This Melanotan II research peptide guide covers purity verification, quality standards, and handling for melanocortin research.
Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide that stimulates melanin production in the skin. It is a modified version of the body's natural melanocortin hormone (alpha-MSH). Researchers are studying it for its effects on skin pigmentation, UV protection, and sexual function.
Research Compound · Melanotan II
Melanotan II Research Peptide — Independently Verified.
Melanotan II — cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin agonist. Studied for MC1R pigmentation pathways, melanogenesis, and melanocortin receptor research in preclinical models. 10mg lyophilized, HPLC + mass spec verified.
COA included with every order For laboratory research use only
HPLC Verified≥98% purity confirmed per lot
COA IncludedLot-specific certificate
Mass Spec IDIdentity confirmed per batch
USA OperationsVerified. Documented.
About This Compound
What Is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) — a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist that binds MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. It was originally developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s as a research compound to investigate melanogenesis and photoprotection mechanisms.
In preclinical research, Melanotan II is primarily studied for its MC1R-mediated effects on melanogenesis and skin pigmentation in cell culture and animal models. It is also studied as a pharmacological tool for investigating MC3R/MC4R receptor pathways related to energy balance — though with less selectivity than its derivative PT-141.
CoreVionRX doesn’t manufacture compounds. We verify every batch rigorously before it reaches our catalog.
≥98%
Purity by HPLC
Reversed-phase HPLC separates and measures compound purity. Documented on your lot-specific COA.
MS/MS
Mass Spec Identity
Molecular weight verified by ESI mass spectrometry — confirms you’re getting exactly what you ordered.
Lot #
Lot-Specific COA
Your COA tied to your production lot. Not standard in this market. We made it standard anyway.
100%
Pre-Listing Verification
No compound ships without full documentation cleared. Non-negotiable policy.
Technical Specifications
Full Product Data
Specification
Value
Compound
Melanotan II (MT-II)
Structure
Cyclic heptapeptide — α-MSH analog
Receptor Targets
MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R (non-selective)
Form
Lyophilized powder
Vial Size
10mg per vial
Purity
≥98% by reversed-phase HPLC
Identity
Confirmed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Storage (lyophilized)
−20°C, protected from light and moisture. Stable 24+ months.
Storage (reconstituted)
2–8°C, away from light
Reconstitution
Bacteriostatic water
Documentation
Lot-specific COA with HPLC chromatogram — included with every order
Preclinical Research
What Researchers Study Melanotan II For
All published research is preclinical — cell cultures and animal models.
MC1R Pigmentation Research
Melanotan II’s agonism at MC1R — the primary melanocyte receptor — makes it a key research tool for studying melanogenesis, melanin synthesis pathways, and UV-independent tanning mechanisms in melanocyte cultures and animal models.
Hadley ME. et al. (1998) Ann N Y Acad Sci 885:1-18
Melanocortin Receptor Pharmacology
As a non-selective agonist across MC1R-MC5R, MT-II is used in receptor pharmacology research to characterize downstream signaling pathways, compare receptor selectivity profiles, and develop the science that led to more selective analogs like PT-141.
Cone RD. (2006) Nat Neurosci 9(8):1019-23
Melanogenesis Studies
Preclinical research examines the molecular mechanisms of Melanotan II-induced melanogenesis — cAMP elevation, MITF transcription factor activation, tyrosinase upregulation — providing insights into pigmentation biology and melanoma research.
Rouzaud F. et al. (2003) Cell Mol Life Sci 60(9):1912-20
Why CoreVionRX
Documentation Is the Product.
Most vendors claim purity. We document it. Every compound ships with independent lab verification.
Independent HPLC Testing
Every batch through reversed-phase HPLC before listing. Chromatogram on your COA.
Lot-Specific COA
Your COA tied to your production lot — not a generic template.
Transparent Sourcing
We source and verify. Not a synthesis lab. That honesty builds the brand.
Stability Guaranteed
Lyophilized powder — stable at −20°C for 24+ months.
Common Questions
Straight Answers.
What is Melanotan II and how does it relate to PT-141?
Melanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin agonist acting on MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a cyclic derivative of Melanotan II engineered to selectively target MC3R/MC4R — the CNS receptors — while minimizing MC1R pigmentation effects. MT-II is used when broad-spectrum melanocortin receptor research is required.
What research areas use Melanotan II?
Research focuses on melanogenesis and MC1R-mediated pigmentation, melanocortin receptor pharmacology (comparing MC1R-5R activity profiles), MITF transcription factor research, and UV-independent melanin synthesis in cell culture models.
How do I reconstitute Melanotan II?
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Typical research concentrations: 1–2mg/mL. Inject water slowly down the vial wall, swirl gently. Protect from light during preparation and storage. Use our reconstitution calculator for exact volumes.
How should Melanotan II be stored?
Store lyophilized at −20°C, protected from light and moisture. Stable for 24+ months. After reconstitution, store at 2–8°C away from light. Light protection is particularly important for melanocortin compounds.
Is Melanotan II a research-only compound?
Yes. Melanotan II is sold by CoreVionRX strictly as a research compound for laboratory use. It is not approved for human use by any regulatory body and is not for human or animal consumption. For laboratory research purposes only.
Melanotan II Research Peptide: What to Know Before You Buy
melanotan ii research peptide from CoreVionRX is verified at ≥99%% HPLC purity with mass spectrometry confirming the exact peptide sequence.
Every melanotan ii research peptide vial ships with HPLC verification and a lot-specific COA.
Every vial of melanotan ii research peptide ships with a lot-specific certificate of analysis so you can verify exactly what is in the vial you received.
CoreVionRX melanotan ii research peptide is verified by independent third-party testing — mass spectrometry confirms sequence identity and HPLC confirms purity.
Store melanotan ii research peptide as a lyophilized powder in cool, dark conditions; once reconstituted, keep refrigerated and use within your protocol window.
For accurate reconstitution of melanotan ii research peptide, use the peptide calculator to calculate the exact water volume needed.
Researchers working with melanotan ii research peptide should confirm ≥99%% HPLC purity and a lot-specific COA with every order.
For reconstitution, add bacteriostatic water slowly and store melanotan ii research peptide refrigerated after mixing. Use the peptide calculator to get concentration right.
When sourcing melanotan ii research peptide, the most important check is purity: every CoreVionRX vial is verified at ≥99% HPLC with a lot-specific COA.
Peer-reviewed research on melanotan ii research peptide is indexed at PubMed. For research use only.
All CoreVionRX research peptides ship with a lot-specific COA, ≥99%% HPLC purity, and mass-spec identity confirmation. Use our reconstitution calculator for prep. For research use only.
Sourcing verified melanotan ii research peptide is the first step in any reliable research protocol.