What is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a cyclic heptapeptide with the structure Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂, developed as a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) at the University of Arizona in the 1980s. The cyclic lactam ring structure was introduced to improve receptor binding affinity and metabolic stability relative to the linear α-MSH sequence.
Melanotan II is classified as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, with binding activity across the melanocortin receptor subtypes MC1R through MC5R. Each receptor subtype mediates distinct biological effects: MC1R is primarily involved in pigmentation and melanogenesis in melanocytes; MC3R in energy homeostasis and inflammatory regulation; MC4R in appetite regulation, cardiovascular function, and sexual behaviour; MC5R in exocrine gland secretion. The non-selective nature of MT-II makes it a frequently used tool for comparative melanocortin pharmacology in preclinical receptor binding studies.
ClaraScience supplies Melanotan II in 10mg lyophilised vials, HPLC-tested to ≥99.1% purity (99.2% verified this batch). For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption.
Structure. Cyclic heptapeptide lactam. Structurally distinct from linear α-MSH through cyclisation for improved receptor binding.
Receptor profile. Non-selective MC1R–MC5R agonist — useful for comparative melanocortin receptor pharmacology.
Research context. Preclinical receptor binding studies, pigmentation biology, melanocortin receptor pharmacology.
Research Background
Melanotan II originated from a research programme at the University of Arizona aimed at developing synthetic melanocortin receptor agonists for the study of pigmentation biology. The compound was designed as a conformationally constrained, cyclic analogue of α-MSH with superior receptor affinity. Early characterisation was published by Dorr et al. in Life Sciences (1996;58:1777–1784), establishing the compound's pharmacological profile across melanocortin receptor subtypes.
The melanocortin receptor system has been the subject of intensive research interest across multiple biological domains. The MC1R/pigmentation axis has applications in skin biology, photoprotection, and dermatological research. The MC4R pathway has been extensively studied in the context of energy homeostasis, with MC4R knockout mice demonstrating severe obesity and hyperphagia — establishing this receptor as a target for obesity research. MT-II's non-selective MC4R agonism places it in the orbit of this substantial research literature.
In contemporary preclinical research, Melanotan II is primarily used as a pharmacological tool for receptor characterisation, binding competition assays, and comparative studies of selective vs non-selective melanocortin receptor agonism. It is commonly studied alongside GHK-Cu in aesthetics-focused research programmes examining skin biology and pigmentation pathways.
Key citation Dorr RT et al. "Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study." Life Sci. 1996;58(20):1777–1784.
Compound Specifications
| Common Name |
Melanotan II (MT-II) |
| Sequence |
Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂ (cyclic) |
| Molecular Weight |
1024.18 g/mol |
| Receptor Targets |
MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R (non-selective) |
| Purity (HPLC) |
≥99.1% (99.2% verified this batch) |
| Vial Size |
10mg lyophilised powder |
| Storage |
2–8°C (short-term) · −20°C (long-term) |
| Primary Reference |
Dorr RT et al., Life Sci 1996;58:1777–1784 |
Regulatory Status — Australia
Important: Melanotan II is not approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for any therapeutic use in Australia. It is not a registered therapeutic good. Importation and supply outside of research contexts may carry regulatory implications. ClaraScience supplies Melanotan II exclusively for legitimate laboratory research purposes. All buyers must confirm research-only use at purchase. Not for human or animal consumption.
ClaraScience operates under research compound supply frameworks. Buyers are responsible for compliance with all applicable Australian federal and state laws governing research chemical procurement and use. If you are unsure whether your intended use qualifies as research use, we recommend consulting with a relevant regulatory expert before purchasing.
Ordering & Pricing — Australia
| Quantity |
Price per vial |
Saving |
| 1–4 vials |
$69.95 AUD |
— |
| 5–9 vials |
$59.95 AUD |
Save 14% |
| 10+ vials |
$54.95 AUD |
Save 21% |
Free priority tracked shipping on orders over $250 AUD. Dispatched within 24 hours. For research use only. Wholesale enquiries welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II is a cyclic heptapeptide α-MSH analogue and non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R–MC5R). Developed at the University of Arizona, it is studied in preclinical melanocortin receptor binding research and pigmentation biology. For laboratory research use only.
Is Melanotan II legal in Australia?
Melanotan II is not TGA-approved for therapeutic use in Australia. ClaraScience supplies it as a research compound for laboratory research purposes only. Buyers confirm research-only use at purchase and are responsible for compliance with applicable Australian regulations.
What melanocortin receptors does Melanotan II bind?
Melanotan II is non-selective across MC1R (pigmentation), MC3R (energy homeostasis), MC4R (appetite, cardiovascular, sexual function research), and MC5R (exocrine glands). This breadth makes it useful for comparative receptor pharmacology studies.
What purity is your Melanotan II?
≥99.1% HPLC-verified at a WHO/GMP-certified third-party laboratory. Full COA with HPLC chromatogram and mass spectrometry identity confirmation with every batch.
Is Melanotan II available in Australia for research?
ClaraScience stocks Melanotan II in our Australian warehouse. 10mg vials, research-grade, dispatched within 24 hours. For laboratory research use only.
