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Research Overview
Synthetic analogues of alpha-MSH; activate melanocortin receptors (MC1R for pigmentation, MC4R for sexual arousal); MT-1 (afamelanotide) activates MC1R on melanocytes to stimulate eumelanin production; MT-2 additionally activates MC4R in hypothalamic circuits.
Melanotan-I and Melanotan-II are synthetic cyclic and linear peptide analogues derived from α-MSH, the endogenous ligand for melanocortin receptors (MCRs). α-MSH is a 13-amino acid peptide cleaved from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and acts through five receptor subtypes (MC1R–MC5R) that mediate diverse biological functions including pigmentation, energy homeostasis, sexual function, and immune modulation. Both Melanotan compounds were developed as research tools for studying melanocortin receptor biology in preclinical settings.
In preclinical pigmentation research, MC1R agonism by both compounds has been studied for its effects on melanocyte biology, melanin synthesis, and the signalling cascade from receptor activation to pigment production in cell culture and animal model systems. Melanotan-I demonstrated sufficient selectivity for MC1R in preclinical studies to progress toward clinical investigation for photosensitive dermatological conditions, while Melanotan-II shows broader melanocortin receptor engagement including MC3R and MC4R.
Sold strictly as a research chemical for non-human, in-vitro, and laboratory use
FDA approved compound
Prescription availability in Australia and internationally
In Australia, melanotan-i and melanotan-ii (melanocortin receptor agonists) has no TGA approval for therapeutic use. It is sold by Capital Peptides strictly as a research chemical for non-human, in-vitro, and laboratory research use only.
Melanotan-I and Melanotan-II (Melanocortin Receptor Agonists) research is most relevant to protocols examining:
Melanocortin receptor pharmacology research
Skin pigmentation and UV protection studies (MT-1/afamelanotide)
Sexual arousal and MC4R pathway investigations (MT-2)
Researchers studying alpha-MSH analogues across receptor subtypes
Initial phase
Compound begins accumulating in target tissue. Most researchers note subtle changes by end of week one. Baseline measurements recommended.
Early response
Measurable effects begin to establish. Mid-cycle assessment is appropriate at this point in well-designed protocols.
Peak activity window
Effects compound in this window. Given limited human data, careful documentation is important.
Washout & review
Allow full washout (~5× half-life: MT-1: ~1 hour; MT-2: ~30 min). Review data, confirm baseline recovery before any repeat protocol.
Synthetic analogues of alpha-MSH; activate melanocortin receptors (MC1R for pigmentation, MC4R for sexual arousal); MT-1 (afamelanotide) activates MC1R on melanocytes to stimulate eumelanin production; MT-2 additionally activates MC4R in hypothalamic circuits.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | MT-1: 0.5–1 mg/day |
| Alt. dose 2 | MT-2: 0.25–0.5 mg |
| Schedule | Daily (loading phase) |
| Route | Subcutaneous |
| Half-life | MT-1: ~1 hour; MT-2: ~30 min |
MC4R activation)
Starting at too high a dose
Fix: MT-2 loading should begin at 0.1–0.25 mg; nausea at 0.5 mg+ is common in new researchers
Not doing a skin check before starting
Fix: existing moles should be assessed and documented
Expecting tanning without UV exposure
Fix: UV light is still required to activate melanin production
Not anticipating MT-2's MC4R effects (spontaneous erections, increased libido)
Fix: many first-time researchers are surprised
Available from Capital Peptides
For research use only. Capital Peptides products are not approved by the TGA for therapeutic use. By purchasing you confirm you are a licensed research entity or qualified professional.
