HPLC + MS
Independently tested for identity and purity
NP-MT2-062426-01
Jul 20, 2026
99.59%
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CAS# 121062-08-6
Also Known As MT-II; Cyclo-MSH Analogue
Class Cyclic Synthetic Peptide / Pan-Melanocortin Receptor Agonist
Form Lyophilized Powder
Receptor Targets
Peptide Structure
Molecular Weight
Melanotan-2 (MT-II, CAS# 121062-08-6) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), engineered with a lactam bridge between Asp and Lys residues, N-terminal acetylation, C-terminal amidation, a norleucine (Nle) substitution, and a D-phenylalanine (D-Phe) residue. This combination of structural modifications produces a conformationally constrained, proteolytically stable scaffold studied as a non-selective pan-melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R through MC5R) in preclinical and in vitro research. Supplied by NexPept as a lyophilized powder for in vitro laboratory research use. This compound has not been authorized by Health Canada for any therapeutic, clinical, or human use.
Molecular Profile
CAS#, cyclic sequence, structural modifications, molecular weight, analytical data
CAS#, cyclic sequence, structural modifications, molecular weight, analytical data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 121062-08-6 |
| Research Designation | Melanotan-2; MT-II; Cyclic α-MSH analogue |
| Compound Class | Cyclic synthetic peptide — pan-melanocortin receptor agonist |
| Full Sequence | Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂ |
| Sequence Length | 7 amino acids (cyclic heptapeptide) |
| Cyclic Bridge | Lactam bond between Asp (side-chain carboxyl) and Lys (side-chain amine) |
| Key Modifications | N-terminal Ac- (acetyl); C-terminal -NH₂ (amide); Nle⁴ (norleucine); D-Phe⁷ |
| Molecular Formula | C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉ |
| Molecular Weight | ~1024.2 Da |
| Receptor Targets | MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R (non-selective pan-agonist); weak MC2R activity |
| Physical Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Analytical Method | High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) + Mass Spectrometry (MS) |
| Appearance | White to off-white lyophilized solid |
In Vitro Research Context
Melanocortin receptor pharmacology & signalling models — laboratory use only
Melanocortin receptor pharmacology & signalling models — laboratory use only
Unlike the linear 13-residue α-MSH parent peptide, MT-II employs a lactam bridge between the Asp side-chain carboxyl and the Lys side-chain amine, enforcing a cyclic conformation across the pharmacophoric core His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp. This rigidification pre-organises the “message” sequence into the bioactive conformation required for melanocortin receptor binding, dramatically increasing affinity and selectivity relative to the flexible linear parent. The substitution of Met⁴ with norleucine (Nle) eliminates the oxidation-labile thioether of methionine, improving chemical stability in aqueous conditions; D-Phe at position 7 provides additional conformational constraint and resistance to proteolytic cleavage. N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation further protect against exopeptidase degradation. For a direct structural and receptor-selectivity comparison against the linear analogue, see Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2.
MT-II is the pre-eminent tool compound for pan-melanocortin receptor studies. It is used in binding displacement assays, receptor activation kinetics, and functional cAMP accumulation experiments across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R transfected cell lines.
All melanocortin receptors couple via Gαs to adenylyl cyclase. MT-II is studied in assays measuring intracellular cAMP accumulation, PKA substrate phosphorylation, and CREB activation downstream of MC receptor stimulation in multiple cell types.
MC1R is the principal melanocortin receptor expressed on melanocytes. MT-II is used as a tool agonist in melanocyte cell models to investigate MC1R-driven cAMP signalling, MITF transcription factor activation, and downstream melanin biosynthesis pathway studies.
MC3R and MC4R are expressed in hypothalamic nuclei. MT-II is used in hypothalamic cell and tissue preparations to study melanocortin-mediated neuroendocrine signalling, neuropeptide pathway interactions, and downstream second-messenger cascades.
Melanotan-2 is among the most widely characterised cyclic peptide tool compounds in melanocortin receptor research. Its non-selective profile across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R makes it valuable for pan-receptor screening experiments, while its superior proteolytic stability over linear α-MSH facilitates longer-duration in vitro assay designs. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies comparing MT-II with subtype-selective analogues have been instrumental in delineating the pharmacophoric requirements of individual melanocortin receptor subtypes.
Research context: Melanotan-2 is an investigational cyclic synthetic peptide studied in scientific research involving melanocortin receptor pharmacology, cAMP signalling cascades, pigmentation pathway biology, and neuroendocrine cell models. It has not been authorized by Health Canada for human or veterinary use.
Available Formats
10mg — lyophilized powder
10mg — lyophilized powder
| Format | Net Quantity | Physical Form |
|---|---|---|
| Melanotan-2 10mg | 10 mg / vial | Lyophilized powder |
Sourced from a verified batch. Quantity for use should be determined based on your specific in vitro research protocol by qualified research personnel.
Laboratory Storage
Controlled storage conditions for lyophilized material
Controlled storage conditions for lyophilized material
Store sealed lyophilized material under controlled laboratory conditions in accordance with validated institutional SOPs and applicable technical documentation. Protect from light and moisture. MT-II contains a tryptophan (Trp) residue that is susceptible to photooxidation — protection from UV and ambient light is essential both in lyophilized and solution-phase storage. Although the Nle substitution eliminates the Met oxidation liability present in linear α-MSH, the Trp indole ring remains the primary oxidation-sensitive site in the molecule. The cyclic lactam bridge is chemically stable under typical aqueous laboratory conditions. Reconstituted aliquots should be used promptly; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Note: No preparation, reconstitution, or administration instructions are provided. This compound is supplied for in vitro laboratory research use only. All handling must be conducted by qualified personnel following institutional safety protocols.
Research Literature
Scientific references & related resources
Scientific references & related resources
Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2: Key Differences Explained — cyclic vs linear scaffold, receptor selectivity, stability and research applications compared
PubMed — Melanotan-2 / MT-II melanocortin research — peer-reviewed literature on MC receptor pharmacology, cAMP signalling, and cyclic peptide SAR studies
This product is supplied exclusively for in vitro laboratory and non-clinical research use by qualified research personnel. It is not authorized by Health Canada for human or veterinary use. No therapeutic, clinical, or health claims are made.
This material must not be administered to humans or animals. No dosage, preparation, reconstitution, or administration instructions are provided or implied. All handling and use must be conducted by qualified personnel in accordance with applicable institutional policies and legal requirements.
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