Melanocortin Peptides
Melanotan II
Research Grade≥99% PurityLyophilized
Synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone studied for melanocortin receptor binding and pigmentation pathway research.
Dosage
$55.00
Quantity
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Third Party Tested by Freedom Diagnostics
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Research Summary
Melanotan II
Published research data and clinical observations
🔬
Research Phase
University of Arizona trials
💉
Administration
Subcutaneous, 5 doses q.o.d.
🧬
Key Mechanism
Non-selective melanocortin
📄
Publications
Peer-reviewed papers
👥
Subjects Studied
Human clinical subjects
What Makes Melanotan II Different?
The Science, Simplified
Four Receptors, Multiple Effects
Melanotan II mimics the body's own alpha-MSH hormone but activates multiple melanocortin receptors at once. Its primary target — MC1R — triggers eumelanin production in skin cells without requiring UV exposure.
MC1R
Primary
Melanocortin-1 Receptor
Eumelanin production
Skin pigmentation
UV-independent tanning
Photoprotective pathway
MC4R
Secondary
Melanocortin-4 Receptor
Appetite regulation
Energy homeostasis
Sexual function effects
Led to bremelanotide derivative
MC3R
Moderate
Melanocortin-3 Receptor
Energy balance
Fat metabolism
Cardiovascular effects
Autonomic regulation
WHY NO UV IS NEEDED
Direct Melanocyte Activation
Normal tanning requires UV damage to DNA, which then triggers melanin as a defense. Melanotan II bypasses this entirely by directly activating MC1R:
Produces pigmentation equivalent to ~3 weeks of sun exposure — but without UV-induced DNA damage or sunburn.
Melanotan IIMC1R direct (no UV needed)
AfamelanotideMC1R selective analog
UV-B tanningDNA damage pathway
What Researchers Observed
p<0.001
Melanin density increase vs placebo
Barnetson et al. (2006), MC1R variant allele subjects
88%
72%
62%
42%
Key Milestones Achieved
90%
Within 5-7 days (Dorr et al. 1996)
75%
1-3 weeks post-dosing
65%
Skin biopsy melanin typing
For context:In fair-skinned subjects (Fitzpatrick I-II), MT-II produced pigmentation equivalent to ~3 weeks of moderate sun exposure but without UV-induced DNA damage. Barnetson et al. (2006) showed significant melanin density increases even in subjects carrying MC1R variant alleles (red-hair phenotype).
Compound Information
Technical specifications
❄️ Storage Requirements
Stability Information
Avoid freeze/thaw cyclesProtect from lightKeep refrigerated
Lyophilized (powder)
-20°C · 24+ months
Reconstituted
2-8°C · ~30 days
📋 Development Status
Where It Stands
Phase I/IIResearch Use Only
DeveloperUniversity of Arizona
Trial ProgramDiscontinued (led to bremelanotide)
ResultsPhase I/II completed
Potential ApprovalN/A (derivative Vyleesi approved)
This page summarizes published research for informational purposes only. These products are sold exclusively as research chemicals and are not intended for human consumption. Always consult peer-reviewed literature for complete study details.
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