Peptide lexicon
Melanotan II
Cyclic heptapeptide analogue of α-MSH and non-selective agonist at the melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R.
| Substance class | Peptide |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 |
| CAS number | 121062-08-6 |
| Molecular formula | C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉ |
| Molar mass | 1,024.2 g/mol |
| Synonyms | MT-II |
| PubChem | CID 92432 |
Structure
Melanotan II (Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂) was developed at the University of Arizona. The lactam bridge and D-phenylalanine make it much more stable than the natural hormone.
Research focus
As a melanocortin research tool it is used to study MC1R-mediated melanogenesis and central MC3R/MC4R effects on energy homeostasis and behaviour in animal models.
Status
No marketing authorisation. European medicines authorities, including Germany's BfArM, warn against products containing melanotan II outside research.
Literature
- Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case reportCEN Case Rep, 2020 · PMID 31953620 · DOI 10.1007/s13730-020-00447-z
- Central nervous system agents in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: how do they work?Curr Urol Rep, 2001 · PMID 12084236 · DOI 10.1007/s11934-001-0044-6
- Dangers of Injectable Peptides and Other Unregulated "Biohacking" DrugsMo Med, 2026 · PMID 42757290
- Falsification of biotechnology drugs: current dangers and/or future disasters?J Pharm Biomed Anal, 2018 · PMID 30165334 · DOI 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.08.037
- Sympathetic and sensory innervation of brown adipose tissueInt J Obes (Lond), 2010 · PMID 20935665 · DOI 10.1038/ijo.2010.182
