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SIGNALLING RESEARCHMT2

Melanotan II

A synthetic analog of α-MSH studied for its broad agonist activity across melanocortin receptors, including pigmentation and central signalling pathways.

Half-Life
Moderate
Onset
Moderate
Symbol
MT2
Category
Signalling

⏱ Half-Life

Moderate duration profile

Melanotan II demonstrates a moderate half-life characteristic in research literature, shaping how observation windows and study timelines are typically structured.

⚡ Onset Characteristics

Moderate measurable response

Onset is observed as moderate — a property that influences how researchers structure comparative studies versus other compounds in the signalling research category.

🧠 Key Notes

What makes it distinct

  • 01Broader receptor profile than PT-141
  • 02Studied for cumulative pigmentation response
  • 03Relevant in comparative melanocortin research

🧬 Mechanism of Action

How it works

Melanotan II is a cyclic synthetic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with broad, non-selective agonist activity across the melanocortin receptor family — MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. MC1R activation in melanocytes drives eumelanin synthesis and skin pigmentation. MC3R and MC4R activation in the hypothalamus influences appetite, energy expenditure, and central arousal. MC5R activation affects sebaceous gland function. The pan-receptor profile produces both pigmentation and central effects, distinguishing it from selective agonists like PT-141. Pigmentation effects accumulate across exposures rather than appearing acutely.

✨ Documented Benefits

What the research shows it supports

B01Stimulates melanin production for skin tanning response with reduced UV exposure.
B02May provide some photoprotection against UV-induced DNA damage via increased eumelanin.
B03Demonstrates appetite-suppressing effects via MC4R activation.
B04Reported central arousal effects, similar but broader-spectrum than PT-141.
B05Useful as a pan-melanocortin reference compound in comparative receptor research.

🔍 Research Insights

What the literature shows

INSIGHT 01

Non-selective agonism across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R produces both pigmentation (MC1R) and central (MC4R) responses.

INSIGHT 02

Pigmentation effects are cumulative across exposures rather than acute, distinguishing it from PT-141's acute neural action.

INSIGHT 03

Often the reference compound for pan-melanocortin research where receptor isolation is not the goal.

🧪 Typical Research Use Cases

Where it appears in study design

USE CASE 01

Pigmentation pathway and melanogenesis studies.

USE CASE 02

Pan-melanocortin receptor research.

USE CASE 03

Comparative dose–response work vs PT-141.

📚 References

Peer-reviewed literature

Primary research sources cited on this profile. All links resolve to PubMed or the publishing journal.

  1. [01]

    Dorr, R. T. et al. (1996). Evaluation of Melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study. Life Sciences, 58(20), 1777–1784.

    Life Sciences ↗
  2. [02]

    Hadley, M. E., & Dorr, R. T. (2006). Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization. Peptides, 27(4), 921–930.

    Peptides ↗
  3. [03]

    Langan, E. A., Nie, Z., & Rhodes, L. E. (2010). Melanotropic peptides: more than just 'Barbie drugs' and 'sun-tan jabs'? British Journal of Dermatology, 163(3), 451–455.

    British Journal of Dermatology ↗
  4. [04]

    Wessells, H. et al. (2000). Effect of an alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analogue on penile erection and sexual desire in men with organic erectile dysfunction. Urology, 56(4), 641–646.

    Urology ↗

Continue Exploring

Also explore: PT-141, AHK-Cu, Semax

PT-141 →AHK-Cu →Semax →Half-Life Guide →Signalling Research →