Melanotan II
Melanotan II / [Nle4,D-Phe7]-cyclo-α-MSH
Cyclic heptapeptide analogue of α-MSH with a lactam bridge between Asp and Lys residues. Potent non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist with high affinity at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. MC1R activation drives eumelanin synthesis; MC4R agonism in the hypothalamus is associated with appetite suppression and autonomic effects studied in obesity and sexual function research models. Structurally distinct from the linear Melanotan I — the cyclic conformation confers greater metabolic stability and broader receptor promiscuity.