Melanotan 2 — often shortened to MT2 — is one of the best-known research peptides within pigmentation research. In this guide we explain, research-only, what Melanotan 2 is, how it is built and within which research themes it is studied. Without any health or usage claims.
Melanotan 2 (MT2) is a synthetic, cyclic analogue of the body's own hormone alpha-MSH, studied around the melanocortin receptors and melanogenesis. It is not an approved medicine and is offered for research only, ≥99% pure with a COA per batch.
What is Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 2 is a synthetic analogue of alpha-MSH, the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone the body produces itself. Unlike the natural hormone, MT2 is a smaller, cyclic molecule, which makes it more stable and better characterisable as an object of study. New to peptides? First read what peptides are.
What is Melanotan 2 studied for in research?
In research Melanotan 2 is associated with the melanocortin receptors and with melanogenesis, the process by which pigment (melanin) is formed. That receptor family is a recurring theme in skin and pigmentation science. These descriptions come from preclinical research and are no proof of effect in humans, nor usage advice.
Melanotan 1 vs. Melanotan 2
Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2 are often named together, but they are different molecules: Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is linear, Melanotan 2 is cyclic and more compact. Both are studied within pigmentation research. See the counterpart Melanotan 1, the side-by-side comparison in Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2, or the broader skin & pigmentation category.
How is Melanotan 2 reconstituted?
Melanotan 2 is supplied as a lyophilised powder and reconstituted in the lab with bacteriostatic water. The right ratio depends on the vial strength and the research design. Determine water, concentration and units with the reconstitution calculator, or read the step-by-step explanation in how to reconstitute peptides.
Purity and documentation
Reproducible pigmentation research requires material with verified purity and full traceability. Every batch of Melanotan 2 at Peptide Lab is tested by Janoshik Analytical at ≥99% purity by HPLC and mass spectrometry. The lot number on the label points to a public certificate per batch. Read more about our approach on the science page.
This information is general and intended solely for a research context. Peptide Lab supplies Melanotan 2 for laboratory and research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption, not a medicine and not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions about Melanotan 2
What is Melanotan 2 (MT2)?
Melanotan 2, also called MT2, is a synthetic analogue of the body's own hormone alpha-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone). It is studied within pigmentation research and is not an approved medicine.
What is the difference between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a linear analogue of alpha-MSH; Melanotan 2 is a smaller, cyclic analogue. Both are studied in pigmentation research, but they are different molecules with their own profile.
What is Melanotan 2 studied for in research?
In research Melanotan 2 is associated with the melanocortin receptors and the process of melanogenesis (pigment formation). This concerns preclinical research; no health or usage claims are attached to it.
Is Melanotan 2 pure at Peptide Lab?
Yes, Melanotan 2 is lab-verified at ≥99% purity by HPLC and mass spectrometry, with a public Janoshik certificate per batch. For research purposes only.
