Melanotan II (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is studied in the laboratory for how it interacts with melanocortin receptors. It isn’t approved by the FDA for any use. Orion Peptides supplies Melanotan II as a lyophilized compound for in-vitro and analytical research only. It is not for human or veterinary use.
Why MT-2 identity testing matters
Melanotan II is cyclic: a lactam bridge closes part of the sequence into a ring. A linear (unclosed) by-compound or a variant with the wrong ring can look similar on a purity trace, but it has a different mass. That makes an identity test essential, and mass spectrometry the strongest way to do it. A credible MT-2 certificate shows:
- HPLC purity, with the chromatogram
- Identity test, ideally mass spec confirming the observed mass of cyclic Melanotan II
- Net peptide content in mg
- The testing laboratory and report date
For a full walkthrough, see How to Read a Peptide COA and our 7-point COA credibility check.
Melanotan I vs Melanotan II
The two are often confused. Melanotan I is a linear analog. Melanotan II is a shorter, cyclic analog. They aren’t interchangeable in a study design. More detail is in Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2: Research Differences.
Orion Peptides Melanotan II
Every Orion Peptides batch is tested by a third-party laboratory, Hyte Research Division. Certificates are on our COA Verification page.
Orion Peptides ships from within the USA and also to Canada.
Shop: Orion Peptides Melanotan
FAQ
Is Melanotan II FDA-approved? No. Orion Peptides supplies it strictly as a research compound for laboratory use.
What is MT2? MT2 or MT-2 is shorthand for Melanotan II.
Where is the Orion Peptides Melanotan II COA? On the COA Verification page, or from support with your order number.
Relevant resources
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 — competence of testing laboratories
- PepIndex — September 2026 analysis of 664 peptide certificates
- FDA — Synthetic peptide guidance (impurity characterization), May 2021
All Orion Peptides compounds are for research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
