Melanotan 2 peptide is a synthetic compound, which is an analogue of the α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The peptide is a cyclic heptapeptide that appears to have a modified affinity towards the receptors that the endogenous hormone may interact with. In addition to possibly stimulating melanogenesis (the production of melanin pigment) in dermal cells, this peptide may have increased affinity towards other receptors that play a role in the regulation of appetite and various types of arousal.