01 / What it is
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist and a long-standing reference compound in melanocortin research.
Research use onlySpecification publishedQualified users only
Dermal, matrix & melanocortin research · AGX-13
Melanotan II
The cyclic melanocortin analog
$45
10 mg lyophilized vial$4.50/mg · research use only
Research use only · no human or veterinary use, consumption, administration, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, cosmetic use, or food use. Sold to qualified laboratory and analytical users.
02 / Mechanism in the literature
Its cyclic lactam structure resists enzymatic breakdown and binds several melanocortin receptor subtypes, including MC1R and MC4R. Research interest centers on MC1R signaling in melanogenesis and on the broader melanocortin system.
03 / Research context
Melanotan II appears in pigmentation, melanocortin-receptor, and peptide-stability literature as a foundational cyclic α-MSH analog.
Listed format10 mg lyophilized vial
SequenceAc-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂
Molecular formulaC50H69N15O9
Molecular weight1024 g/mol
Catalogue referenceAGX-13
Listed price$45
TargetMC1R / MC4R
04 / Common questions
Why is it described as cyclic?
A lactam bridge closes part of the peptide into a ring, which is what gives the analog its stability relative to native α-MSH.
How does it relate to PT-141?
PT-141 is a closely related melanocortin analog; the two differ at the C-terminus and in receptor selectivity.