Broad-Spectrum Melanocortin Agonist for Multi-Receptor Pathway Research
Melanotan II is a synthetic, cyclic 7-amino acid peptide (sequence: Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂) that functions as a potent, non-selective agonist at multiple melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R). Its cyclic structure, incorporating a lactam bridge between Asp and Lys, confers enhanced metabolic stability and receptor affinity compared to linear α-MSH fragments. In research settings, Melanotan II serves as a valuable but complex tool due to its promiscuous receptor profile: it stimulates MC1R (mediating melanogenesis and skin pigmentation), MC3R and MC4R (central regulators of energy homeostasis, feeding behavior, and sexual function), and MC5R (involved in exocrine gland function). This makes it particularly useful for investigating the integrated physiological effects of pan-melanocortin activation or for studying systems where multiple receptor subtypes may contribute to an observed effect. Supplied as a lyophilized powder, this research-grade peptide is intended strictly for controlled, non-human laboratory studies exploring the interconnected roles of melanocortin signaling in diverse biological systems.
Complete Research Kit Contents & Verification
Each research order provides a complete experimental package designed for complex receptor pathway research:
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Primary Research Compound: 10 sterile glass vials containing 10mg of lyophilized Melanotan II peptide powder per vial.
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Reconstitution Solution: 30ml vial of sterile Bacteriostatic Water (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol) for experimental use.
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Laboratory Administration Tools: Pack of sterile 1ml insulin syringes (29G x 1/2″) for precise measurement and transfer.
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Sterilization Supplies: Individually wrapped alcohol prep swabs.
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Research Protocol Documentation:
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Dosing Schedule: Administration protocol for research models, noting the potential for multiple, dose-dependent effects across different physiological systems due to non-selective receptor activation.
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Usage Instructions: Comprehensive guide covering reconstitution, storage conditions (-20°C recommended), handling safety, and critical experimental design considerations for disentangling effects mediated by different melanocortin receptors (e.g., use of selective antagonists, knockout models).
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Quality Verification: Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided with each batch, detailing:
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Purity Analysis (>98% by HPLC)
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Critical Structural Verification (Mass Spectrometry):
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Confirmation of the cyclic heptapeptide sequence
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Verification of the lactam bridge (cyclic structure) between Asp and Lys
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Confirmation of Norleucine (Nle) at position 1 and D-Phenylalanine at position 3
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Verification of N-terminal Acetylation and C-terminal Amidation
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Molecular Weight: 1024.2 Da Confirmed
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Sterility Testing Results
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Endotoxin Levels (<10 EU/mg)
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Residual Solvent Analysis
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Net Peptide Content
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D-isomer Verification (for D-Phe)
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Research Applications & Scientific Utility
In a laboratory setting, Melanotan II enables investigation into the broad physiological roles of the melanocortin system. Primary research applications include:
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Integrated Physiology Studies: Researching the simultaneous effects on pigmentation (via MC1R), energy expenditure/feeding (via MC3/4R), and sexual arousal (via MC3/4R) in whole-animal models.
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Neuroscience & Behavior: Studying MC3/4R-mediated effects on food intake, motivation, grooming behavior, and erectile function in behavioral paradigms.
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Comparative Melanocortin Pharmacology: Serving as a non-selective pan-agonist in studies comparing the effects of selective MC1R (e.g., Melanotan I), MC4R, or other subtype-specific agonists/antagonists.
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Mechanistic Complexity Research: Used in conjunction with receptor knockout models or selective antagonists to parse out which receptor subtype mediates a particular observed effect in complex systems.
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Dermatology Research: Investigating melanogenesis, but with the understanding that central effects may confound interpretations compared to selective MC1R agonists.
Laboratory Handling & Safety Protocol
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Storage: Store unopened lyophilized peptide vials at -20°C or below. Reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted and stored at -20°C.
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Reconstitution: Perform under sterile conditions. The cyclic peptide dissolves readily. Swirl gently.
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Laboratory Safety: Standard PPE is required.
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Behavioral Research Considerations: Researchers conducting behavioral studies should be prepared for and ethically account for multiple potential phenotypic changes (altered pigmentation, reduced feeding, increased grooming, etc.).
⚠️ Critical Compliance & Intended Use Disclaimer:
THIS PRODUCT IS SOLD FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY (RUO). NOT FOR HUMAN OR VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC USE.
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Intended Use: Melanotan II is supplied as a biochemical reagent for laboratory research purposes only. It is intended for use by qualified researchers in controlled settings studying melanocortin receptor pharmacology. The “dosing schedule” is for research models only.
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Not for Human Consumption: Under ABSOLUTELY NO CIRCUMSTANCES is this product intended for human administration. It is illegal for human use as a tanning or “lifestyle” agent in most countries. It is not a cosmetic, tanning product, or sexual performance drug. The provided supplies are for laboratory use only.
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Regulatory Status: This product has not been evaluated or approved by any health authority for any use. It is an investigational research compound with documented side effects (nausea, flushing, spontaneous erections, etc.) that make it unsuitable and dangerous for human use.
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Specific High-Risk Warning: Melanotan II is notoriously misused in illicit markets. This product is supplied exclusively to facilitate scientific research into its mechanisms and risks. The purchaser certifies it will not be diverted.
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Researcher Responsibility: The purchaser assumes full legal and ethical responsibility for ensuring this compound is used exclusively for legitimate, non-human research with appropriate approvals.





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