water. Published study references and public protocol-style frequency references are not universal research-chemical dosing standards and should not be treated as dosing instructions for research-chemical vial formats. This information is not medical advice, dosing instruction, injectable-use guidance, or a recommendation for human or animal use.
Research Notes
Research Findings & Safety Notes
Research Findings
Melanotan II is commonly discussed in research involving melanocortin receptor activation, pigmentation response, melanogenesis, CNS signaling, appetite-related models, autonomic markers, and erectile-response study contexts.
Study Limitations
Melanotan II research includes early clinical studies, animal models, mechanistic melanocortin research, and unapproved-use safety concerns. Findings should be interpreted according to route, formulation, pigmentation baseline, dose, study duration, and monitoring conditions.
Safety Considerations
Research discussion should account for nausea, yawning, flushing, fatigue, somnolence, blood-pressure or heart-rate response, pigmentation changes, mole/dark-spot monitoring, and unregulated-product risk.
Use Restriction
Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease when discussed as a research-use material.
Related Supplies
Research Supplies
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Bacteriostatic Water
Commonly referenced in laboratory preparation workflows.
Research Syringes
Supply category for controlled laboratory research preparation.
Prep Supplies
Supporting supplies for clean handling, preparation, and documentation.
Lab Handling
Handling & Storage
Storage
Store materials according to product-specific requirements. Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light.
After Reconstitution
Keep refrigerated after reconstitution unless otherwise specified by the product documentation.
Handling
Use appropriate laboratory PPE, clean handling practices, and qualified research procedures.
Documentation
Maintain batch details, COA records, preparation notes, and internal research documentation.