MT-2 (Melanotan II) 10 mg Research Peptide

What is MT-2?

MT-2 melanotan II is supplied here in a 10 mg research peptide vial. Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide based on the alpha-MSH(4-10) region, with a lactam bridge between aspartic acid and lysine that closes the ring. The vial is made by PEPTYVA in Mexico and sold by Peptides Vallarta for laboratory research use only. It is not a medicine and has no approved use in people.

How does MT-2 act at melanocortin receptors?

Melanotan II is a potent but non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist. A 2010 pharmacology study described it as superpotent but nonselective and tested it, with 31 modified derivatives, for binding and activation at melanocortin receptor subtypes 1, 3, 4 and 5.

These receptors sit in different tissues. MC1R is expressed on melanocytes, while MC4R is found on neurons in many areas of the central nervous system. A non-selective agonist therefore acts on several pathways at once, and researchers have used MT-2 as a starting point when designing more selective analogs.

What human evidence exists for MT-2?

Human evidence is limited to small, early studies. A 1996 single-blind, placebo-controlled pilot phase I clinical trial enrolled three male volunteers. It measured skin pigmentation by reflectance and recorded adverse events, including nausea at most levels tested and somnolence and fatigue in one participant at the highest level.

A study of three people cannot establish safety or efficacy. No later program led to an approved melanotan II product, and Drugs@FDA lists none.

What have regulators said about melanotan products?

Regulators have warned about melanotan products sold outside approved channels. FDA lists Melanotan II on its page of bulk drug substances that may present significant safety risks, in the group whose compounding nominations were withdrawn. FDA notes a possible immunogenicity risk and states that published case reports discuss serious adverse events, including melanoma.

Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration stated in 2017 that melanotan products are not included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, have not been assessed as safe and effective, are not approved for sale in Australia, and may cause serious side effects.

Why is MT-2 graded C?

MT-2 is graded C because its human evidence is limited to small, early studies. The pilot phase I data come from three volunteers, and later reports include published case reports of serious adverse events in people using unlicensed products, as FDA notes. No melanotan II product is approved by FDA or included on Australia's register, and efficacy for any use is not established.

How does MT-2 relate to MT-1 and PT-141?

MT-1 (afamelanotide) is a linear 13-residue peptide that binds mainly MC1R and is approved as a branded implant for one rare condition. MT-2 is shorter, cyclic and non-selective, and has no approved product.

PT-141 (bremelanotide) shares MT-2's cyclic seven-residue sequence. PubChem lists it with a free acid at the C-terminus where MT-2 carries an amide, which changes the formula to C50H68N14O10. Even small structural differences like this mean that data and approvals for one compound do not apply to the others. Compare the PT-141 (bremelanotide) 10 mg research vial page for that compound's regulatory history.

Documentation

The PEPTYVA lot number on the label links your vial to its batch records. Ask us for the lot's Certificate of Analysis at any time; the Quality & Documentation page explains what a COA typically shows.

Storage and handling

Store the unopened vial sealed in its original box, out of light and away from heat, at the temperature given on the PEPTYVA label. Confirm storage conditions and the expiry date on the label and lot documentation.