Source comparison
MT-II: Comparison Table
Before selecting MT-II for research applications, it's essential to understand how it compares to related melanocortin analogs and endogenous peptides. The table below summarizes key differences in receptor selectivity, half-life, and primary research use case
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- Before selecting MT-II for research applications, it's essential to understand how it compares to related melanocortin analogs and endogenous peptides. The table below summarizes key differences in receptor selectivity, half-life, and primary research use cases.
- MT-II (Melanotan 2)
- MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R (non-selective)
- ~33 hours
- Melanogenesis, appetite regulation, sexual function, receptor pharmacology
- Not FDA-approved; used in research only
- Broadest receptor coverage but least selectivity. Useful for multi-system melanocortin studies
- Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)
- MC1R-selective
- ~30 minutes (requires depot formulation for extended release)
- Photoprotection, erythropoietic protoporphyria treatment
- FDA-approved (Scenesse) for EPP
- More selective for melanogenesis with minimal appetite/sexual effects. Clinical therapeutic use
- Setmelanotide
- MC4R-selective
- ~1.5–2 hours
- Obesity related to POMC or leptin receptor deficiency
- FDA-approved (Imcivree) for rare genetic obesity
- Selective MC4R agonist without pigmentation. Used clinically for appetite regulation
- α-MSH (endogenous)
- <10 minutes
- Natural melanocortin signaling in skin, hypothalamus, immune tissue
- Endogenous peptide hormone
- Rapidly degraded by peptidases. Impractical for exogenous research use
- Bremelanotide (PT-141)
- MC3R, MC4R (non-selective, derived from MT-II)
- ~2.7 hours
- Female sexual arousal disorder
- FDA-approved (Vyleesi) for HSDD
- Lacks MC1R affinity (no tanning). Designed for sexual function without pigmentation