MT-2 (Melanotan II)

Melanotan II is a synthetic, cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that exhibits high affinity for the MC1R receptor expressed on melanocytes. Its primary mechanism stimulates adenylyl cyclase, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP, which subsequently activates tyrosinase to induce eumelanin (brown/black pigment) production, providing a UV-independent tanning effect. Furthermore, MT-2 cross-reacts with MC3R and MC4R, which are responsible for its observed effects on appetite suppression and sexual arousal (erectile function). Research utilizes MT-2 to study photoprotection against UV-induced DNA damage, melanoma proliferation dynamics, and central metabolic regulation. Its prolonged half-life (approximately 30 hours) makes it a unique tool for sustained receptor activation studies. Researchers must note its strong systemic effects and utilize careful dose-escalation protocols to study its full pharmacodynamic profile.