Description

Melanotan 2 (MT-2)

Melanotan 2, often abbreviated as MT-2, is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of the naturally occurring hormone Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (¹$alpha$-MSH).² It was originally developed at the University of Arizona to create a sunless tanning agent that could lower the risk of skin cancer. However, subsequent research identified its potent effects on libido, appetite, and lipid metabolism due to its non-selective binding affinity.

At Guardian Labs, we provide Melanotan 2 in a stable, lyophilized format. Each vial undergoes rigorous HPLC testing to ensure >99% purity, providing researchers with a reliable tool for investigating the melanocortin system and its systemic physiological effects.

What is Melanotan 2?

Melanotan 2 is a super-potent agonist of the melanocortin receptors. Unlike the endogenous $alpha$-MSH, which has a half-life of just minutes, MT-2 is modified to resist enzymatic breakdown, allowing for prolonged biological activity.

It is widely known in the scientific community as a “non-selective” agonist.³ This means it binds with high affinity to multiple receptor subtypes:

• MC1R: Located in melanocytes (responsible for pigmentation).⁴

• MC3R & MC4R: Located in the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens (responsible for appetite regulation and sexual function).

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Mechanism of Action

The biological impact of Melanotan 2 is multifaceted, driven by which receptor it activates:

• Melanogenesis (Pigmentation): By binding to the MC1 receptor on skin melanocytes, MT-2 stimulates the production of eumelanin (dark pigment) over pheomelanin (red/yellow pigment).⁵ Research shows this can induce significant skin darkening even in the absence of UV radiation.⁶

• Sexual Function: MT-2 crosses the blood-brain barrier to bind with MC4 receptors in the hypothalamus. This interaction triggers a neurological cascade that increases nitric oxide release in genital tissue, facilitating arousal and erectile function.⁷ This mechanism is distinct from PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra) as it acts centrally rather than vascularly.

• Appetite Suppression: Activation of MC3/4 receptors in the brain signals satiety and increases energy expenditure.⁸ In animal models, this leads to a reduction in food intake and fat mass, making it a compound of interest for metabolic research.

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Potential Research Applications

Melanotan 2 is a primary tool for studying the central melanocortin system. Key areas of investigation include:

• Photoprotection: Investigating whether pharmacologically induced eumelanin can protect DNA from UV damage better than natural tanning.

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Studying the peptide’s ability to induce erections in both psychogenic (psychological) and organic ED models.⁹

• Feeding Behavior: Researching the role of the nucleus accumbens in food reward and how MC4R agonists can dampen the drive for palatable foods.¹⁰

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  Scientific References

To validate the diverse effects of this peptide, we reference the following pivotal studies.

1. Induction of Eumelanin Synthesis¹¹

Summary: This clinical study administered a potent $alpha$-MSH analogue to human subjects. The results demonstrated a significant increase in eumelanin content in the skin (face and forearm) independent of sunlight exposure. The study confirmed that pharmacological stimulation of the MC1 receptor is a viable pathway for sunless pigmentation.

• View the study on PubMed

2. Treatment of Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction

Summary: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, Melanotan-II was administered to men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction.¹² The treatment successfully initiated clinically apparent erections in 80% of the subjects (compared to mild effects in the placebo group), validating its potential as a central initiator of sexual response.

• View the study on PubMed

3. Appetite Suppression via Nucleus Accumbens¹³

Summary: This study explored the metabolic effects of MT-2.¹⁴ Researchers microinjected the peptide into the nucleus accumbens of mice and observed a significant decrease in both the motivation to eat and the actual amount of food consumed.¹⁵ The data suggests that MT-2 reduces the “reward” value of food via MC3/4 receptor signaling.¹⁶

• View the study on PubMed

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Product Specifications

• Sequence: Ac-Nle-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys-NH2 (Cyclic 2-7)¹⁷

• Format: Lyophilized Powder (Freeze-dried)

• Vial Size: 10mg

• Purity: >99% (HPLC Verified)

• Storage: Store at -20°C. Reconstitute with Bacteriostatic Water.

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  Disclaimer: All products listed on this site are for laboratory research and development purposes only. They are not intended for human consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. Customers must be at least 18 years old to purchase.