Melanotan II

Third-Party Tested

Independent lab verified

Batch-Specific CoA

Publicly accessible

YPB.270

Reference number

10mg

Lyophilized vial

Origin

Melanotan II was developed by Victor Hruby and Mac Hadley at the University of Arizona in the late 1980s as a superpotent, non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist. It was designed as a cyclic analog of alpha-MSH for enhanced potency and metabolic stability, originally intended for sunless tanning research to reduce UV-related skin damage.

Research Lineage

Hruby and Hadley's work established the structure-activity relationships of cyclic melanocortin peptides that led to both Melanotan II and its derivative PT-141 (bremelanotide). Dorr et al. conducted the first human administration studies, documenting melanogenesis effects. Research has also investigated appetite suppression, sexual function, and thermoregulation through melanocortin receptor activation.

Mechanism of Action

Melanotan II is a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors MC1R through MC5R. MC1R activation on melanocytes stimulates eumelanin production via cAMP/PKA signaling and tyrosinase upregulation. MC3R and MC4R activation in the CNS has been associated with appetite modulation and sexual function effects. Its cyclic structure and D-Phe substitution provide resistance to enzymatic degradation.

Structural Notes

Cyclic heptapeptide. Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. Molecular weight: 1024.18 Da. Lactam bridge between Asp and Lys side chains.