Melanotan

Description

Our Melanotan is a cyclic melanocortin agonist, supplied as freeze-dried vials, a nasal spray and sublingual tablets. It’s tested to 99% purity or higher and sold strictly for lab research.

What is Melanotan?

Melanotan 2 (Melanotan II) is a cyclic seven-amino-acid peptide based on alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone. A ring structure makes it far more stable than the natural hormone.

It acts on several melanocortin receptors at once, MC1R through MC5R. MC1R controls skin pigment, which is why it’s studied for tanning, and its effects on MC4R led to the development of PT-141.

How it works

Melanotan 2 activates MC1R on pigment cells, which drives eumelanin production and darker pigmentation. Unlike Melanotan 1, it also acts strongly on MC3R and MC4R in the brain.

That brain activity explains the effects on appetite and sexual function seen in early studies, and it’s the reason PT-141 was developed from it.

Melanotan research

It was developed at the University of Arizona in the late 1980s and 90s, by a team including Mac Hadley and Victor Hruby, as a way to tan skin without UV exposure. Early human studies confirmed the tanning effect.

It was never approved, and several health agencies have warned against unlicensed use. It’s sold here strictly for research.

For the studies themselves, try this PubMed search.

Options and prices

There are 7 ways to buy it, from $27.08 to $81.26:

• Melanotan 2, Peptide, 10mg: $67.71
• Melanotan 1, Peptide, 10mg: $67.71
• Melanotan 2, Nasal Spray, 100mcg per spray/10mg: $67.71
• Melanotan 1, Nasal Spray, 100mcg per spray/10mg: $67.71
• Melanotan 2, Sublingual Tablets, 200mcg per tablet/20ct/4mg: $27.08
• Melanotan 2, Sublingual Tablets, 200mcg per tablet/40ct/8mg: $54.17
• Melanotan 2, Sublingual Tablets, 200mcg per tablet/60ct/12mg: $81.26

The vials hold a freeze-dried (lyophilized) powder under a sealed stopper. Freeze-drying keeps the peptide stable in transit. You add sterile bacteriostatic water to dissolve it before use.

The nasal spray comes ready to use in a metered bottle, so there’s nothing to mix. The size shows how much each spray delivers and the total in the bottle.

Sublingual tablets are pressed to dissolve under the tongue. Each one holds a fixed amount, printed in the size option, so there’s no measuring.

Study design notes

Researchers who work with peptides tend to order a small vial first to check solubility and handling, then move to larger sizes once the protocol is settled.

Keep a log of the batch number, the mixing date and the volume of water used. If results drift between runs, those three details are usually where the answer is.

If you’re new to a peptide, read two or three of the original papers before you start. They’ll show which endpoints moved, which didn’t, and how other labs set up their controls.

Reconstitution math

The liquid you add sets the concentration. For a 10mg vial:

• 1mL of bacteriostatic water gives 10mg/mL
• 2mL of bacteriostatic water gives 5mg/mL
• 3mL of bacteriostatic water gives 3.33mg/mL

Let the vial reach room temperature, run the water slowly down the glass, and swirl gently until it’s clear. Don’t shake it.

Melanotan specifications

• Compound: Melanotan 2
• CAS number: 121062-08-6
• Molecular formula: C50H69N15O9
• Molar mass: 1,024.2 g/mol
• Structure: cyclic heptapeptide
• Class: cyclic melanocortin agonist
• Forms: peptide vial, nasal spray and sublingual tablets
• Options: 7 sizes and forms
• Purity: 99% or higher, verified by first- and third-party testing
• Use: laboratory research only

How we test each batch

We test each batch for identity and purity before it ships, using HPLC and mass spectrometry, with independent third-party checks on top of our own.

The batch number on the label matches the certificate of analysis. If your lab keeps paperwork on file, ask us for it and we’ll email it over.

Storage and shelf life

Freeze-dried vials keep best in the freezer, and a fridge is fine for a few weeks. Once reconstituted, keep it refrigerated and finish it within roughly 28 days. Refrigerate spray bottles after opening and keep the cap on.

Keep the container sealed at room temperature, away from heat, moisture and sunlight.

Note the batch number and the date you opened it in your lab records.

Handling notes

Wear gloves and eye protection when you open or measure it, and work on a clean surface.

Label everything you prepare, keep it away from food areas, and follow your lab’s rules for disposing of sharps and chemical waste.

Before you start

• Bacteriostatic Water for reconstitution, or Sterile Water if you’ll use the whole vial at once
• sterile insulin-type syringes or pipettes for measuring
• alcohol swabs for the vial stopper

Often ordered alongside

• Humanin: Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA.
• Ironclad Bundle, combining CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, TB-500 and BPC-157
• PT-141: PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic seven-amino-acid peptide derived from melanotan II.
• Matrixyl: Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) is the pentapeptide KTTKS with a palmitic acid chain added.
• PNC-27: PNC-27 is a 32-residue peptide that joins a sequence from p53 (residues 12-26, the HDM-2 binding region) to a membrane-penetrating sequence.

For the wider range, visit our peptide nasal sprays sections.

Melanotan questions

What forms does it come in?

Freeze-dried vials, a nasal spray and sublingual tablets. Pick the one you want from the dropdown on this page.

Is Melanotan in stock?

Yes. It’s in stock and ships from our warehouse after your order clears.

Does it come with a certificate of analysis?

Yes. Every batch is tested, and we’ll email the certificate of analysis for your batch number on request.

Can it be used in people or animals?

No. It’s sold for laboratory research only and isn’t approved for human or veterinary use.

What do I mix it with?

Most labs use sterile bacteriostatic water. Add it slowly down the side of the vial and swirl gently until the powder dissolves. Don’t shake it.

How should I store it?

Follow the storage section above. In short: cold and dark for freeze-dried vials, room temperature and dry for capsules, tablets, powders and liquids, unless the label says otherwise.

Order Melanotan today

Ready to order? Melanotan starts at $27.08 and ships from stock. Add it to your cart and you’re done.

Need more for the same project? Have a look at our research peptides and peptide nasal sprays.

For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.