Melanotan 2

Melanotan 2 (melanotan II, MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), with the structure Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. A side-chain lactam bridge between Asp and Lys constrains the core His-Phe-Arg-Trp melanocortin pharmacophore. The norleucine and D-phenylalanine substitutions, carried over from earlier linear α-MSH analogues, are associated with high potency and resistance to enzymatic degradation.

MT-II is a potent, non-selective agonist at the MC1, MC3, MC4 and MC5 melanocortin receptors and is widely used as a reference agonist in melanocortin pharmacology. It served as the structural template for the MC3R/MC4R antagonist SHU9119, obtained by replacing D-Phe with D-2'-naphthylalanine. It has also been used in rodent studies of central melanocortin signalling in feeding behaviour and energy homeostasis, including work in agouti mouse models, and in studies of MC1R-mediated melanogenesis in pigment cells.

Supplied as a lyophilized powder in a sealed vial.

For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.