Melanotan-2 — cyclic alpha-MSH analog (MT-II) for melanogenesis and libido research. Shorter cyclic structure vs MT-1. Sourced from verified Chinese manufacturer, purity tested per batch.
Melanotan-2 (MT-2) is a melanocortin research peptide with an unusually sensitive supply chain: among chinese peptides, it is one of the most frequently under-dosed compounds on the open market. The reason is simple economics — MT-2 sells by perceived potency, not by documentation. Our catalog approach inverts that: the manufacturer’s specification and lot documentation travel with the vial.
Buy Melanotan-2 | Cyclic MSH Analog | Research Grade | Peptides of China Melanotan-2 Buy Melanotan-2 (MT-II) — Cyclic Alpha-MSH Research Peptide Melanotan-2 is a sexual health research compound currently in stock directly from a verified Chinese manufacturer. Every batch is tested by the manufacturer for purity and concentration as part of routine quality control. Sourcing is direct — no intermediaries. Public catalog minimum is $300 in goods per supplier. Eligible new customers may use one first-order trial without a monetary minimum; 5% off goods applies from $3,500 per supplier, excluding shipping. International shipping available.
Compound Profile
Melanotan-2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a neuropeptide derived from the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor. The compound is a 7-amino acid cyclic peptide — Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂ — with key modifications relative to native α-MSH: norleucine substitutes Met⁴, D-phenylalanine replaces Phe⁷ for improved metabolic stability, and a lactam cyclisation bridges Asp⁵ and Lys¹⁰. These changes confer resistance to serum peptidases and increase receptor binding potency approximately 1000-fold over native α-MSH. MT-2 is a non-selective melanocortin agonist active at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, with this broad receptor profile underpinning its wide research use across melanogenesis, energy homeostasis, and sexual behaviour models. The majority of preclinical research on MT-2 has addressed three functional areas: melanogenesis via MC1R in melanocyte models, CNS-mediated sexual behaviour via MC4R in hypothalamic circuits, and energy intake/expenditure modulation via MC3R and MC4R in metabolic research. MT-2 was the original compound that prompted the development of more selective melanocortin agonists — PT-141 for arousal research (lower MC1R activity) and afamelanotide for photoprotection (MC1R selective). Understanding MT-2’s broad receptor activity remains essential for interpreting the mechanistic literature on melanocortin system biology. Peptides of China supplies research-grade Melanotan-2 as lyophilized powder at ≥98% purity, verified by HPLC and confirmed by mass spectrometry. Certificates of Analysis available per batch. Wholesale pricing available on request. For laboratory research use only.
Profile
Available Variants
| Name | Strength | Pack Size | Purity | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melanotan-2 | 10 mg | 10 vials | ≥98% | In Stock |
| Melanotan-2 | 10 mg | 10 vials | — | In Stock |
Specification Highlights
Quality & Testing
Testing method: HPLC / LC-MS . Products are supplied against the specification shown on the applicable product page. The standard catalog purity specification is ≥98% unless otherwise stated. Product-specific specifications and quality-control information may vary by compound and batch. Every batch is tested by the manufacturer for purity and concentration as part of routine quality control, using methods such as HPLC and LC-MS. These results are kept in the manufacturer’s internal quality-control records and are not issued as a separate certificate or document.
Research Areas
Melanogenesis & Photoprotection Research MC1R agonism by MT-2 stimulates melanocyte cAMP production, MITF transcription factor activation, and upregulation of eumelanin biosynthesis enzymes (TRP1, TRP2, tyrosinase). In B16 melanoma cell assays and primary human melanocyte cultures, MT-2 produces dose-dependent increases in melanin content and dendrite formation. Comparative studies with the MC1R-selective analogue afamelanotide use MT-2 as the reference non-selective compound to characterise MC1R contribution versus other receptor subtypes in pigmentation responses. Energy Homeostasis & Obesity Models MC3R and MC4R in the hypothalamus are key nodes in the leptin-melanocortin energy balance axis. MT-2 administration in rodent diet-induced obesity models produces dose-dependent reductions in food intake (hypophagia) and body weight, with concurrent changes in brown adipose tissue thermogenesis. MC4R knockout mouse studies confirm that the anorectic effect is primarily MC4R-mediated. MT-2 is used as a non-selective melanocortin agonist reference tool in studies characterising the energy balance phenotype versus selective MC3R or MC4R agonists. Sexual Behaviour & MC4R Circuits Preclinical studies in male (rat, rabbit) and female rodent models established MT-2 as the first peptide to produce centrally-mediated sexual arousal — a finding that eventually led to the development of PT-141 (bremelanotide) as a more MC1R-selective analogue. MT-2 activates MC4R in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) and paraventricular nucleus, regions involved in sexual motivation. In vitro patch-clamp studies in hypothalamic slices characterise the electrophysiological correlates of MC4R activation in these circuits. Compulsive Behaviour & Addiction Models MC4R’s role in reward salience and compulsive behaviour has been investigated with MT-2 in operant self-administration models. Rodent studies document that MT-2 reduces ethanol self-administration and attenuates reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour in extinction-relapse paradigms, effects attributed to MC4R modulation of dopaminergic reward circuitry. This research area has gained interest given recent clinical findings on GLP-1 agonists in addiction, with melanocortin agonists representing a distinct mechanistic approach to the same circuitry. ## Sourcing Melanotan-2 From China
Melanotan-2 is available through our platform as a china peptide sourced directly from an established Chinese manufacturer. Three points define how we handle it:
- Factory-direct, not trader-sourced. We confirm availability and specification with the manufacturer before the order is confirmed. There is no intermediary resale of unknown-origin vials in this catalog.
- Specification before shipment. The purity and concentration specification shown on this page is the manufacturer’s batch specification. Product-specific quality-control information travels with the order.
- Research-use discipline. Like every listing in our catalog, Melanotan-2 is supplied for laboratory research use only, under strict research-use terms.
For buyers comparing chinese peptides suppliers, the practical test is whether the seller can name the manufacturer and show the batch documentation. We work the other way around: the manufacturer and the documentation are the offer. Browse the full catalog or see how sourcing works.