Melanotan II · Cyclic α-MSH analog

What it is

Melanotan II is a seven-residue cyclic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, developed in the 1990s. The lactam ring makes it far more stable than the natural hormone.

What researchers study

Nonselective agonist at the melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R.
Used in animal research on pigmentation, appetite and sexual behavior.

Specifications

Sequence	`Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2`The ring is a lactam bridge between the Asp and Lys side chains. Nle is norleucine.
Molecular formula	C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉
Molecular weight	1024.2 g/mol
PubChem	CID 92432
Form	Lyophilized powder
Vial sizes	10 mg
Storage	Unopened: 2 to 8 °C, away from light

How each lot is tested

Samples from every lot go to an independent, ISO/IEC 17025 accredited lab. Its report covers three tests:

Purity by reversed-phase HPLC: the main peak's share of the total peak area.
Identity by mass spectrometry: the observed mass should match the expected 1024.2 g/mol.
Endotoxin, measured for every lot.

The lot number on your vial is the number on its report. How to check a certificate of analysis walks through what to look for.

The amount on the label is the weight of the powder. Besides the peptide it includes counter-ions and some water; Purity vs. peptide content explains the difference.

Storage and handling

Store unopened vials at 2 to 8 °C, away from light, as printed on the label. Let a cold vial reach room temperature before you open it, so moisture doesn't condense on the powder. More bench habits are in Handling.

For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. This page describes the compound and published research on it. It is not a recommendation for any use.