alpha-MSH analog9 min read

Melanotan II: What It Is and the Research

A neutral, source-cited overview of Melanotan II for qualified and independent researchers — what it is, the areas the published literature has studied, and where to find the primary sources.

VNG Research TeamJuly 15, 2026
Class
alpha-MSH analog
Published studies cited
11
Literature span
1996–2023

For research & educational purposes only. This article is a neutral, procedural reference for laboratory / in-vitro research handling — not medical advice or a usage recommendation. These materials are not for human or animal consumption.

On this page

What Melanotan II is

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is supplied as an analytical-grade reference material for laboratory research.

What the research has examined

Research on this melanocortin analog has examined pigmentation pathways and melanocortin-receptor signaling in laboratory models.

Listing an area of study is not a claim about any product or outcome. These references are provided so qualified researchers can locate the primary literature. All materials are supplied for laboratory research use only.

Reconstitution reference

Standard laboratory reconstitution volumes for Melanotan II, from the VNG Reconstitution Sheet. See the full reconstitution guide for the method and concentration math.

ProductVialBacteriostatic waterResulting concentration
Melanotan II10 mg2 mL5 mg/mL

Published research

A selection of peer-reviewed and clinical literature indexed on PubMed. Provided so qualified researchers can locate the primary sources — inclusion here is not a claim about any product or outcome.

  1. Human clinical studyLife Sciences · 1996

    Melanotan II — melanogenesis & skin pigmentation (phase I)

    View on PubMed
  2. Animal-model studyExperimental physiology · 2021

    Melanotan II and thermogenesis — mouse model

    View on PubMed
  3. Peer-reviewed studyNeuropeptides · 2022

    Melanotan II and feeding behavior — brain study

    View on PubMed
  4. Animal-model studyBiomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie · 2023

    Melanotan II and diet-induced memory impairment

    View on PubMed
  5. Peer-reviewed studyHearing research · 2002

    Melanotan II and cisplatin ototoxicity

    View on PubMed
  6. Peer-reviewed studyInternational journal of impotence research · 2000

    Melanotan II melanocortin agonist — human studies

    View on PubMed
  7. Animal-model studyEuropean journal of pharmacology · 2003

    Melanotan II and nerve regeneration — rat

    View on PubMed
  8. Peer-reviewed reviewCEN case reports · 2020

    Melanotan II and renal infarction — case review

    View on PubMed
  9. Peer-reviewed studyDermatology (Basel, Switzerland) · 2021

    Melanotan II — qualitative forum study

    View on PubMed
  10. Peer-reviewed studyBMJ (Clinical research ed.) · 2009

    Use of melanotan I and II — population study

    View on PubMed
  11. Animal-model studyPeptides · 2004

    Melanotan II and insulin sensitivity — rat model

    View on PubMed

References & resources

Related reference materials

VNG Research Team

VNG Labs supplies analytical-grade reference materials with lot-matched Certificates of Analysis. Our write-ups are neutral, source-cited references for qualified and independent researchers.

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Research use only. Not for human consumption or veterinary use. Sold exclusively to qualified researchers for in vitro and laboratory research. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Refrigerate upon receipt. Keep in dark environment.