Description

MT2 Peptide – Research Grade Melanocortin Agonist

Product Overview

MT2 (Melanotan II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), originally developed at the University of Arizona as a potential sunless tanning agent. The compound was designed to stimulate melanin production without UV exposure, but early clinical research revealed unexpected effects on sexual function that ultimately led to the development of the FDA-approved medication bremelanotide (Vyleesi), as reported by Men’s Health.

For UK researchers, this peptide represents a well-characterised tool for investigating melanocortin receptor signalling pathways. According to receptor binding data indexed on ScienceDirect, the compound binds non-selectively to multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes—MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R—making it valuable for studying receptor-mediated biological responses across pigmentation, energy regulation, and neuroendocrine systems.

Regulatory Notice: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has determined that injectable products containing Melanotan II are medicinal products requiring a Marketing Authorisation to be legally sold in the UK. No such authorisation exists. MT2 is not approved for human use in the UK, and health authorities including Melanoma Focus have issued explicit warnings against its use. This product is supplied strictly for laboratory research purposes only.

Product Specifications

Mechanism of Action

Melanocortin Receptor Activation

This compound acts as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors, binding to MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. The peptide is a cyclic heptapeptide containing the 4-10 melanocortin receptor binding region common to α-MSH and adrenocorticotropin, modified with a lactam bridge and specific amino acid substitutions to enhance stability.

Melanogenesis Pathway

Activation of MC1R on melanocytes stimulates melanin production, resulting in skin darkening. This mechanism was the basis for the compound’s original development as a potential photoprotective agent. Research indexed on NIH PubMed has explored whether melanocortin-induced pigmentation could reduce UV-induced DNA damage, though this hypothesis remains incompletely tested.

Central Nervous System Effects

MT2 crosses the blood-brain barrier and activates central melanocortin receptors. Research published in the British Journal of Pharmacology demonstrated that the peptide increases cavernosal pressure through neuronal nitric oxide release, providing a mechanistic explanation for the erectogenic effects observed in early clinical studies.

Metabolic and Appetite Regulation

Preclinical research in diet-induced obese rats has shown that central administration reduces food intake, decreases body weight, and increases insulin sensitivity. These effects are mediated through MC3R and MC4R activation in the hypothalamus, with data available through NIH PubMed.

Research Applications

Pigmentation and Melanogenesis Research

MT2 is widely studied for its effects on melanin synthesis and melanocyte activation. Laboratory investigations have explored how melanocortin receptor activation influences cellular signalling pathways associated with pigmentation, UV-response mechanisms, and melanin production.

Melanocortin Receptor Signalling Studies

The compound’s non-selective receptor profile makes it valuable for studying melanocortin receptor pharmacology. Research has characterised its differential potency across receptor subtypes and downstream effects on cAMP signalling, ERK-1/2 activation, and intracellular calcium mobilisation.

Sexual Function Research

Its erectogenic properties were first documented in a 1998 double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study published in The Journal of Urology. In this study, MT2 (0.025 mg/kg) produced clinically apparent erections in 8 of 10 men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction, with mean tip rigidity duration of 38.0 minutes versus 3.0 minutes for placebo (p = 0.0045). Subsequent research confirmed that the peptide enhances sexual function in both males and females, with effects mediated at the brain level rather than through peripheral vascular mechanisms, as reported on ScienceDirect.

Metabolic Regulation Research

Preclinical studies have investigated its effects on energy balance and glucose metabolism. Research in diet-induced obese rats demonstrated that treatment reduced body weight, visceral adiposity, and serum insulin levels, while increasing oxygen consumption and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression in brown adipose tissue.

Quality and Purity

Each batch of Cocer Peptides MT2 undergoes rigorous quality control:

• ≥99% purity verified by HPLC

• Mass spectrometry identity confirmation

• Batch/lot number matching the vial label

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) available on request

Independent research has highlighted significant quality concerns with unregulated products sold online. A 2026 analysis of advertisements published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that products were sold with dosages ranging from 2 mg to 100 mg, with prices varying between £20 and US$700, and no advertisements included health warnings. The study noted that some websites claimed the compound provided a “photoprotective suntan” that could “potentially reduce cancer rates”—claims that are unsubstantiated and potentially dangerous.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) takes action when medicinal products without appropriate authorisations are identified.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this peptide?

It is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It acts as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist and is studied for its effects on pigmentation, sexual function, and metabolic regulation.

Is it legal in the UK?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has determined that injectable products containing this compound are medicinal products requiring a Marketing Authorisation to be legally sold in the UK. No authorisation exists, making their sale illegal. It is supplied strictly for laboratory research use only.

What purity level can I expect?

Our MT2 peptide is provided at ≥99% purity, verified by HPLC with third-party testing.

What side effects are associated with it?

Documented adverse events in peer-reviewed case reports include nausea, facial flushing, spontaneous erections, priapism, nevi darkening, and new melanocytic nevi formation. Multiple independent case reports have documented melanoma diagnoses in users, though a causal relationship has not been established by controlled prospective study, as summarised by Superpower.

How should it be stored?

Store lyophilized powder at -20°C for long-term stability. Reconstituted material should be used promptly following standard laboratory protocols.

Is this product suitable for human use?

No. This product is supplied strictly for research purposes only and is not intended for human or veterinary use. No forms of Melanotan II have been approved for human use in the UK, as confirmed by Melanoma Focus.

Conclusion

MT2 peptide represents a well-characterised research tool for investigating melanocortin receptor signalling, melanogenesis pathways, and neuroendocrine regulation. With its high-purity formulation and comprehensive quality documentation, this compound enables researchers to study melanocortin receptor pharmacology in controlled laboratory settings. For UK laboratories sourcing this peptide for research applications, this product offers documented composition, ≥99% purity, and batch-specific COA support.

Ready to Advance Your Research?

Order premium MT2 peptide for your laboratory today.

Shop MT2 Now | Contact Our Research Team