Melanotan II 10mg

$40.00

Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide analogue of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is a cyclic peptide, meaning its structure is a ring of amino acids, which gives it greater stability and potency. Melanotan II acts as a non-selective agonist of the melanocortin receptors (MCRs), particularly MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5 receptors. The activation of the MC1 receptor, located on melanocytes in the skin, leads to an increase in the production of the darker pigment, melanin. This results in skin tanning without the need for sun exposure. The activation of other melanocortin receptors, particularly the MC4 receptor in the brain, is what gives Melanotan II its other effects, such as increasing libido and inducing erections. Due to its dual action on both skin pigmentation and sexual function, it has been explored for two distinct purposes.

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Quantity

Data Sheet

Molecular Formula	C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉
CAS Number	121062-08-6
Molar Mass	1024.18 g/mol
Amino Acid Sequence	Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2
PubChem CID	92432
Primary Research Area	Energy Homeostasis Body Mass Regulation Appetite Suppression Skin Pigmentation (Sunless Tanning) Spontaneous Penile Erection & Sexual Stimulation
Purity	>99%

Molecular Formula

C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉

CAS Number

121062-08-6

Molar Mass

1024.18 g/mol

Amino Acid Sequence

Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2

PubChem CID

92432

Primary Research Area

Energy Homeostasis
Body Mass Regulation
Appetite Suppression
Skin Pigmentation (Sunless Tanning)
Spontaneous Penile Erection & Sexual Stimulation

Purity

>99%

Research Summary	Description
Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study	Summary: This pilot Phase 1 study aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and melanogenic (tanning) effects of Melanotan II in healthy volunteers. While specific details on the tanning efficacy in this early pilot are limited in publicly available summaries, the study confirmed that Melanotan II could induce skin pigmentation. It also noted the occurrence of side effects, including nausea, flushing, and spontaneous erections in male subjects, which, while unintended, led to further research into its use for sexual dysfunction. Citation: Dorr, R. T., Lines, R., Levine, N., Brooks, C., Xiang, L., Hruby, V. J., & Hadley, M. E. (1996). Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study. Life Sciences, 58(20), 1777–1784.
Activation of the central melanocortin system chronically reduces body mass without the necessity of long-term caloric restriction	Summary: This study demonstrated that chronic central administration of Melanotan II in rats led to a persistent reduction in body mass, even after food intake normalized following an initial transient anorexic response. Citation: Lucas, M., Zhang, M., & Bi, S. (2015). Activation of the central melanocortin system chronically reduces body mass without the necessity of long-term caloric restriction. Physiology & Behavior, 152(Pt A), 1-8.
Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report	Summary: A case report by Lund et al. (2020) described a renal infarction likely attributed to Melanotan II use, suggesting possible direct toxic effects on renal parenchyma and thrombotic influences. The peptide's ability to overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to vasoconstriction, was proposed as a mechanism for renal injury. Citation: Lund, J., Thomsen, M., & Jensen, J. D. (2020). Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report. Clinical Kidney Journal, 13(2), 209-212.
Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study.	Summary: This early, small-scale human clinical trial (n=10) investigated Melanotan II's ability to induce erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Participants received either Melanotan II (0.025 mg/kg subcutaneously) or a placebo. The study found that 8 out of 10 men treated with Melanotan II developed clinically apparent erections, with a significantly longer duration of rigidity compared to placebo. Transient side effects such as nausea, stretching, yawning, and decreased appetite were more frequently reported with Melanotan II. Citation: Wessells, H., Fuciarelli, K., Hansen, J., Hadley, M. E., Hruby, V. J., Dorr, R., & Levine, N. (1998). Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study. The Journal of Urology, 160(2), 389–393.
Melanocortin receptor agonists in the treatment of male and female sexual dysfunctions: results from basic research and clinical studies.	Summary: This review article provides a broader perspective on melanocortin receptor agonists, including Melanotan II and its metabolite bremelanotide, for sexual dysfunction. It summarizes the central mechanism by which these peptides induce sexual arousal and erection, specifically through MC3 and MC4 receptor activation in the brain. It discusses the success of bremelanotide (derived from Melanotan II research) in later clinical trials for female sexual interest/arousal disorder, highlighting how the core mechanism identified with Melanotan II was refined into a more selective and tolerable drug for a specific indication. Citation: Pfaus, J. G., & Sadowski, B. (2014). Melanocortin receptor agonists in the treatment of male and female sexual dysfunctions: results from basic research and clinical studies. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, 23(11), 1477–1483.

Research Summary

Description

Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study

Summary: This pilot Phase 1 study aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and melanogenic (tanning) effects of Melanotan II in healthy volunteers. While specific details on the tanning efficacy in this early pilot are limited in publicly available summaries, the study confirmed that Melanotan II could induce skin pigmentation. It also noted the occurrence of side effects, including nausea, flushing, and spontaneous erections in male subjects, which, while unintended, led to further research into its use for sexual dysfunction.

Citation:
Dorr, R. T., Lines, R., Levine, N., Brooks, C., Xiang, L., Hruby, V. J., & Hadley, M. E. (1996). Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study. Life Sciences, 58(20), 1777–1784.

