MT2 (Melanotan II) is a synthetic cyclic peptide hormone developed by a research team at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. It is an analogue of natural alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Its initial development goal was to be a candidate drug for treating female sexual dysfunction and male erectile dysfunction (ED). However, due to safety and side effects issues, drug development was halted in 2003. To date, no drugs containing MT2 have been officially marketed globally; they are mainly used as research reagents or circulated in the informal market.
Amino Acid Sequence: Ac-Nle-cyclo(Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys)-NH₂
Molecular Formula: C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉
Molecular Weight: Approx. 1024.18 Da
CAS Number: 121062-08-6
Appearance: White lyophilized powder, readily soluble in water
Purity: Research grade typically ≥98% (HPLC)
Solubility: Soluble in sterile water, dilute acids, and approximately 10 mM in DMSO
Stability: Store dry powder at -20℃ or -80℃ in a sealed container, protected from light and dry; after reconstitution, it is recommended to aliquot and store at -20℃ or -80℃, avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
MT2 is a potent, non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, primarily acting on... Subtypes such as MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R:
**Promotes pigmentation:** Activates MC1R receptors on skin melanocytes, stimulating melanin production and inducing darker skin (tanning effect) without prolonged UV exposure.
**Regulates sexual function:** Acts on MC4R receptors in the hypothalamus, inducing spontaneous erections, shortening erection latency, and enhancing sexual arousal.
**Suppresses appetite/weight loss:** Activation of MC4R suppresses food intake, demonstrating reduced food consumption and weight gain in animal models.
**Others:** Studies show that it promotes peripheral nerve regeneration in animal models, possesses neuroprotective properties, and has a certain inhibitory tendency on melanoma cells (further research is needed).
**Multifunctionality:** The same molecule possesses multiple biological activities, including tanning, erectile dysfunction, and appetite suppression.
**Highly effective and time-saving:** Compared to natural sun exposure, using MT2 requires less time for UV exposure to achieve a deeper and longer-lasting tan. **Durability:** After achieving ideal pigmentation, the tanning effect can last for weeks or even months after discontinuation of the medication.
**Flexibility and Controllability:** Skin tone can be individually controlled by adjusting the loading and maintenance doses. Maintenance dosing frequency is low (e.g., once every two weeks).
**Research/Experiment:** As a tool compound for melanocortin receptor agonists, it is used in preclinical studies for pigmentation regulation, sexual dysfunction, appetite and energy metabolism, and neuroprotection.
**Non-Standard Beauty/Fitness Circles:** Some individuals purchase the "raw material" themselves for rapid tanning, skin tone management during competition preparation, or so-called "performance enhancement" (high-risk, unregulated activity).
**Past Clinical Research Directions:** It entered early human trials to explore its use in treating erectile dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction, and reducing the risk of sunburn/skin cancer (all development has been discontinued).
No Legally Marketed Drug: Currently, there are virtually no officially approved human medications for MT2 in any country. Most products circulating online are "research chemicals," and their quality, purity, and sterility are not guaranteed.
Common Side Effects: Facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, yawning, decreased appetite, injection site reactions, and temporary fluctuations in blood pressure.
Long-Term/Unknown Risks: There are reports of uneven skin tone, the appearance of new moles, and existing moles becoming darker and larger. Medical institutions generally do not recommend its use due to concerns about potential melanoma or skin lesions.
Usage and Storage: If used in laboratory animals/in vitro studies, it is usually administered subcutaneously or intravenously. Strictly protect from light, moisture, and low temperatures. Use as soon as possible after reconstitution according to the research protocol.
Regulatory Compliance: Products from legitimate channels are generally limited to "laboratory research use" and cannot be used for human diagnosis, treatment, or cosmetic injections.
Early Human Studies: In small-sample studies, MT2 was observed to induce erectile events, enhance sexual arousal, and accelerate skin pigmentation under certain UV exposure.
Animal Model Studies: In mouse/rat models, MT2 dose-dependently reduced food intake and body weight; at specific doses, it promoted the recovery of sensory function after sciatic nerve compression injury.
As a Parent Molecule: Its structural design principles (cyclization, D-amino acid substitution, etc.) provide important references for the subsequent development of more selective melanocortin receptor modulators with fewer side effects.
The core value of MT2 is mainly reflected in scientific research: It is a classic model molecule of synthetic melanocortin receptor agonists with multiple biological activities, which can help researchers elucidate the mechanisms of action of MC1R~MC5R in different physiological systems (pigmentation, sexual function, energy balance, nervous system, immunity, etc.); it also reminds the industry that the "pleiotropic" nature of peptide drugs, if accompanied by uncontrollable side effects, will seriously restrict their clinical translation. For the average consumer, the risks far outweigh the unproven "beauty/functional" benefits, and they should not use it on their own.
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