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Skin, Hair & Cosmetic
Melanotan II is a synthetic, lactam-bridged cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), originally designed at the University of Arizona to deliver enhanced metabolic stability and potency relative to the native ligand. Preclinical work has characterised its non-selective agonism across the melanocortin receptor family (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R) and explored its interaction with eumelanin-synthesis, central feeding, thermogenic, and sexual-behaviour pathways in animal models. For laboratory and research use only.
Research focus
Summary of contexts in which this compound appears in the preclinical literature. See cited studies for primary sources.
Melanotan II is a synthetic, lactam-bridged cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), originally designed at the University of Arizona to deliver enhanced metabolic stability and potency relative to the native ligand. Preclinical work has characterised its non-selective agonism across the melanocortin receptor family (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R) and explored its interaction with eumelanin-synthesis, central feeding, thermogenic, and sexual-behaviour pathways in animal models. For laboratory and research use only.
Areas of research interest
Technical specifications
Compound Information
Cyclic α-MSH analogue (heptapeptide, lactam-bridged)
Storage & Stability
Lyophilized (powder)
-20°C • long-term stable in sealed lyophilized form
Reconstituted
2-8°C • use within 30 days of reconstitution
Light
Protect from light during storage and reconstitution
Room temperature
Short-term tolerant during shipping; minimise extended exposure above 25°C
Compound-specific notes
Cyclic lactam constraint confers improved resistance to enzymatic degradation relative to linear α-MSH in published characterisation work; handle as a standard light- and moisture-sensitive lyophilised peptide.
Dosing in the literature
Observational summary of values reported in published research. Not a guide for human or animal use.
Reconstitution
Typically 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial, yielding ~5–10 mg/mL working concentration. The cyclic lactam structure is moderately hydrophilic and dissolves in aqueous diluent with gentle agitation.
Published protocols
Dorr et al. (Life Sciences, 1996) reported the only published phase-I clinical study, evaluating SC doses of 0.01–0.1 mg/kg in a small pilot cohort. Wessells et al. (Int J Impotence Research, 2000) used SC doses of 0.025 mg/kg in a small crossover study. Preclinical work (Raposinho et al. 2003; Heijboer et al. 2005; Rössler et al. 2006) used IP or ICV administration in rodent models. No approved indication exists and no standardised research protocol has been established beyond these early-phase and animal studies.
Half-life
Plasma half-life is not precisely reported in the cited literature. The cyclic lactam constraint confers improved enzymatic stability relative to linear α-MSH analogues; Dorr et al. (1996) noted prolonged biological activity compared with earlier melanotropins, without reporting formal PK parameters.
Post-reconstitution stability
~28 days at 2–8 °C in BAC-water solution under standard peptide handling. Cyclic lactam constraint provides improved solution stability relative to linear analogues per the characterisation literature.
Protocol doses from Dorr et al. (Life Sciences, 1996) and Wessells et al. (Int J Impotence Research, 2000) — small pilot/phase-I human studies; preclinical dosing from Raposinho et al. (J Neuroendocrinol, 2003), Heijboer et al. (Diabetologia, 2005), and Rössler et al. (Pharmacol Biochem Behav, 2006). Melanotan II has no regulatory approval; data are from observational research and early-phase studies only. Safety profile is not established.
Sources & references
Life Sciences
Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study
Dorr RT, Lines R, Levine N, Brooks C, Xiang L, Hruby VJ, Hadley ME
1996 · DOI: 10.1016/0024-3205(96)00160-9 · PMID: 8637402
Read on PubMed ↗International Journal of Impotence Research
Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II
Wessells H, Levine N, Hadley ME, Dorr R, Hruby V
2000 · DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3900582 · PMID: 11035391
Read on PubMed ↗Journal of Neuroendocrinology
The melanocortin agonist Melanotan-II reduces the orexigenic and adipogenic effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY) but does not affect the NPY-driven suppressive effects on the gonadotropic and somatotropic axes in the male rat
Raposinho PD, White RB, Aubert ML
2003 · DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2826.2003.00962.x · PMID: 12535159
Read on PubMed ↗European Journal of Pharmacology
The potent melanocortin receptor agonist melanotan-II promotes peripheral nerve regeneration and has neuroprotective properties in the rat
Ter Laak MP, Brakkee JH, Adan RAH, Hamers FPT, Gispen WH
2003 · DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(02)02945-x · PMID: 12591111
Read on PubMed ↗Diabetologia
Intracerebroventricular administration of melanotan II increases insulin sensitivity of glucose disposal in mice
Heijboer AC, van den Hoek AM, Pijl H, Voshol PJ, Havekes LM, Romijn JA, Corssmit EPM
2005 · DOI: 10.1007/s00125-005-1838-8 · PMID: 15971058
Read on PubMed ↗Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior
The melanocortin agonist, melanotan II, enhances proceptive sexual behaviors in the female rat
Rössler AS, Pfaus JG, Kia HK, Bernabé J, Alexandre L, Giuliano F
2006 · DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2006.09.023 · PMID: 17113634
Read on PubMed ↗British Journal of Dermatology
Melanotropic peptides: more than just 'Barbie drugs' and 'sun-tan jabs'?
Langan EA, Nie Z, Rhodes LE
2010 · DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.09891.x · PMID: 20545686
Read on PubMed ↗Neuropeptides
Melanocortin receptor agonist melanotan-II microinjected in the nucleus accumbens decreases appetitive and consumptive responding for food
Eliason NL, Martin L, Low MJ, Sharpe AL
2022 · DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2022.102289 · PMID: 36155088
Read on PubMed ↗8 peer-reviewed references listed. Citations verified against NCBI PubMed records. For research and educational reference only — does not constitute medical advice.
Researcher FAQ
No. Aero Peptides materials are sold exclusively for in-vitro research and laboratory analytical use. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and are not approved for human or animal administration.
By placing an order, you confirm that you are a qualified researcher and that the material will be used in accordance with all applicable institutional and jurisdictional regulations.
Each lot is independently tested for identity, purity, and mass using HPLC and mass spectrometry. The COA lists the lot number, test date, assay results, and the laboratory that performed the analysis.
Public COA documents are being prepared. In the meantime, you can request a COA for your specific lot and we’ll email it within 1 business day.
Orders ship quickly after your order is placed, from the US. Lyophilized peptides are shipped with insulation appropriate to season; short-term ambient excursions during transit do not measurably affect potency.
On receipt, store at −20°C in the sealed vial until reconstitution. See the handling matrix for full storage parameters. Tracked shipping is included; we ship to all US states and most international destinations.
Most peptides are reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (BAC). The volume depends on the target working concentration. Use our Peptide Calculator to compute volume, U-100 insulin syringe units, and doses per vial from peptide mass and target dose.
Once reconstituted, store at 2–8°C and use within 30 days. Protect the vial from light during storage and handling.
Because peptides are temperature-sensitive research materials, we cannot accept returns of opened or unsealed vials. If a shipment arrives damaged or the seal is broken on arrival, contact us within 7 days and we’ll replace or refund.
See our full returns policy for details.
Don’t see your question? Contact our research team — we typically reply within one business day.
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⚠ Important research notice
Not for human consumption. This product is sold exclusively for research and educational purposes. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
All clinical trial data and research findings presented on this page are sourced from peer-reviewed journals and official publications. They are provided for educational reference only and should not be interpreted as medical advice or product claims.
By purchasing this product, you confirm that you are a qualified researcher and will use it in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
