Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic analog of α-MSH that activates melanocortin receptors non-selectively. MC1R activation stimulates melanin production (the pigmentation/tanning effect), while MC4R activation underlies the appetite- and libido-related effects studied in research models. It is more potent and longer-acting than native α-MSH. It is not FDA-approved, and vendor-sold MT-2 is research-grade material; the related MC4R-selective agonist bremelanotide (PT-141) is a separate compound.
Research notes
How does Melanotan 2 work?
Melanotan 2 is a synthetic cyclic analog of α-MSH, engineered for potency and metabolic stability. It is a non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist: activation of MC1R on melanocytes drives melanin synthesis (the pigmentation effect that gave the compound its name), while activation of MC4R in the central nervous system underlies the appetite-suppression and sexual-function signaling studied in research models.
Cyclization and a D-amino-acid substitution give it a much longer half-life and higher receptor affinity than native α-MSH, which is why it is used as a long-acting melanocortin reference compound.
What doses are used in research?
Research literature describes subcutaneous dosing in the microgram-to-low- milligram range. Research vials are commonly 10 mg. Reported research-context side effects include nausea, flushing, and darkening of existing nevi.
What does this guide cover?
MT-2 is sold under several labels ("MT-2", "Melanotan II"), so identity confirmation against the COA matters. We weight COA-verified purity and identity and flag listings that publish no per-batch report.
Related reading
What it's researched for
- melanogenesis and pigmentation research
- melanocortin receptor pharmacology
- appetite and libido signaling models
Where to source it
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Frequently asked about Melanotan 2
What is Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 2 is a synthetic, cyclized analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is a non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist studied for melanogenesis (via MC1R) and for appetite and sexual-function signaling (via MC4R).
What is the difference between Melanotan 2 and PT-141?
Melanotan 2 is a non-selective melanocortin agonist (hits MC1R and MC4R). PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a metabolite-derived, MC4R-selective agonist studied specifically for sexual-function signaling without the strong pigmentation effect. They are related but distinct compounds.
Is Melanotan 2 FDA-approved?
No. Melanotan 2 is not approved by the FDA or EMA for any use. Vendor-sold MT-2 is research-grade material, not a medicine.
How do I verify Melanotan 2 purity?
Check for a per-batch Certificate of Analysis with HPLC purity and mass-spec identity and run it through our /tools/coa-verifier. Note that some vendors label it "MT-2" or "Melanotan II" — confirm the COA matches the vial.