Research Comparison

Melanotan I (MT-1) vs Melanotan II (MT-2)

Melanotan I (MT-1) and Melanotan II (MT-2) are often compared because both sit in melanocortin / pigmentation research. Melanotan I (MT-1) acts on MC1 receptor (MC1R) and is studied for melanogenesis & photoprotection research, while Melanotan II (MT-2) acts on non-selective melanocortin receptors and is studied for melanogenesis & melanocortin-signaling research. Both are supplied as lyophilized powder for in-vitro laboratory research only — this page compares mechanism and research status, not dosing or human use.

Melanotan I (MT-1)

Melanocortin / pigmentation

Melanotan II (MT-2)

Melanocortin / pigmentation

Category
Melanocortin / pigmentation
Melanocortin / pigmentation
Mechanism / target
MC1 receptor (MC1R)
Non-selective melanocortin receptors
Research status
RUO material (approved biologic exists)
Research-use-only peptide
Studied for
Melanogenesis & photoprotection research
Melanogenesis & melanocortin-signaling research
Form
Lyophilized powder
Lyophilized powder

Melanotan I (MT-1)

Melanogenesis & photoprotection research.

Melanotan II (MT-2)

Melanogenesis & melanocortin-signaling research.

Frequently asked

What is the difference between Melanotan I (MT-1) and Melanotan II (MT-2)?
The main difference is mechanism and research stage. Melanotan I (MT-1) targets MC1 receptor (MC1R) (ruo material (approved biologic exists)) and is studied for melanogenesis & photoprotection research; Melanotan II (MT-2) targets Non-selective melanocortin receptors (research-use-only peptide) and is studied for melanogenesis & melanocortin-signaling research. Both are research-use-only compounds, not for human or animal use.
Are Melanotan I (MT-1) and Melanotan II (MT-2) approved for human use?
No. Renova Wellness supplies both strictly for in-vitro laboratory and scientific research use only. Research status differs — Melanotan I (MT-1): ruo material (approved biologic exists); Melanotan II (MT-2): research-use-only peptide — but neither is sold for human or animal consumption, and no medical, therapeutic, or dosing claims are made.
How is purity verified for Melanotan I (MT-1) and Melanotan II (MT-2)?
Every lot of both compounds ships with its own per-batch Certificate of Analysis — identity by mass spectrometry, ≥98% purity by HPLC, and a unique lot number you can verify against the vial in your hand.

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Research use only. This comparison covers mechanism, target, and research status. It is not medical, therapeutic, or dosing advice. Compounds sold by Renova Wellness™ are for in-vitro laboratory research and are not for human or animal consumption.