MT-2 Research Peptide (Melanotan II)
Lyophilized Format • ≥99% HPLC Purity • Ships in 1–2 Business Days • U.S. Warehouses
MT-2 (Melanotan II, CAS 121062-08-6) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide and non-selective pan-agonist of melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, developed at the University of Arizona by Hruby, Hadley, and colleagues in the 1980s–1990s as a potent, metabolically stable α-MSH analog for melanocortin receptor pharmacology research, supplied by Nextday Peptides in lyophilized format for laboratory and analytical research applications. As the broadest-spectrum melanocortin receptor agonist available for laboratory research, MT-2 serves as the foundational pan-receptor reference compound for studying melanocortin receptor subtype pharmacology, structure-activity relationships, and cAMP signaling cascades across multiple receptor subtypes simultaneously in controlled experimental systems. Each vial is independently verified to ≥99% HPLC purity with a Certificate of Analysis available on request. For scientific research use only.
Compound Specifications
| Compound Name | MT-2 / Melanotan II / cyclo[Nle4,D-Phe7]-α-MSH |
| Structure | Cyclic heptapeptide |
| Amino Acids | 7 |
| Receptor Targets | MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R (pan-agonist; no significant MC2R activity) |
| Molecular Formula | C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉ |
| Molecular Weight | 1,024.18 g/mol |
| PubChem CID | 92432 |
| CAS Number | 121062-08-6 |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Solubility | Excellent aqueous solubility — cyclic structure confers water solubility |
| Storage | -20°C lyophilized; 2–8°C after reconstitution (use within 7 days) |
| Synonyms | MT-II, Melanotan-2, cyclo[Nle4,D-Phe7]-α-MSH |
Why Research Laboratories Select MT-2
MT-2 is the broadest-spectrum synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist available for laboratory research — activating MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R simultaneously with no significant MC2R activity. This pan-receptor profile makes it the foundational reference compound for comparative melanocortin receptor pharmacology studies, structure-activity relationship research, and multi-receptor signaling cascade investigations. Its cyclic heptapeptide structure confers excellent aqueous solubility and enhanced metabolic stability compared to linear α-MSH analogs, making it technically straightforward to work with across diverse assay platforms.
- Pan-melanocortin receptor agonist — activates MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R with no significant MC2R binding
- Cyclic heptapeptide structure — excellent aqueous solubility and enhanced metabolic stability vs linear α-MSH analogs
- Foundational reference compound — used as pan-receptor reference against which selective analogs including MT-1 and PT-141 are compared
- Competitive binding assays — Ki values in sub-nanomolar to low nanomolar range at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R
- Parent compound of PT-141 (Bremelanotide/Vyleesi) — established molecular lineage in melanocortin pharmacology research
- Studied in C57BL/6 and other rodent models for melanocortin system biology research
- Referenced in peer-reviewed literature spanning over three decades of melanocortin receptor pharmacology research
- Batch and lot identifiers on all labeling for full laboratory documentation compliance
Research Background
MT-2 was developed at the University of Arizona by Victor Hruby, Mac Hadley, and Roger Dorr in the 1980s–1990s as part of a systematic program to develop potent, metabolically stable α-MSH analogs for melanocortin receptor research. Dorr et al. (1996) published Phase I safety data in Life Sciences. Wessells et al. (1998, 2000) published double-blind placebo-controlled crossover studies documenting MC4R-mediated activity in human subjects. MT-2 later served as the parent compound from which PT-141 (Bremelanotide) was derived through systematic MC1R activity reduction while preserving MC4R agonism. All information provided here is for educational and reference purposes only and does not constitute medical or clinical guidance.
Reference sources: PubChem — Melanotan II (CID 92432) | Hadley & Dorr (2006) — Peptides
Shipping & Fulfillment
- Ships from U.S. warehouses — Florida, North Carolina, and California
- Overnight and 2-day shipping available at checkout
- Same-day processing on orders placed before 3:30 PM ET
- Discreet packaging with full tracking provided
- Bulk research orders welcome — contact us for volume pricing
Storage & Handling
- Store lyophilized peptide at -20°C away from light and moisture
- After reconstitution store at 2–8°C and use within 7 days
- Allow vial to equilibrate to room temperature for 10 minutes before reconstitution to prevent condensation
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain peptide integrity
- Handle using appropriate laboratory safety protocols
- Keep containers sealed when not in use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MT-2 Melanotan II?
MT-2 (Melanotan II, CAS 121062-08-6) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide and non-selective pan-agonist of melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s–1990s, it serves as the foundational pan-receptor reference compound for melanocortin receptor pharmacology research. Supplied strictly for scientific, analytical, and in-vitro laboratory research use only.
How does MT-2 differ from MT-1 (Melanotan I)?
MT-1 (Afamelanotide) is a linear 13 amino acid peptide with high selectivity for MC1R. MT-2 is a shorter cyclic 7 amino acid peptide that acts as a non-selective pan-agonist across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R simultaneously. MT-1 is used for MC1R-specific research while MT-2 is used as the broadest-spectrum reference compound for comparative multi-receptor melanocortin pharmacology studies.
What is the relationship between MT-2 and PT-141?
PT-141 (Bremelanotide/Vyleesi) was derived from MT-2 through systematic modification to reduce MC1R activity while preserving MC4R agonism. This molecular lineage makes MT-2 the historical parent compound of the only FDA-approved melanocortin receptor agonist for sexual dysfunction research applications. MT-2 itself has no FDA approval for any indication.
Why does MT-2 have excellent aqueous solubility?
MT-2’s cyclic heptapeptide structure — formed by a disulfide or lactam bridge — confers excellent water solubility compared to many linear peptides. This makes it straightforward to prepare aqueous research solutions and work with across diverse assay platforms without requiring DMSO or other organic solvents.
What purity is your MT-2?
Every batch is independently verified to ≥99% HPLC purity. A Certificate of Analysis is available for each lot.
How fast does Nextday Peptides ship?
We ship from U.S. warehouses in Florida, North Carolina, and California. Overnight and 2-day shipping options are available. Orders placed before 3:30 PM ET are processed same day.
Are bulk orders available?
Yes. We accommodate bulk research orders. Contact us directly for volume pricing and availability.
Is this product approved for medical use?
No. MT-2 has no FDA approval for any indication. This product is for laboratory research use only and is not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical applications of any kind.
What other compounds does Nextday Peptides carry?
We also carry MT-1 Melanotan I, KPV, BPC-157, and MOTS-C. View our full research compounds catalog.
For Research Use Only — Not for human or veterinary consumption • Not FDA approved for any indication • Supplied by Nextday Peptides for controlled in-vitro laboratory research use only