Activation of the central melanocortin system chronically reduces body mass without the necessity of long-term caloric restriction

Summary: This study demonstrated that chronic central administration of Melanotan II in rats led to a persistent reduction in body mass, even after food intake normalized following an initial transient anorexic response.

Citation: Lucas, M., Zhang, M., & Bi, S. (2015). Activation of the central melanocortin system chronically reduces body mass without the necessity of long-term caloric restriction. Physiology & Behavior, 152(Pt A), 1-8.

Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report

Summary: A case report by Lund et al. (2020) described a renal infarction likely attributed to Melanotan II use, suggesting possible direct toxic effects on renal parenchyma and thrombotic influences. The peptide's ability to overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to vasoconstriction, was proposed as a mechanism for renal injury.

Citation: Lund, J., Thomsen, M., & Jensen, J. D. (2020). Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report. Clinical Kidney Journal, 13(2), 209-212.

Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study.

Summary: This early, small-scale human clinical trial (n=10) investigated Melanotan II's ability to induce erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Participants received either Melanotan II (0.025 mg/kg subcutaneously) or a placebo. The study found that 8 out of 10 men treated with Melanotan II developed clinically apparent erections, with a significantly longer duration of rigidity compared to placebo. Transient side effects such as nausea, stretching, yawning, and decreased appetite were more frequently reported with Melanotan II.

Citation:
Wessells, H., Fuciarelli, K., Hansen, J., Hadley, M. E., Hruby, V. J., Dorr, R., & Levine, N. (1998). Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study. The Journal of Urology, 160(2), 389–393.

Melanocortin receptor agonists in the treatment of male and female sexual dysfunctions: results from basic research and clinical studies.

Summary: This review article provides a broader perspective on melanocortin receptor agonists, including Melanotan II and its metabolite bremelanotide, for sexual dysfunction. It summarizes the central mechanism by which these peptides induce sexual arousal and erection, specifically through MC3 and MC4 receptor activation in the brain. It discusses the success of bremelanotide (derived from Melanotan II research) in later clinical trials for female sexual interest/arousal disorder, highlighting how the core mechanism identified with Melanotan II was refined into a more selective and tolerable drug for a specific indication.

Citation:
Pfaus, J. G., & Sadowski, B. (2014). Melanocortin receptor agonists in the treatment of male and female sexual dysfunctions: results from basic research and clinical studies. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, 23(11), 1477–1483.

Peptide Storage Guidelines

Storing peptides correctly is critical for maintaining their stability and biological activity over time. Proper storage protocols can prevent degradation, ensuring that the peptide remains effective for research, therapeutic, or other applications.

Understanding Peptide Stability

Peptides are chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Their stability is influenced by several factors, including:

Amino Acid Sequence: Certain amino acids, such as cysteine, methionine, tryptophan, and glutamine, are more susceptible to oxidation or degradation.
Contaminants: The presence of proteases, bacteria, or other contaminants can lead to peptide breakdown.
Environmental Conditions: Exposure to high temperatures, moisture, and light can accelerate degradation.

General Storage Guidelines

Initial Handling

Upon receiving a peptide, it's essential to check its form. Most are shipped as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which is the most stable form for long-term storage.

As a Lyophilized Powder: Store the powder at -20°C or colder (e.g., -80°C). This form is highly stable and can be stored for several years. Keep the vial sealed tightly to prevent moisture absorption.
As a Solution: Once dissolved, peptides are significantly less stable. Store solutions at -20°C or -80°C. Avoid storing peptide solutions at 4°C for extended periods.

Working with Peptide Solutions

When preparing a peptide solution, use a high-purity solvent, such as sterile, deionized water or an appropriate buffer.

Single-Use Aliquots

Procedure: Dissolve the entire peptide vial in the appropriate solvent to create a concentrated stock solution. Then, aliquot this stock solution into smaller, labeled microcentrifuge tubes.
Benefits: This method ensures that each time you need to use the peptide, you only thaw a small portion, preserving the integrity of the remaining stock.

Freezing and Thawing

Freezing: Freeze the aliquots quickly by placing them in an ethanol/dry ice bath or a specialized freezer rack to avoid degradation.
Thawing: Thaw the aliquots on ice or in a cold room. Avoid rapid thawing at high temperatures.

Specific Considerations

Peptides Containing Cysteine, Methionine, or Tryptophan

Peptides with these amino acids are prone to oxidation.

Storage: Store under an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) if possible.
Solvent: Use deoxygenated solvents for reconstitution.
Additives: Antioxidants or reducing agents (e.g., DTT) may help, but use cautiously as they can interfere with some assays.

Peptides Containing Glutamine or Asparagine

These amino acids are susceptible to deamidation.

Storage: Store at the coldest possible temperature (-80°C) as a lyophilized powder.
Solvent: For reconstitution, use a slightly acidic buffer (pH ~4-5) to slow deamidation.

Preventing Microbial Contamination

Always use sterile techniques and solvents.
Use sterile, single-use aliquots.
Avoid sodium azide when it may interfere with downstream applications, especially cell-based assays.

Summary of Storage Conditions

Storage Type	Temperature	Duration	Notes
Long-term	-80°C	2-3 years	Optimal for long-term storage
Standard	-20°C	1-2 years	Most common storage condition
Short-term	4°C	1-2 weeks	For immediate use only
Working solution	4°C	1-7 days	Reconstituted peptides