Melanotan II for Research

What is Melanotan II?

Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, a non-selective melanocortin agonist. It is studied for melanogenesis (pigmentation) and broader melanocortin endpoints in research models.

How Melanotan II works (research mechanism)

Melanotan II activates multiple melanocortin receptors, driving melanin production in research models and engaging MC4R pathways relevant to appetite and libido endpoints.

Primary research applications

Pigmentation research

Studied for melanogenesis and tanning endpoints in models.

Melanocortin-pathway research

A broad melanocortin agonist for receptor studies.

Appetite/libido signaling research

Examined for MC4R-mediated endpoints.

Research dosing reference

Research references commonly cite 0.5-1 mg two to three times weekly. Reference values only.

Reconstitution & handling

Melanotan II ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and must be reconstituted before use in any liquid research model. Allow the vial to reach room temperature, swab the stopper, then add bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial - never spray it directly onto the powder. Swirl gently until dissolved; do not shake, as shaking foams the solution and stresses the peptide. The volume of water you add sets the concentration: a 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL yields 2,500 mcg/mL, so 0.1 mL measures 250 mcg. A correctly reconstituted Melanotan II solution is clear; discard if it is cloudy or shows particulate.

Storage & stability

Store un-reconstituted Melanotan II vials refrigerated and protected from light for long-term stability; the lyophilized form is robust and tolerates shipping. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2-8C, keep away from light, and use within the typical research window of roughly two to four weeks. The benzyl alcohol in bacteriostatic water helps inhibit microbial growth across that period. Always label reconstituted vials with the concentration and date.

Common research pairings

Generally studied as a standalone melanocortin agonist.

How Melanotan II compares

Melanotan II is a non-selective agonist studied for pigmentation and broad melanocortin endpoints; Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is more selective; PT-141 is studied for sexual function.

Safety & research considerations

Melanotan II is a research chemical not approved for human use; the literature notes nausea and lasting pigmentation in models. For laboratory research only.

Sourcing, purity & Certificate of Analysis

Every lot of Melanotan II sold by Peptides Factory Direct is third-party tested to a 99%+ purity target, with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry and purity quantified by HPLC. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting these results is available on request and ties each vial to a tracked lot. Material ships nationwide to all 50 US states with cold-chain handling where appropriate and fast domestic dispatch. This documentation is what separates research-grade Melanotan II from unverified material - quality is established before the vial ever reaches your lab.

How to order Melanotan II for research

Melanotan II can be ordered through the Peptides Factory Direct research portal as a one-time purchase or on a recurring research schedule (every 2 weeks, monthly, every 2 months, or every 3 months). Checkout requires confirming you are 21 or older, purchasing for laboratory research only, and that the product is not for human or animal consumption. Bulk and standing-order pricing is available - note it in your order. Open the order portal to view current research sizes and pricing.

Frequently asked questions

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External references: Peptides (Wikipedia) · U.S. Food and Drug Administration