Melanotan 2 (10mg) Research Peptide: A Multi‑Receptor Melanocortin Agonist for Pigmentation & CNS Studies

If your research explores the pharmacology of melanocortin receptors, the molecular pathways of skin pigmentation, or the complex interplay between metabolic and central nervous system signalling, Melanotan 2 (10mg) research peptide offers a uniquely versatile and well‑characterised synthetic tool. Also known as MT‑II, this cyclic heptapeptide (Ac‑Nle‑cyclo[Asp‑His‑D‑Phe‑Arg‑Trp‑Lys]‑NH₂) is a potent, non‑selective agonist of several melanocortin receptor subtypes—MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R.

Unlike the linear MC1R‑selective analogue afamelanotide (Melanotan I), Melanotan II incorporates a lactam bridge between Asp⁵ and Lys¹⁰ that restricts conformational flexibility and confers enhanced metabolic stability. This structural feature, combined with its ability to cross the blood‑brain barrier, makes Melanotan 2 (10mg) research peptide a valuable tool for laboratories investigating melanogenesis, appetite regulation, sexual behaviour, and metabolic rate.

At Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides, we supply high‑purity Melanotan 2 (10mg) research peptide to research institutions and wholesale buyers across the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy, and the USA. Every batch is lyophilised, HPLC‑verified to ≥98% purity, and accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA), ensuring your investigations into melanocortin receptor pharmacology, pigmentation, and CNS signalling begin with uncompromising quality.

What Is Melanotan 2 and How Does It Work?

To fully appreciate the research potential of Melanotan 2 (10mg) research peptide, it is essential to understand its biochemical design and the precise mechanism by which it modulates multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes.

The Cyclic Heptapeptide

Melanotan 2 is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide with the sequence Ac‑Nle‑cyclo[Asp‑His‑D‑Phe‑Arg‑Trp‑Lys]‑NH₂. Its molecular formula is C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉, and its molecular weight is approximately 1024.18‑1024.2 g/mol. It has a CAS number of 121062‑08‑6.

The peptide incorporates two critical structural features that distinguish it from linear α‑MSH analogues:

• Norleucine (Nle) substitution at the N‑terminus (replacing the oxidation‑prone methionine)

• Lactam bridge between Asp⁵ and Lys¹⁰, forming a cyclic structure that restricts conformational flexibility and confers enhanced metabolic stability

These modifications confer resistance to enzymatic degradation and enhance receptor binding affinity, making Melanotan 2 a more stable and potent research tool than the native hormone. The N‑terminal acetylation further enhances the peptide’s stability.

Mechanism of Action: Multi‑Receptor Melanocortin Agonism

The biological activity of Melanotan 2 (10mg) research peptide is mediated through its action as a potent, non‑selective agonist at multiple melanocortin receptors:

• High‑Affinity Receptor Binding: Melanotan 2 exhibits high affinity for MC1R, MC4R, MC3R, and MC5R, with negligible activity at MC2R. The binding affinities (Ki) are:

  • MC1R: 0.67 nM

  • MC4R: 6.6 nM

  • MC3R: 34 nM

  • MC5R: 46 nM

• G‑Protein Activation and cAMP Signalling: Receptor binding activates Gs proteins, stimulating adenylyl cyclase to increase intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels.

• MC1R‑Mediated Melanogenesis: Activation of MC1R on melanocytes stimulates the cAMP‑PKA‑MITF signalling cascade, upregulating melanogenic enzymes (tyrosinase, TRP‑1, TRP‑2) and promoting eumelanin production.

• MC4R‑Mediated CNS Effects: Activation of MC4R in the central nervous system influences appetite suppression, metabolic rate, and sexual function.

Research Relevance: A Distinct Pharmacological Profile

Unlike afamelanotide (Melanotan I), which exhibits high selectivity for MC1R, Melanotan 2 is a non‑selective agonist that engages multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes. This broader receptor engagement profile makes it a valuable tool for studying the polypharmacology of the melanocortin system, allowing researchers to investigate the interplay between pigmentation, appetite, metabolism, and sexual function within a single experimental framework. The cyclic lactam bridge (Asp⁵‑Lys¹⁰) confers >99% stability in rat brain homogenate vs. linear α‑MSH, making it particularly suitable for CNS studies.

Key Research Applications for Melanotan 2 (10mg)

Melanotan 2 (10mg) research peptide is a versatile tool with applications spanning several domains of biomedical research.

