Xi'an Faithful BioTech Co., Ltd. is selling Melanotan II Raw Powder. Please feel free to contact us if you have any purchase needs.
Send your Inquiry for more details, Click email：sales4@faithfulbio.com
I. Product Core Overview: From Chemical Essence to Basic Properties
Melanotan II Powder is essentially a structurally optimized cyclic heptapeptide compound that achieves efficient activation of melanocortin receptors (MCRs) by mimicking the biological function of the human body's natural α-MSH. Its core chemical information and physical properties are the fundamental prerequisites for conducting research. The following is a systematic overview of key parameters.
1.1 Basic Chemical Characteristics
This product possesses a clear chemical identifier and molecular structure. The CAS Registry Number 121062-08-6 is a globally recognized substance identification code, allowing for precise retrieval of relevant information through chemical engineering databases. From a molecular composition perspective, its molecular formula is C50H69N15O9, with a relative molecular mass of approximately 1024.18 g/mol. The C47H68N14O10 molecular formula seen in some studies due to sequence representation differences is mainly due to subtle differences in amino acid residue counting methods; the core structure remains consistent.
Its polypeptide sequence is Ac-Nle-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys-NH₂. The most significant structural feature is the intramolecular cyclization between the 4-position leucine (Nle⁴) and the 10-position lysine (Lys¹⁰). This modification gives it stronger receptor binding affinity and resistance to protease degradation than natural α-MSH, significantly improving its biostability. Furthermore, N-terminal acetylation (Ac-) and C-terminal amidation (-NH₂) further optimize its physicochemical properties and in vivo metabolic characteristics.
1.2 Physical Properties and Storage Specifications
As a research-grade raw material, Melanotan II Powder is typically a white to off-white lyophilized powder with no obvious odor. It has a water solubility of over 20 mg/ml at 25°C, better solubility in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and moderate solubility in neutral buffer. Its physicochemical parameters show a density of 1.43, a refractive index of 1.669, an isoelectric point of approximately 7.8-8.3, and weak alkalinity. These characteristics provide a basis for solvent selection and concentration preparation in experiments.
Storage conditions are crucial to ensuring its biological activity. According to the specifications of multiple suppliers, long-term storage requires a dry, light-protected environment at -20℃, with a shelf life of up to 2 years; under ultra-low temperature conditions at -80℃, the shelf life can be extended to more than 2 years; at room temperature, it must be sealed and protected from moisture, and the storage time should not exceed 72 hours. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles will cause peptide chain degradation, affecting experimental results. During transportation, ice packs or dry ice freezing should be used to ensure that the temperature remains stable below 2-8℃.
II. Core Mechanism of Action: Multi-Target Regulatory Biological Effects
The biological function of Melanotan II Powder stems from its broad-spectrum agonistic activity against the melanocortin receptor family (MCRs). MCRs, as G protein-coupled receptors, include five subtypes from MC1R to MC5R, widely distributed in the skin, central nervous system, and adipose tissue. MT-II activates specific signaling pathways by binding to different subtypes, achieving multi-dimensional physiological regulation.
2.1 Molecular Pathway of Skin Pigmentation Regulation
In the process of melanin production in the skin, the core target of MT-II is MC1R on the surface of melanocytes. When MT-II binds to MC1R, it first activates intracellular Gαs protein, promoting the activation of adenylate cyclase (AC), which converts adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Elevated cAMP levels further activate protein kinase A (PKA). PKA, through phosphorylation, activates microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a core regulator of melanin synthesis, which significantly increases the gene expression of key enzymes such as tyrosinase and tyrosinase-associated protein 1 (TRP-1).
Tyrosinase, as the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis, accelerates the conversion of tyrosine to dopaquinone through increased activity, leading to the production of eumelanin and pheomelanin via a series of biochemical reactions. Simultaneously, MT-II promotes the maturation and transport of melanosomes by upregulating the expression of proteins such as PMEL17 and MART-1, accelerating the transfer of melanin granules from melanocytes to keratinocytes, ultimately enhancing skin pigmentation. This inside-out pigmentation mechanism allows the skin to develop a darker complexion even with reduced UV exposure, thus enhancing its resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
2.2 Multiple Effects of Metabolic and Neural Regulation
In the central nervous system, MT-II primarily exerts its metabolic regulatory effects by binding to MC4R. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to MC4R in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, activating the Gαq/11 protein-mediated phospholipase C (PLC) signaling pathway, generating inositol triphosphate (IP₃) and diacylglycerol (DAG), thus increasing intracellular calcium ion concentration. This signaling change inhibits the expression of appetite-stimulating factors such as neuropeptide Y (NPY) while enhancing the activity of α-MSH, a processing product of pro-opioid glycosides (POMC), achieving a dual effect of appetite suppression and increased energy expenditure.
