Description
What is MT-2?
Melanotan‑2 (MT‑2) is a cyclic heptapeptide non‑selective melanocortin receptor agonist developed at the University of Arizona as a shorter, cyclized, photoprotection analog of α‑MSH. Unlike MT‑1/afamelanotide, MT‑2 was never brought through formal regulatory approval, though its N‑terminal fragment was further developed into bremelanotide (PT‑141) for sexual dysfunction.
Mechanism of Action
- Non‑selective agonist at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R
- MC1R → cutaneous melanogenesis (tanning)
- MC3R/MC4R → appetite suppression, central sexual arousal pathways, possibly inflammation modulation
- MC5R → exocrine (sebaceous) effects
- Shorter plasma half‑life than MT‑1; cyclization limits proteolysis
Compound Properties
- Molecular formula: C50H69N15O9
- Molecular weight: ~1024.18 g/mol
- CAS: 121062‑08‑6
- Sequence: cyclo[Nle‑Asp‑His‑D‑Phe‑Arg‑Trp‑Lys]‑NH₂
- Form: Lyophilized powder
- Unit size: 10 mg / vial
- Source: Solid‑phase peptide synthesis; ≥98% purity by HPLC
Research‑Reference Dosing
Published research‑reference ranges in early clinical and preclinical literature:
- Dorr et al., Life Sciences (1996): first‑in‑human photoprotection pilot studies at SC doses of 0.025–0.16 mg/kg.
- Wessells et al., Journal of Urology (2000): erectile response in ED pilots.
- Development was largely discontinued; further clinical work was pursued with the related bremelanotide.
Research Findings
- Reliable induction of cutaneous pigmentation in humans (Dorr 1996)
- Pro‑erectile and libido effects in early ED cohorts (Wessells 2000)
- Appetite suppression in preclinical rodent models
Known Side Effects Reported in Research/Trials
- Nausea and flushing (very common, dose‑dependent)
- Generalized skin darkening, new or darkened nevi — dermatologic surveillance warranted
- Spontaneous penile erection
- Yawning, fatigue, transient hypertension
- Case reports of rhabdomyolysis, melanoma with atypical presentation, and priapism in recreational‑use literature
- Not FDA‑approved; safety data is sparse and includes unregulated‑use adverse reports
Storage & Handling
- Lyophilized (unreconstituted) vials: store at −20°C long‑term; short‑term 2–8°C acceptable.
- After reconstitution with bacteriostatic or sterile water: store at 2–8°C; use within 14–28 days per standard peptide stability guidance.
- Protect from light, heat, and repeated freeze‑thaw cycles. Handle in a sterile laboratory environment.
Certificate of Analysis
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming identity and purity by HPLC / MS is available upon request. Contact Lonestar Peptides for lot‑specific documentation.
Summaries reference peer‑reviewed preclinical and clinical literature available as of early 2025. Newer findings may not be reflected. Researchers should consult current literature and conduct their own due diligence. Lonestar Peptides makes no claim of therapeutic benefit.






