Melanotan II

Cyclic melanocortin-receptor research heptapeptide · unapproved for therapeutic or tanning use

Lot-specific released result; request cyclic-form identity, chromatographic purity, quantitative peptide content, counterion/water and residual-solvent data · target, verify batch COACAS 121062-08-6RUO

Research statusResearch reagent; Melanotan II is not an FDA-approved medicine reference context · supplied material is RUO

Supplied formCyclic N-acetylated, C-amidated heptapeptide with an Asp–Lys side-chain lactam bridge

Lead timeConfirmed with quote

Melanotan II — Lot-specific lyophilized solid; confirm colour and physical form on the released-batch COA

Melanotan II — Lot-specific lyophilized solid; confirm colour and physical form on the released-batch COA · Representative packaging image · verify the ordered lot

Representative packaging image · verify the ordered lot

Decision summary

Key benefits

Research relevance includes melanocortin-receptor pharmacology, cyclic-peptide identity and receptor-selectivity studies
Historical human signals must not be presented as approved therapeutic or cosmetic benefits.

Published research context is presented for literature orientation only. It is not a dosing, treatment or human-use instruction.

Qualification data

Specifications to confirm against the released lot

CAS: 121062-08-6
Formula: C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉ for the PubChem free-base structure
Molecular weight: 1,024.2 Da
Appearance: Lot-specific lyophilized solid; confirm colour and physical form on the released-batch COA
Purity: Lot-specific released result; request cyclic-form identity, chromatographic purity, quantitative peptide content, counterion/water and residual-solvent data · target, verify batch COA
Storage: Store and handle only under the released-lot COA or manufacturer stability instructions. Keep sealed, dry and protected from light; do not infer solution stability from the lyophilized powder specification.
MOQ: On request
Lead time: Confirmed with quote

PubChem CID 92432

Qualification matrix

Identity, purity and content are separate release questions.

Identity

Confirm the stated molecule and supplied form. Start with the matching batch COA; request sequence-level evidence only when the buyer's written procedure requires it and availability or a separate scope has been agreed.

Purity

Review RP-HPLC method conditions, wavelength, integration and related-peak handling. A percentage without the method is not enough.

Content

Net peptide content is not the same as gross lyophilized powder weight. Ask which assay supports the stated amount and whether water/counter-ion is addressed.

Stability

Define long-term storage and transit exposure separately. Cold-chain can be quoted when the buyer’s risk assessment requires it and adds cost.

Research context

What researchers study about Melanotan II

Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Early small human studies investigated pigmentation and melanocortin-mediated sexual-function signals, while later literature and regulators documented adverse events and risks associated with unlicensed online products. MT-II is distinct from afamelanotide and from the approved derivative bremelanotide; those approvals do not apply to MT-II or to this lot. The Australian TGA confirmed in May 2026 that no Melanotan II product is entered on the ARTG or approved for Australian supply.

Laboratory investigation of melanocortin-receptor pharmacology, cyclic-peptide structure-activity relationships, analytical identity and related research models
This is not an approved clinical indication list.

Mechanism context

The question the literature is testing

MT-II is a cyclic alpha-MSH analogue that activates several melanocortin receptors, including MC1R and central MC3R/MC4R pathways. MC1R signaling is linked to melanogenesis, while central melanocortin signaling is linked to appetite and sexual-function observations. Receptor activity depends on the correctly cyclized structure and should be interpreted with the assay system, concentration and reference standard.

Evidence map

Research routes and exposure context

Evidence tierApproved finished-product context

Research areaOther research materials

Routes reported in sources

No administration route applies

Dose / exposure contextProtocol-specific; verify the cited primary source

Routes and exposure contexts summarize cited studies or approved finished-product labels. They are not instructions for administering this RUO material; no customer dose is provided.

Evidence boundaries

Compatibility, limitations and decision context

Not for human or veterinary use
Melanotan II is not an FDA-approved medicine
Australia's TGA states that melanotan tanning products are unapproved there, can carry serious risks and may be illegally promoted or supplied; its May 2026 enforcement notice confirms that no Melanotan II product is entered on the ARTG or approved for Australian supply
Laboratory users must follow institutional controls and the SDS; chemical purity does not establish sterility, injectable suitability or clinical safety.

Interactions reported in the literature

Not established for this Research Use Only reagent
No stacking, combination or patient drug-interaction advice is provided.

Literature context is not a supplier release result or human-use instruction. Follow your institution's approved laboratory risk assessment.

Factory batch documentation

Melanotan II factory batch COAs

Melanotan II 10 mg Factory batch COA protected preview

Melanotan II10 mg · WHJLP-MT210-260529-E

Representative records, refreshed periodically

Published COAs show representative factory batches and may not be the latest available. For a current quote or shipment, our sales team can confirm the applicable lot and provide its COA.

Independent testing, arranged on request

Third-party reports are not routinely published. If independent verification is required, we can agree the laboratory, method, acceptance criteria and remedy before testing. If the agreed specification is not met, an appropriate resolution—including a refund where applicable—can be discussed under the agreed terms. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the buyer pays the cost of this optional testing.

Help reviewing your COA

Need help reading a factory COA or third-party report? Our sales team can clarify test items, specifications and how the results relate to the lot under discussion.

Ask for the current packet, not a generic certificate

Released-lot documentation should identify the exact cyclic sequence and form, theoretical and observed intact mass, LC-MS identity, RP-HPLC purity with method, peptide content, counterion, water and residual solvents
Sterility, endotoxin and bioburden require separate specified tests and must not be inferred from HPLC purity.

