Melanotan 2 (MT2) 10mg

Description

Melanotan 2 (MT2) is a synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist originally developed as an α-MSH analog to stimulate melanogenesis (skin pigmentation). It is also a centrally-acting compound that has been reported to increase sexual arousal/desire as an observed pharmacologic effect in animal and human studies. MT-II is commonly used as a research reagent to probe melanocortin biology, pigmentation pathways, and central melanocortin effects on behavior and metabolism. PubChemPMC

Mechanism & sequence

• Mechanism (summary): MT-II activates melanocortin receptors (including MC1R in melanocytes and MC3/4R centrally), leading to increased tyrosinase activity and melanin production in melanocytes and producing diverse CNS effects when it crosses into the brain. PubChemPMC

• Representative sequence (short notation): Ac-Nle-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys-NH₂ (commonly reported variants/acetate salts may appear in supplier COAs). PubChem

Research & applications

• Pigmentation / tanning models: Used to stimulate melanin synthesis in vitro (melanocyte cultures) and in vivo pigmentation studies. PubChem

• Neuroendocrine and sexual-behavior research: MT-II produces centrally mediated sexual arousal and erectile responses in preclinical models and early human trials; increased sexual desire/erection was reported in clinical studies. PubMedPMC

• Other experimental uses: Employed experimentally in studies of energy balance, thermoregulation, neuronal recovery models, and melanocortin receptor pharmacology. ScienceDirectPMC

Safety signals & common adverse effects (research context)

Users and case reports have documented a range of adverse effects associated with MT-II, particularly from unregulated/unsupervised use: nausea, flushing, yawning, increases in blood pressure, priapism (rare but reported), syncope, rhabdomyolysis, and isolated reports of serious vascular events. Several case reports and reviews highlight systemic toxicity when used outside controlled research settings. Researchers should treat MT-II as a bioactive compound with potential for acute systemic effects and design studies accordingly. PubMed+1PMC

Recommended (research) usage — do not use these as clinical dosing guidelines

• In vitro: start at 1–1000 nM (0.001–1 µM) for receptor binding and cell-based signaling assays; optimize/titrate per assay and cell model. ScienceDirect

• In vivo (rodent studies): published preclinical studies report effective central or systemic doses ranging from low µg/kg to mg/kg depending on route and endpoint (example experimental IV/ICV ranges include 0.1–1.0 mg/kg IV or µg-level central microinjections for behavioral endpoints). Use literature-validated protocols and IACUC-approved conversions — do not extrapolate to human use. ScienceDirectPMC

Important: many adverse events reported in human case reports occurred with unregulated self-administration; any in-vivo work should include appropriate monitoring, cardiovascular observation, and institutional approval. PubMedPMC

Handling, storage & formulation notes

• Reconstitution: Reconstitute lyophilized MT-II in sterile water or appropriate buffer immediately before use. Prepare fresh working dilutions and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.

• Formulation: For topical/ex-vivo pigmentation studies, validate penetration enhancers and vehicle compatibility; for systemic work, follow sterile handling procedures.

• Storage: Store lyophilized vials at −20 °C for long term; short-term storage at 2–8 °C is acceptable per COA. Protect from moisture and light. Validate stability with your supplier COA.

Packaging

• Packaging: 10 mg amber glass vial with desiccant.

• Shelf life: Up to 12 months unopened (confirm with COA).

For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption.
Do not market or label this product with clinical claims. If your work involves potential clinical translation, consult regulatory authorities and the approved product literature. Avoid any advice or instructions for unsupervised human use.