Description
Melanotan 2
Melanotan 2 (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic peptide and non-selective agonist of the melanocortin receptor family, developed as an analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) — a naturally occurring hormone involved in pigmentation, appetite regulation, and sexual function (Rösler & Giuliano, 2014).
Mechanism of Action
- MT-II activates multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes (MC1R through MC5R), with particular research focus on MC3R and MC4R — receptors expressed in brain regions involved in appetite control, energy balance, and arousal
- By activating these receptors in the central nervous system, MT-II has been shown in preclinical models to suppress food intake and reduce appetite-driven behaviours without producing an aversive response (Rupprecht et al., 2022)
- Research also documents activity at MC1R, which is associated with pigment-producing cells in skin tissue (Kim et al., 2023)
Key Research Findings
- Early clinical studies documented that MT-II initiated penile erection in 17 of 20 male subjects with erectile dysfunction in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, with increased sexual desire reported in 68% of MT-II doses versus 19% of placebo (Wessells et al., 2000)
- Preclinical studies in rodent models demonstrated dose-dependent enhancement of peripheral nerve regeneration and partial neuroprotection against chemotherapy-induced nerve damage (Giuliano et al., 2003)
- MT-II has been used as a pharmacological research tool to map the role of the melanocortin system across multiple physiological processes including thermogenesis, feeding behaviour, and neuroendocrine signalling (Rupprecht et al., 2022)
For research use only. Not intended for use in humans or animals.
References
Giuliano, F., Clément, P., Droupy, S., Alexandre, L., & Bernabé, J. (2003). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12591111/
Kim, J., Cho, Y., Nam, G., & Choi, S. (2023). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10418475/
Rösler, M., & Giuliano, F. (2014). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25096243/
Rupprecht, L. E., Doyle, M. R., Kohut, S. J., & Bergman, J. (2022). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36155088/
Wessells, H., Levine, N., Hadley, M. E., Dorr, R., & Hruby, V. (2000). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11035391/











