What Is Melanotan-2? Melanocortin Peptide Research Guide
An overview of Melanotan-2 — an alpha-MSH analogue — covering the melanocortin pathway, why regulators have warned against its sale for human use, and its research-use-only status in the UK.
7 min read · Published 2026-06-23
What Is Melanotan-2?
Melanotan-2 is a synthetic, cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that acts more broadly across melanocortin receptors (including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R) than Melanotan-1.
Research use only. This material is supplied for in-vitro laboratory research. It is not a medicine and is not for human or veterinary consumption, administration, or therapeutic use.
How Melanotan-2 Is Studied to Work
In research Melanotan-2 is associated with activation of multiple melanocortin receptors, which is studied in the context of pigmentation and other melanocortin-mediated pathways in laboratory models.
Regulatory Status & Safety Notes
Melanotan-2 is not approved by the MHRA, FDA, EMA or any regulator. UK and other health authorities have publicly warned against unlicensed Melanotan products sold for human use, and the published human-safety data is limited. Material supplied by research suppliers is strictly for laboratory research only and is not for human consumption, cosmetic, or any other use.
Research Handling & Quality
As a lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptide it is typically stored frozen and reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for in-vitro work — see our reconstitution guide and storage guide. Identity and purity should be verified against a batch-matched Certificate of Analysis (COA) with HPLC and mass-spectrometry data. View melanotan-2 product details and COA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melanotan-2 approved or legal for human use?
No. Melanotan-2 is not approved by any regulator, and authorities have warned against unlicensed products sold for human use. Research-grade material is for laboratory use only.
How does Melanotan-2 differ from Melanotan-1?
Melanotan-2 acts more broadly across melanocortin receptors, whereas Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is more selective for MC1R and exists as an approved medicine for a rare condition.
Can Melanotan-2 be used for tanning?
No. It is supplied for laboratory research only and is not for human or cosmetic use.
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- What Is Melanotan-1? Melanocortin Peptide Research Guide
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