1. Melanogenesis & Pigmentation Research

As a potent MC1R agonist, Melanotan 2 is widely used to study the melanogenesis pathway. Research applications include:

• MC1R Signalling Studies: Investigating the structure‑activity relationships of MC1R activation and the downstream signalling cascades that regulate melanin production

• Melanin Synthesis Assays: Studying the regulation of tyrosinase, TRP‑1, and TRP‑2 expression and activity in melanocyte cell culture models

• Photoprotection Research: Exploring the potential for MC1R agonists to protect against UV‑induced DNA damage and reduce the risk of sunlight‑induced skin cancers

2. Central Nervous System & Behavioural Research

Due to its ability to cross the blood‑brain barrier, Melanotan 2 is a valuable tool for studying CNS effects of melanocortin receptor activation:

• Appetite & Metabolic Rate Studies: Investigating MC4R‑mediated effects on food intake and metabolic rate in rodent models

• Sexual Function Research: Exploring the MC4R‑mediated pathways underlying sexual arousal and function

• Antidepressant & Antistress Studies: Investigating the effects of Melanotan 2 on chronic unpredictable stress‑induced anhedonia and hippocampal BDNF levels

3. Melanocortin Receptor Pharmacology

As a well‑characterised non‑selective melanocortin agonist, Melanotan 2 serves as a reference standard for:

• Receptor Binding Assays: Characterising the affinity and selectivity of novel MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R ligands

• Signal Transduction Studies: Dissecting the G‑protein‑coupled signalling pathways activated by different melanocortin receptor subtypes

• Structure‑Activity Relationship (SAR) Studies: Investigating how modifications to the Melanotan 2 sequence affect receptor binding and activity

4. Metabolic & Endocrine Research

Melanotan 2’s effects on metabolic rate and appetite position it as a valuable tool for metabolic research:

• Energy Homeostasis Studies: Investigating the role of MC4R in regulating metabolic rate and energy expenditure

• Lipolysis Research: Exploring the lipolytic effects of melanocortin receptor activation

5. Formulation & Stability Studies

The cyclic structure and enhanced stability of Melanotan 2 make it a useful model for peptide formulation research:

• Stability Studies: Investigating the stability of cyclic peptides in various formulation contexts

• Delivery System Development: Exploring novel delivery systems for cyclic peptide therapeutics

Chemical & Physical Specifications

Accurate characterisation of Melanotan 2 (10mg) research peptide is essential for reproducible experimental design.

Note: The 10 mg mass refers to the weight of the peptide in its lyophilised form. Melanotan 2 is typically supplied as a TFA or acetate salt, which enhances aqueous solubility. The acetic acid salt form has a molecular weight of approximately 1084.23 g/mol.

Reconstitution & Handling Protocol for Melanotan 2 (10mg)

Proper reconstitution of Melanotan 2 (10mg) research peptide is critical for maintaining its structural integrity and biological activity.

Step 1 – Preparation

• Bring the sealed Melanotan 2 vial and your chosen diluent (sterile bacteriostatic water or sterile PBS, pH 5‑7) to room temperature. Condensation can degrade the lyophilised powder.

• Clean your work surface with 70% ethanol and lay out sterile syringes, alcohol wipes and a clean work mat.

Step 2 – Vial Sanitisation

• Wipe the rubber stopper of the Melanotan 2 vial with a fresh 70% ethanol wipe. Allow the alcohol to evaporate completely before piercing.

Step 3 – Reconstitution

• Draw your desired volume of diluent into a sterile syringe. A common starting concentration for research applications is 10 mg per 1 mL of diluent, yielding a 10 mg/mL stock solution.

• Insert the needle and slowly inject the diluent against the inner glass wall. Do not spray directly onto the lyophilised powder.

• Gently swirl the vial until the solution is clear and fully dissolved. Do not shake vigorously, as shaking can cause denaturation.

Step 4 – Aliquoting & Storage

• Immediately after dissolution, aliquot the reconstituted Melanotan 2 into single‑use sterile vials.

• Store aliquots at –20°C. Avoid repeated freeze‑thaw cycles.

• Once thawed, store at 2‑8°C and use within a short period.

Concentration Reference Table

Adjust diluent volume based on your experimental requirements. For cell culture applications, typical working concentrations range from 0.1‑10 µM.

Storage & Stability Guidelines

Why Choose Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides for Melanotan 2 (10mg)?

As an authentic licensed peptide supplier based in the United Kingdom, we supply Melanotan 2 (10mg) research peptide and a wide range of research‑grade compounds under rigorous quality assurance protocols, fully aligned with Google’s E‑E‑A‑T standards (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).

• Verified Purity: Independent HPLC analysis with purity guaranteed ≥98% for every batch.

• GMP‑Compliant Manufacturing: All peptides are synthesised in ISO 13485:2016 and GMP‑certified facilities, ensuring batch‑to‑batch consistency.

• Full Traceability: Batch‑specific Certificates of Analysis (COA) are available for every order.

• Wholesale Supply: We serve research institutions, laboratories, and wholesale buyers across the UK, EU, and USA with flexible volume pricing and reliable logistics.

• UK‑Based Regulatory Compliance: All products are supplied strictly as research‑grade chemicals for laboratory use only (RUO).

Researchers across the United Kingdom—including those at leading institutions in London, Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester, and Edinburgh—trust us for fast domestic delivery, transparent documentation and professional technical support.

