Melanotan 2/MT-2

Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a cyclic heptapeptide analogue of α-MSH with broad melanocortin receptor activity, binding MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Supplied as lyophilized powder with ≥98% purity (HPLC-verified), MT-2 is a versatile research tool for melanogenesis, energy homeostasis, and receptor pharmacology studies.

Mechanism of Action

MT-2 activates multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes. MC1R agonism triggers eumelanin synthesis in melanocytes, while central MC4R activation regulates appetite, energy expenditure, and autonomic functions. Its broader receptor profile distinguishes it from the MC1R-selective Melanotan 1.

Research Findings & Benefits Under Investigation

• Melanogenesis: Induces eumelanin production in melanocytes, producing sustained hyperpigmentation for photoprotection and pigmentation disorder research.
• Appetite Regulation: MC4R agonism in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus reduces food intake and increases energy expenditure in preclinical rodent models.
• Metabolic Effects: Promotes fatty acid oxidation, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces adiposity in diet-induced obesity models through central melanocortin signaling.
• Sexual Function: Central MC4R activation modulates erectile and sexual response pathways, supporting its investigation in sexual function research.
• Photoprotection: Eumelanin induction provides UV-protective effects, reducing DNA damage markers in UV-exposure models.

Research Applications

• Multi-receptor melanocortin pharmacology
• Energy homeostasis and appetite regulation models
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome research
• Pigmentation biology and melanogenesis
• Central nervous system melanocortin signaling

Product Specifications

• Purity: ≥98% (HPLC)
• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Molecular Weight: ~1,024 Da
• Solubility: Reconstitute in sterile bacteriostatic water

Storage & Handling

• Store lyophilized peptide at -20°C, protected from light and moisture.
• After reconstitution, aliquot and store at -20°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Disclaimer: This product is intended exclusively for laboratory and research purposes. It is not a drug, dietary supplement, or food product. Not for human or veterinary diagnostic, therapeutic, or prophylactic use.

What the Internet Says

This is what online communities discuss about this compound. Not medical advice, not a recommendation — just what people are saying. For laboratory research use only.

Community Buzz

Melanotan 2 — called “MT-2,” “the tanning peptide,” or more controversially “the Barbie drug” — has a massive underground following. It works by stimulating melanin production, which means you tan faster, darker, and with less sun exposure. The community loves that the tan lasts weeks to months, not days — you’re not chained to the tanning bed. But MT-2 has two other effects everybody talks about: strong appetite suppression (users report spontaneously eating less) and a significant libido boost (spontaneous erections in men, increased arousal in both sexes). This libido effect was so notable that a derivative — PT-141 (Bremelanotide) — was FDA-approved specifically for sexual desire. In bodybuilding, MT-2 is practically mandatory for pre-competition prep — lean, dark, and vascular. The community’s #1 warning: expect new moles and freckles to appear, and get a skin check before starting.

Why People Are Interested

• Deep tan without baking in the sun. You’ll tan darker and faster with minimal UV exposure. The result looks natural and lasts for months, not days.
• Built-in appetite control. A powerful bonus effect — users eat less without trying. Makes cutting and dieting significantly easier.
• Libido boost for both men and women. Works at the brain level (MC4R receptor) — increases desire, not just physical function. Often used as a “date night” peptide.
• Natural sun protection. More melanin means more built-in UV protection — potentially reducing sunburn risk. However, this is NOT a substitute for sunscreen, and the community emphasizes this.

Popular Combinations

• MT-2 + GHK-Cu (topical): Tan + skin quality — MT-2 for color, GHK-Cu for collagen protection and skin firmness during UV exposure.
• MT-2 + Semaglutide or Tirzepatide: The “look lean and tanned” stack — GLP-1 for weight loss, MT-2 for tan and extra appetite suppression.
• MT-2 + Controlled UV (tanning bed or sun): The core protocol — MT-2 primes melanocytes, brief UV exposure triggers the melanin release. Start with very short sessions.
• MT-2 + PT-141 (separated timing): Some users alternate — MT-2 for tan + appetite, PT-141 purely for libido without the tan acceleration.

⚠️ Sourced from public forums (Reddit r/Peptides, r/Melanotan2, r/Bodybuilding), tanning communities, and biohacking blogs. MT-2 consistently causes new moles (nevi) and darkens existing ones — dermatologist monitoring is universally advised. Nausea and facial flushing are nearly universal first-time side effects. Case reports of melanoma in users exist but causation is unproven. Not FDA-approved. Community protocols are experimental. This information is for awareness only.