Released-batch COARP-HPLC result and method contextIdentity result appropriate to the moleculeWater / counter-ion context where relevantSDS and handling statementAdditional testing scoped on request

Available fills

Quote the fill and pack configuration you need

Reference SKUFillBase pack

MT2-10MG10 mg10 vials

Handling

Storage in the lab and temperature during transit are different decisions

Store and handle only under the released-lot COA or manufacturer stability instructions. Keep sealed, dry and protected from light; do not infer solution stability from the lyophilized powder specification.

State destination, season, acceptable transit exposure and whether your protocol requires insulated or cold-chain service. Additional temperature-control cost is quoted explicitly.

Buyer FAQ

Terms to settle before the purchase order

Can a buyer arrange third-party testing?+

Yes. Testing must be performed by a mutually accepted, established specialist laboratory. Fee allocation, specification, sampling, method and acceptance rule must be agreed before testing; if an agreed independent result shows nonconformance, the remedy follows the signed order terms. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the buyer pays the cost of this optional testing.

Does HPLC purity prove peptide content?+

No. Chromatographic purity describes the relative peak profile under a stated method. Identity, water, counter-ion, residual solvents and assay/content may require separate methods.

Is cold-chain shipping always required?+

Not always. Heat can accelerate degradation, especially during summer and long transit. Cold-chain reduces exposure but raises cost. State the destination and stability risk so the right service can be quoted.

How are payment terms handled?+

Available methods and milestones depend on order value, destination and project type. The pro forma invoice should state currency, bank details, fees, payment milestones and the release condition.

Why must the testing laboratory understand peptide chemistry?+

Free-base and salt forms, hydrophilic and hydrophobic sequences, aggregation and adsorption can change sample preparation and method suitability. Use a laboratory experienced with the molecule class.

External qualification references

WHO good storage and distribution practices IATA Temperature Control Regulations ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory competence 21 CFR 211.84 component testing and supplier COA controls

These are buyer-qualification references, not claims that this RUO material is regulated, certified or released under those frameworks. Applicability depends on the buyer's workflow and jurisdiction.

Selected sources

Literature behind the research context

Identity: PubChem CID 92432. Human research context: Dorr et al. 1996 (PMID 8637402) and the small 2000 studies (PMIDs 11035391 and 11018622). Quality, safety and regulatory context: the listed peer-reviewed work, the Australian TGA warning published 24 January 2025, its Melanotan II enforcement notice published 21 May 2026, and the UK MHRA's 17 April 2024 official response. Study-specific findings do not authorise human use.

01
Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study
Life Sciences · 1996 · peer-reviewed original research (Phase I clinical study)
Open source
02
Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II
International Journal of Impotence Research · 2000 · peer-reviewed original research / review of clinical studies
Open source
03
Effect of an alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analog on penile erection and sexual desire in men with organic erectile dysfunction
Urology · 2000 · peer-reviewed original research (double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial)
Open source
04
An unhealthy glow? A review of melanotan use and associated clinical outcomes
Performance Enhancement & Health · 2014 · systematic literature review
Open source
05
Melanotan-associated melanoma
British Journal of Dermatology · 2011 · peer-reviewed case report
Open source
06
Evaluation of synthetic alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogs: an observational study of unregulated, online-available drugs
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2022 · peer-reviewed research letter / observational study
Open source
07
The 'Barbie Drug'-marketing and perceptions of melanotan on social media
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology · 2025 · peer-reviewed research letter (no formal abstract published)
Open source
08
The first preparative solution phase synthesis of melanotan II
Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry · 2008 · peer-reviewed original research (open-access chemistry journal) — included here as a chemistry/manufacturing reference rather than a clinical source
Open source

Product FAQ

Questions buyers ask about Melanotan II

Which identity details distinguish Melanotan II from related melanocortin peptides?+

Confirm the N-acetylated, C-amidated seven-residue sequence, D-Phe stereochemistry and Asp–Lys side-chain lactam bridge, together with CAS 121062-08-6 for the PubChem free-base record, theoretical mass and supplied salt/counterion. Afamelanotide and bremelanotide are different molecules; their approvals or data cannot qualify an MT-II lot.

Why must the cyclic form be confirmed analytically?+

The side-chain lactam is part of the defined MT-II structure. Confirm the expected free-base intact mass near 1,024.2 Da with high-resolution MS and use peptide mapping, MS/MS or another suitable orthogonal method to verify the modified sequence and bridge. A vendor name or HPLC peak alone cannot exclude linear precursor, deletion products, epimers or an incorrect salt basis.

Melanotan II

Key benefits

Specifications to confirm against the released lot

Identity, purity and content are separate release questions.

What researchers study about Melanotan II

The question the literature is testing

Research routes and exposure context

Compatibility, limitations and decision context

Interactions reported in the literature

Melanotan II factory batch COAs

Ask for the current packet, not a generic certificate

Quote the fill and pack configuration you need

Storage in the lab and temperature during transit are different decisions

Terms to settle before the purchase order

Literature behind the research context

Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study

Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II

Effect of an alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analog on penile erection and sexual desire in men with organic erectile dysfunction

An unhealthy glow? A review of melanotan use and associated clinical outcomes

Melanotan-associated melanoma

Evaluation of synthetic alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogs: an observational study of unregulated, online-available drugs

The 'Barbie Drug'-marketing and perceptions of melanotan on social media

The first preparative solution phase synthesis of melanotan II

Questions buyers ask about Melanotan II

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