Melanotan-2 10 mg – Synthetic α-MSH Analog for Pigmentation Research
⚠️ Warning: Melanotan-2 is intended exclusively for scientific and research purposes. It is not intended for human use as a medication, dietary supplement, or cosmetic product. Melanotan-2 is not approved as a drug in the European Union or by the FDA. Sale exclusively to persons over the age of 18.
What is Melanotan-2?
Melanotan-2 (MT-2) is a cyclic synthetic heptapeptide —an analog of the natural hormone α-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone). α-MSH is an endogenous hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in regulating skin pigmentation, energy metabolism, and sexual function through the activation of melanocortin receptors.
Melanotan-2 was originally developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s and 1990s as a research tool for studying melanocortin signaling. The development was motivated by research into the potential protection of the skin against UV radiation through the stimulation of melanogenesis.
Amino Acid Sequence and Structure
Melanotan-2 amino acid sequence:Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂
The cyclic structure of the peptide (a lactam bond between Asp and Lys) increases its resistance to enzymatic degradation compared to linear α-MSH, which prolongs its half-life. The substitutions Met→Nle (norleucine) and Phe→D-Phe increase the affinity for melanocortin receptors.
Melanotan-2 is not an approved drug – research context
Melanotan-2 has never been approved by a regulatory agency (the EMA, FDA, or any other) as a drug. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued several warnings regarding its illegal sale outside of a research context. All Melanotan-2 products on jacked.sk are intended exclusively for scientifically trained researchers working under regulated laboratory conditions.
The Melanocortin System—The Basis for MT-2 Research
Melanotan-2 acts as an agonist of melanocortin receptors (MC receptors). There are five types of MC receptors (MC1R–MC5R), and MT-2 has the highest affinity for MC1R and MC4R:
MC1R – Research on Pigmentation and Melanogenesis
MC1R (Melanocortin 1 Receptor) is expressed primarily on melanocytes —the pigment-producing cells of the skin. Its activation leads to: – Stimulation of melanogenesis—the synthesis of melanin pigment (preferentially eumelanin, black/brown) – Activation of the enzyme tyrosinase (a key step in melanin biosynthesis)- In vitro studies suggest a potential photoprotective role of eumelanin against UV-induced DNA damage
Research on MC1R activation is relevant to dermatology, skin oncology, and photobiology.
MC4R – Research on Sexual Function and the Regulation of Food Intake
MC4R (Melanocortin 4 Receptor) is expressed primarily in the central nervous system (hypothalamus). It is involved in: – Regulation of sexual arousal and erectile function (research in animal models and clinical studies) – Regulation of food intake and energy expenditure (MC4R mutations are associated with monogenic obesity in human populations)—Research on MC4R agonists is the subject of intense interest in the fields of sexual medicine and metabolic research
Areas of Preclinical Research on Melanotan-2
Research on Melanogenesis and Photoprotection (in vitro)
Studies on cultured melanocytes and mouse models show that MT-2 administration leads to a statistically significant increase in eumelanin synthesis. In some experiments using a mouse model (C57BL/6 mice), darkening of the fur was observed following systemic administration of MT-2, which serves as an in vivo marker of MC1R activation.
The research hypothesis regarding the photoprotective effect of increased eumelanin (potential protection against UV-induced carcinogenesis) is the subject of a long-term study; however, clinical confirmation of this effect is not available.
Research on Sexual Function
Preclinical studies in animal models have documented the pro-erectile effects of Melanotan-2 through MC4R agonism in the CNS. These results led to the development of a more selective MC4R agonist— PT-141 (Bremelanotide) —which was later tested in clinical trials.
Bremelanotide (derived from MT-2) received FDA approval in 2019 under the brand name Vyleesi® for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. This approval applies exclusively to Bremelanotide/PT-141, not to Melanotan-2.
Research on Weight Control
MC4R activation in the hypothalamus (arcuate nucleus) modulates satiety and energy expenditure signaling. In preclinical studies, chronic administration of MT-2 was associated with a reduction in food intake and body weight. This mechanism is the subject of research in the context of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Melanotan-2 vs. PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
| Property | Melanotan-2 (MT-2) | PT-141 (Bremelanotide) |
| Peptide Type | Cyclic heptapeptide | Cyclic heptapeptide |
| Receptor Profile | MC1R + MC4R (+ MC3R) | Primarily MC4R |
| Effect on Pigmentation | YES (MC1R) | Minimal |
| Research on Sexual Function | YES (MC4R) | YES – primary interest |
| Regulatory Status | Not approved (EU/FDA) | FDA-approved (Vyleesi®, 2019) |
| MW | 1,024 Da | 1,025 Da |
PT-141 is a metabolic derivative of Melanotan-2 with higher selectivity for MC4R, while MT-2 has a broader melanocortin profile with significant activity at MC1R.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Chemical Name | Melanotan-2 (MT-2) |
| IUPAC / Sequence | Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂ |
| Molecular weight | 1,024.2 Da |
| CAS Number | 121062-08-6 |
| Contents per package | 10 mg |
| Purity | ≥ 98% (HPLC-verified) |
| Product Form | Freeze-dried white powder |
| Recommended storage conditions | −20 °C, protected from light and moisture |
| Stability (lyophilisate) | Up to 24 months at −20 °C |
| Stability (reconstituted) | Up to 28 days at 4 °C |
| Regulatory Status | Unapproved drug (EU/FDA); for research purposes only |
| Intended Use | For scientific research purposes only |
Frequently Asked Questions About Melanotan-2
⚠️ Warning – Intended exclusively for research purposes
All products sold on jacked.sk are intended EXCLUSIVELY for scientific research purposes. They are not intended for use as a medicine, drug, dietary supplement, or cosmetic product, nor for human or veterinary use. The results cited in the descriptions are based on preclinical studies (in vitro, animal models) and cannot be automatically extrapolated to human use. Sale restricted to individuals over the age of 18. By purchasing this product, the customer confirms that they are a professional researcher and will use the product solely in accordance with applicable laws.







