All products are for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human consumption.
Cyclic lactam heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist
Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic lactam heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). The cyclic structure is formed by a lactam bridge between aspartic acid and lysine residues. Supplied as a lyophilised powder, boxed in tens, for laboratory research use only.
$70.00 (£55.30) per box of 10 vials · 10 mg
Overview
What is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic lactam heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). The cyclic structure is formed by a lactam bridge between aspartic acid and lysine residues. Supplied as a lyophilised powder, boxed in tens, for laboratory research use only.
Melanotan II at a glance
| Compound | Melanotan II |
|---|---|
| Also known as | MT-2, MT2, Melanotan 2, Melanotan-II |
| Classification | Cyclic lactam heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist |
| CAS number | 121062-08-6 |
| Molecular formula | C50H69N15O9 |
| Molecular weight | 1024.18 g/mol |
| Sequence | Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 |
| Purity | 99%+ by HPLC |
| Physical form | Lyophilised powder |
| Available strengths | 10 mg |
| Box quantity | 10 vials |
| Price from | $7.00 per vial ($70.00 per box) |
| Research status | Not approved in any country. The UK MHRA has issued public warnings against its sale and use. Included strictly as a laboratory reference material. |
| Documentation | Batch-specific COA (Janoshik or Freedom Diagnostic) |
Nominal specifications. The authoritative figures for any given box are those printed on its batch COA.
Pricing
How much does Melanotan II cost?
Melanotan II starts at $7.00 per vial (£5.53), sold in boxes of 10 at $70.00. One box is the smallest order and there is no trade account or minimum spend. Larger volumes are negotiable.
| Strength | Per vial | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | $7.00 £5.53 | $70.00 £55.30 |
Handling
How should Melanotan II be stored and reconstituted?
Full explanation of why each of these matters: peptide handling and storage reference.
Research Context
What is Melanotan II researched for?
Below is a plain-English summary of what published research has investigated, and what it has found. These are descriptions of research activity and published results. They are not claims about what Melanotan II does, and nothing here is a statement that it is safe or effective for any purpose.
Melanocortin receptor binding
Melanotan II activates several melanocortin receptors including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R. That breadth makes it useful as a research tool but also means its effects are difficult to attribute to any single receptor.
Pigmentation biology
MC1R activation on pigment-producing cells increases melanin synthesis. Cell culture work uses Melanotan II to study how that pathway is switched on and regulated. 12
Structure-activity research
The lactam ring formed between two side chains locks the molecule into a fixed shape. Comparing it with the linear parent peptide and with PT-141 demonstrates how shape and terminal group changes redirect receptor preference.
References
- 1Melanoma associated with the use of melanotan-II. Dermatology (2014). PMID 24355990
- 2Melanotan II nasal spray: a possible risk factor for oral mucosal malignant melanoma? Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg (2025). PMID 40210573
Links open the record on PubMed or PubMed Central. These are citations to published research, not claims about this product.
Applications
Where Melanotan II is used in the laboratory
- Melanocortin receptor (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R) binding and selectivity studies
- Pigmentation biology and melanogenesis research in cell culture
- Cyclic peptide conformational stability studies
- Structure-activity relationship research on alpha-MSH analogues
Verification
Does Melanotan II come with a COA?
Yes — every box. Each batch of Melanotan II is analysed by Janoshik Analytical or Freedom Diagnostic. The certificate confirms identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC, and is tied to the batch number printed on the vial label. You can ask to see it before you order.
Example COA. You receive the certificate matching your own batch.
Questions
Melanotan II questions, answered
What does cyclic lactam mean?
A lactam is an amide bond formed within a molecule. In Melanotan II a bond between an aspartic acid side chain and a lysine side chain closes part of the peptide into a ring. This constrains the shape of the molecule, which increases both stability and receptor binding affinity compared with the linear parent peptide.
How much does Melanotan II cost?
Melanotan II starts at $7.00 per vial, sold in boxes of 10 vials at $70.00 per box (about £55.30). 1 strength available: 10 mg. There is no minimum order.
What purity is your Melanotan II?
All batches test at 99%+ purity. Every box ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis from Janoshik Analytical or Freedom Diagnostic, confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC.
Is there a minimum order for Melanotan II?
No. You can order a single box of 10 vials. There is no trade account, bulk commitment or minimum spend.
How is Melanotan II shipped?
Tracked and in discreet, plain packaging, dispatched within 1–3 working days. Delivery estimates are UK 5–7 working days, EU 8–10, USA 5–8 and rest of world 10–12. Full detail is on the shipping page.