FAQ: Melanotan 2 (10mg) Research Peptide

What is Melanotan 2 (10mg) research peptide?
Melanotan 2 (MT‑II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide (Ac‑Nle‑cyclo[Asp‑His‑D‑Phe‑Arg‑Trp‑Lys]‑NH₂) and a potent, non‑selective agonist of melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. It is used in research to study pigmentation, appetite regulation, sexual function, and metabolic rate.

What is the sequence and molecular weight of Melanotan 2?
The sequence is Ac‑Nle‑cyclo[Asp‑His‑D‑Phe‑Arg‑Trp‑Lys]‑NH₂. Its molecular weight is approximately 1024.18‑1024.2 g/mol.

What are the primary research applications for Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 2 is used in melanogenesis and pigmentation research, central nervous system and behavioural studies (appetite, sexual function, antidepressant effects), melanocortin receptor pharmacology, metabolic and endocrine research, and formulation/stability studies.

What is the mechanism of action of Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 2 binds with high affinity to MC1R (Ki = 0.67 nM), MC4R (Ki = 6.6 nM), MC3R (Ki = 34 nM), and MC5R (Ki = 46 nM). Receptor activation stimulates cAMP signalling, leading to melanogenesis via MC1R and CNS effects (appetite suppression, metabolic rate increase, sexual function) via MC4R.

How does Melanotan 2 differ from Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) in research?
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a linear peptide with high selectivity for MC1R, making it suitable for pigmentation studies. Melanotan 2 is a cyclic heptapeptide with broader receptor engagement (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R) and the ability to cross the blood‑brain barrier, making it suitable for studies involving both pigmentation and CNS effects.

What purity does your Melanotan 2 (10mg) meet?
Our Melanotan 2 is tested to ≥98% purity by HPLC. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is supplied with every order.

How should I reconstitute Melanotan 2 (10mg)?
Reconstitute with sterile bacteriostatic water or sterile PBS (pH 5‑7). Allow the vial to reach room temperature, then slowly inject the diluent against the inner glass wall and swirl gently. Do not shake.

How should I store reconstituted Melanotan 2?
Reconstituted Melanotan 2 should be stored at 2‑8°C for short‑term use. For longer storage, aliquot immediately into single‑use vials and store at –20°C for up to 3 months. Avoid repeated freeze‑thaw cycles.

Is Melanotan 2 research peptide legal to purchase in the UK?
Yes. Melanotan 2 is a laboratory reagent sold for research use only (RUO). It is fully legal to purchase, possess, and use in the United Kingdom for legitimate in‑vitro or in‑vivo scientific research, provided it is not marketed with therapeutic claims.

Does Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides ship internationally?
Yes. We ship across the EU (France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy) and to the USA from our UK warehouse. Wholesale pricing is available for bulk orders.

Wholesale Melanotan 2 10mg Supply Across the UK and Europe

Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides supports wholesale peptide buyers in the United Kingdom and international markets.

We Support Enquiries From:

• United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Sweden
• Italy
• USA
• Wider Europe

For larger Melanotan 2 10mg enquiries, contact our team before ordering. This helps confirm stock, documentation, shipping options, and buyer verification requirements.

Where to Source Melanotan 2 10mg in the UK

If you are searching for where to source Melanotan 2 10mg in the UK, Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides provides a simple professional enquiry process.

Professional Enquiry Process

1. Review the Melanotan 2 10mg product details.
2. Check the current label and batch information.
3. Confirm whether the batch is listed as Melanotan 2, Melanotan II, MT-2, or another verified identity.
4. Ask about COA and purity-related documentation.
5. Confirm your shipping country.
6. Discuss wholesale quantity requirements.
7. Complete buyer verification where required.
8. Place a professional enquiry with support from our team.

 

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From its design as a cyclic, metabolically stable α‑MSH analogue to its well‑characterised role as a potent, non‑selective agonist of MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, Melanotan 2 (10mg) research peptide provides a uniquely versatile platform for advanced melanocortin receptor research.

Its ability to activate multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes—supported by high‑affinity binding (Ki = 0.67 nM at MC1R, 6.6 nM at MC4R), demonstrated efficacy in pigmentation, appetite suppression, and sexual function studies, and enhanced metabolic stability conferred by its cyclic lactam bridge—makes it a valuable addition to any laboratory investigating melanocortin receptor pharmacology, melanogenesis, or the CNS effects of melanocortin signalling. By choosing high‑purity, lab‑verified Melanotan 2 (10mg) research peptide from Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides, you ensure that your research is built on a foundation of quality, reproducibility, and scientific integrity.

Ready to advance your research with Melanotan 2 (10mg)? Browse our product catalogue, request a wholesale quote, or contact our support team today to discuss your laboratory’s specific needs. Place your order now and receive GMP‑grade Melanotan 2 delivered directly to your facility in the UK, EU, or USA.