“01 / 05
Melanocortin pharmacology
Widely used research standard for non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonism.
Molecular profilePubChem 92432
Purity≥99%
Mol. weight1024.18 g/mol
FormulaC50H69N15O9
Chain7 residues
Molecular profilePubChem CID 92432
Purity≥99%By HPLC, every batch
Molecular weight1024.18g/molApproximate
FormulaC50H69N15O9Cyclic heptapeptide
Chain length7residuesCyclic lactam
About
About Melanotan II 10mg
Research use only — not for human or animal consumption. Per-batch documentation is provided with the material.
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic lactam analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Its seven-residue ring, Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2, is closed by a lactam bridge between the Asp and Lys side chains (a 2->7 cyclization), conferring high potency and metabolic stability. It is catalogued under CAS 121062-08-6 and PubChem CID 92432, and acts as a non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist with activity at both MC1R (pigmentation) and MC4R.
Supplied as a 10mg lyophilized vial, Helio's Melanotan II is intended strictly for in vitro and preclinical Research Use Only and is not for human or veterinary use. It is widely used as a research standard in melanocortin-receptor pharmacology.
- Molecular Formula
- C50H69N15O9
- Molecular Weight
- 1024.18 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 121062-08-6
- PubChem CID
- 92432
- Structure
- Cyclic lactam heptapeptide, Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 (2->7 lactam)
- Receptor / Target
- Melanocortin receptors (non-selective; MC1R and MC4R agonist)
- Form
- Lyophilized powder
- Solubility
- Soluble in water
- Storage
- Lyophilized: room temperature short-term; -20°C to -80°C long-term; protect from light
- Stability
- Refrigerate at 4°C for short-term use; freeze at -80°C for extended storage
Amino acid sequence
Seven residues, one lactam ring.
Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂ · a 2-7 lactam bridge confers potency and stability.
HydrophobicAcidicBasicNon-standard residueD-amino acid (dashed ring)lactam bridge
Specifications
The lab sheet.
CAS 121062-08-6
- Material
- Melanotan II (Cyclic alpha-MSH analog)
- Also searched as
- MT-2, MT2
- Research area
- Skin & cosmetic research
- CAS number
- 121062-08-6
- Molecular formula
- C50H69N15O9
- Molecular weight
- ~1024.18 g/mol
- Type
- Cyclic lactam heptapeptide (alpha-MSH analog)
- Formats
- Lyophilized vial
- PubChem CID
- 92432 ↗
- Receptor / target
- Melanocortin receptors MC1R and MC4R
- Purity (HPLC)
- ≥99%
- Identity (MS)
- Confirmed to specification
- Testing
- Accredited (ISO 17025) third-party laboratory
- Documentation
- Per-batch COA →
Research context
Where it's studied.
Areas explored in the research literature. For laboratory research only.
“02 / 05
Pigmentation biology
Studied in melanocyte models for MC1R-driven melanin synthesis.
“03 / 05
Central melanocortin research
Examined at MC4R in appetite- and energy-balance signaling models.
“04 / 05
Structure-activity studies
Cyclic-lactam design serves as a reference for conformationally constrained analogs.
“05 / 05
Receptor-binding assays
Employed as a potent comparator in melanocortin binding and functional assays.
Melanotan II was engineered as a conformationally constrained, cyclic analog of alpha-MSH; the lactam bridge stabilizes the bioactive turn and yields a compact, potent, metabolically stable melanocortin agonist. It retains the conserved His-Phe-Arg-Trp active-site motif and engages multiple melanocortin receptors, notably MC1R for pigmentation and MC4R in central pathways, making it a frequently cited pharmacological tool.
Its non-selective receptor profile underlies the breadth of published receptor-binding and functional studies. All material offered here is for laboratory research only; no human efficacy, handling, or safety claims are made.
Melanotan II was developed at the University of Arizona as a cyclic lactam analog of alpha-MSH, designed to lock the peptide into its bioactive conformation and improve potency and stability over both native alpha-MSH and the linear Melanotan I.
- PubChem Compound Summary for CID 92432, Melanotan II. National Library of Medicine.
- Al-Obeidi F, et al. Design of a new class of superpotent cyclic alpha-melanotropins based on quenched dynamic simulations. J Am Chem Soc. 1989;111(9):3413-3416.
- Hadley ME, Dorr RT. Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones. Peptides. 2006;27(4):921-930.
View compound profile on NIH PubChem →
Cited literature refers to laboratory and preclinical research. This material is supplied strictly for research use only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
FDA Disclosure & Intended Use: FDA Disclosure: The statements on this website and the products sold herein have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Products sold are for Research Use Only and are not for human or animal use. Intended Purpose: Products sold on this site are intended solely for basic laboratory research, pharmaceutical research, or the development of new tests. They are not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical use.
Handling & storage
Keep it cold,
keep it dark.
4°C
Short term · days to weeks
Refrigeration at 4°C (39°F) is acceptable. Keep cold and away from light once received.
Room temp
Moderate term · several weeks
Lyophilized peptides are typically stable at room temperature for several weeks.
−20°C
Long term · months to years
For long-term storage, freeze at −20°C (−4°F) or below.
Frequently asked
Questions about Melanotan II.
Are these research materials third-party tested?
Yes — every batch is analysed by an accredited (ISO 17025) independent laboratory using HPLC and mass spectrometry, with a per-batch Certificate of Analysis.
What purity are the materials?
Materials are verified to 99%+ HPLC purity. Any batch that does not meet the threshold is not released.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. Per-batch COA documentation is provided and is traceable by lot number.
Where do you ship from?
Materials are shipped from the USA in discreet, protective packaging.
Are these products for human use?
No. All materials are sold strictly for laboratory research use only — not for human or animal consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease.
A cyclic melanocortin standard. Supplied for the bench.
Lyophilized, sealed and tested to the batch. Skin research, documented.
