What Is MT-2?
MT-2, written in the literature as Melanotan II, is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a small pituitary peptide that regulates pigmentation and several other processes through the melanocortin receptor family. The design goal behind MT-2 was durability: native alpha-MSH degrades in minutes, so researchers at the University of Arizona built a shortened, cyclized analogue with a lactam bridge that locks the molecule's active conformation in place. The result is a compound many times more potent and far more stable than the parent hormone, which is why it became a standard research tool rather than a curiosity.
The Melanocortin Receptor Family
What makes MT-2 scientifically interesting is where it binds. The melanocortin system has five receptor subtypes, MC1R through MC5R, and they run very different departments. MC1R on melanocytes governs pigment production. MC3R and MC4R in the central nervous system are involved in energy balance and other centrally mediated processes. MC5R appears in exocrine tissue. MT-2 is a non-selective agonist, active across several of these subtypes at once, and that broad activity is exactly why it appears in such a wide range of published work: a single compound that lights up the whole receptor family makes an ideal first probe before narrowing to subtype-selective tools.
MT-2 and PT-141: Parent and Descendant
Our catalog carries a direct descendant of this molecule. PT-141 is a metabolite of MT-2, differing by a single structural change, and it was identified during MT-2 research when investigators traced which circulating fragment produced certain centrally mediated effects. PT-141 trades MT-2's breadth for more focused MC3R/MC4R activity. Researchers comparing the two compounds are effectively comparing a broad melanocortin probe against its narrowed offspring, and the pair sits at the center of our aesthetic and vitality category alongside the neuroendocrine peptides Kisspeptin and Oxytocin.
Research Applications
The preclinical literature on MT-2 covers melanocortin receptor pharmacology, melanogenesis studies in cell culture, receptor binding and selectivity assays, and energy-balance models in the central melanocortin pathway. Its stability relative to alpha-MSH also makes it a common reference compound in peptide degradation studies. All Heartland Bio Labs compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research by qualified professionals.
Quality Verification
Every compound we stock is tested per product by an independent analytical laboratory, with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry and purity assessed by HPLC. Certificates of Analysis are published openly in our testing data library, and customers can match their vial to its certificate through the COA portal.
Handling and Storage
MT-2 and PT-141 share a family tree, and the differences between them matter when selecting material for melanocortin research. Our Melanotan 2 vs PT-141 comparison maps how the two peptides relate.
MT-2 is supplied as a lyophilized powder in sealed vials. The cyclic structure gives it better stability than most linear peptides, but standard practice still applies: store lyophilized vials refrigerated, protected from light and humidity. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for laboratory use, keep solutions refrigerated and avoid repeated temperature cycling.
Reconstitution math
Work out concentration (mg/mL), amount per volume and molarity for any vial size with the general peptide calculator. For the bench procedure see how to reconstitute peptides.
Research Use Only
This product is sold for laboratory research use only. It is not for human or veterinary use, not a drug, food, or cosmetic, and may not be used in diagnostics or therapeutics. By purchasing, the buyer confirms they are a qualified researcher and accepts our terms of sale.