In terms of sexual health regulation, MT-II activates MC4R in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, promoting the expression of nitric oxide (NO) synthase and increasing NO release. NO improves local blood flow by dilating blood vessels, especially those in the reproductive organs, thereby promoting erection. This mechanism makes it an important tool compound for research on erectile dysfunction. In addition, after MT-II binds to MC3R, it can inhibit the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, reduce the release of pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6, and promote the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), showing certain anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential.
Send your Inquiry for more details, Click email：sales4@faithfulbio.com
III. Main Application Scenarios: Core Value in Scientific Research and Development
As a high-purity research-grade peptide raw material, Melanotan II Powder is primarily used in medical research, drug development, and basic physiological exploration. Its multi-target activity provides an important research tool for multiple disciplines.
3.1 Key Tool for Skin Disease Research
In the field of pigmentary disorders, MT-II is a core material for studying the mechanisms of diseases such as vitiligo and albinism. By supplementing exogenously with MT-II, researchers can observe its regulatory effects on melanocyte proliferation and melanin synthesis in the affected skin area, and assess the therapeutic potential of activating the endogenous melanin production pathway. Preclinical studies have shown that topical application of MT-II preparations can achieve a 40%-60% pigment recovery rate in the affected skin area of vitiligo model animals, providing experimental evidence for the development of targeted pigment repair drugs.
In skin photoprotection research, MT-II is used to explore the protective mechanisms against ultraviolet damage. Because its induced melanin production enhances the skin's own sun protection ability, researchers have used MT-II intervention to evaluate the protective effect of melanin against UVB-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress, providing theoretical support for the development of novel photoprotective agents. Furthermore, it has wide applications in the pathogenesis research of diseases such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
3.2 Research Directions in Metabolic and Neurological Diseases
As a potent MC4R agonist, MT-II provides an important tool for research on metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Researchers utilize its appetite-suppressing and energy metabolism-regulating effects to conduct target validation and signaling pathway analysis, laying the foundation for the development of highly selective MC4R agonist anti-obesity products. Related studies have confirmed that MT-II can significantly increase the level of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in experimental animals and promote lipid mobilization, providing a new perspective for lipid metabolism research.
In the field of neuroprotection, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of MT-II make it a research subject for neurodegenerative diseases such as ischemic stroke and Parkinson's disease. Animal experiments have shown that MT-II can reduce the infarct volume and improve motor function in rats with stroke; in a Parkinson's disease model, it can protect dopaminergic neurons and alleviate tremor symptoms. These findings provide new directions for the development of drugs for the treatment of neurological diseases.
IV. Safety Standards: A Core Prerequisite for Scientific Applications
As a research-grade compound, the safe use of Melanotan II Powder relies on strict operating procedures and clear regulatory boundaries. Currently, its "for research use only, not for human use" attribute is clearly defined globally, and any unapproved human application carries potential risks.
4.1 Safety Precautions for Experimental Operations
In laboratory applications, the handling of MT-II powder must follow the general guidelines for peptide reagents. Sterile physiological saline or buffer solution should be used for dissolution; avoid direct dissolution with tap water as this may reduce activity. After preparation, the solution should be stored at 2-8°C for a short period and used within 48 hours. Laboratory personnel must wear gloves, goggles, and other protective equipment to avoid inhalation of the powder or direct skin contact. If contact occurs, immediately rinse with plenty of water.
V. Development Trends
Regarding research and development trends, the current core direction is to improve receptor selectivity and optimize pharmacokinetic properties. Because MT-II's multi-target activity leads to numerous side effects, researchers have used computer-aided product design technology to modify the peptide chain structure of MT-II based on the crystal structures of MC4R and MC1R, in order to develop highly selective agonists.
Conclusion
Melanotan II powder, a peptide reagent with unique biological activity, plays an irreplaceable role in research in dermatology, metabolic diseases, and neuroprotection. Its in-depth regulation of the melanocortin receptor system provides an important tool for understanding related physiological mechanisms and developing novel products. However, its potential safety risks and stringent regulatory requirements dictate that it must be used within a regulated research framework.
For researchers, selecting high-purity, legally sourced products is a prerequisite for ensuring research quality; strictly adhering to operating procedures and regulatory requirements is key to mitigating safety risks. In the future, with the development of peptide synthesis technology and design concepts, MT-II derivatives will evolve towards higher selectivity and longer duration of action, further unlocking their value in pharmaceutical research and development and bringing new hope for the treatment of more diseases.
As a provider of premium Melanotan II CAS 121062-08-6, Xi'an Faithful BioTech Co., Ltd. leverages state-of-the-art production technology and rigorous quality assurance to meet international pharmaceutical requirements. Our dedication to superior quality, cost-effective pricing, and tailored technical support has made us the preferred collaborator for healthcare professionals and researchers worldwide. To obtain detailed specifications and application guidance for our Melanotan II Powder, contact our technical team at sales4@faithfulbio.com and explore how our offerings can enhance your product formulations.