Compound Profiles
MT-II (Melanotan II): Melanocortin Research and Published Studies
Healthy Aminos Research Team · · 6 min read
Molecular Profile
[MT-II](/peptides/skin/mt-ii) (Melanotan II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide with the sequence Ac-Nle-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys-NH2. MW: 1024.18 Da (CAS: 121062-08-6). The cyclic structure is formed by a lactam bridge between the Asp and Lys side chains, constraining the peptide's conformation.
MT-II is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, binding MC1R through MC5R subtypes with varying affinity. MC1R mediates melanogenesis (pigment production) in melanocytes, while MC3R and MC4R are expressed in the central nervous system.
Published Research
### Phase I Human Trial
[Dorr et al. (1996)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8637402/) conducted a phase I study in human volunteers examining MT-II administered subcutaneously. At doses of 0.025 mg/kg, the study documented measurable increases in skin melanin density using reflectance spectrophotometry. The study provided the first controlled human data on melanocortin-induced melanogenesis with this compound.
### Double-Blind Crossover
[Wessells et al. (1998)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9679884/) published results from a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study examining MT-II in male subjects. The study used real-time monitoring of physiological parameters and documented melanocortin receptor-mediated effects.
### Melanocortin System Review
[Hadley (2005)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15996790/) published a comprehensive review of the melanocortin system and melanotropin analogs including MT-II. The review covered structure-activity relationships, receptor subtype selectivity, and the development of synthetic melanocortin peptides from naturally occurring α-MSH.
Research Status
MT-II has more human clinical data than many research peptides, including phase I safety data. The compound's non-selective melanocortin receptor binding profile has made it a tool compound for melanocortin receptor research. It is not FDA-approved.
Also explore [GHK-Cu](/peptides/skin/ghk-cu) in the Skin & Hair research category.
*All Healthy Aminos products are for research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not FDA approved.*
Research Use Only
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Products sold by Healthy Aminos are intended strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use. Not for human or animal consumption. Not FDA approved. By purchasing from Healthy Aminos, the buyer acknowledges that these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All products are sold as reference standards and research chemicals only.