Melanotan I: Research Profile, Dosages & Supplier Prices

Melanocortin research · Lyophilized powder · Also known as: Afamelanotide, MT-1, Melanotan-1, [Nle4,D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH

Melanotan I is a melanocortin research compound with a molecular weight of 1646.8 g/mol and a research half-life of ~1-2 hours (injectable); sustained release with implant forms. Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic linear tridecapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), developed as a more receptor-selective alternative to Melanotan II. It primarily activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production - the dark brown/black pigment associated with photoprotection.

Research Use Only (RUO). Not for human or veterinary use. Not medical advice.

Sequence	Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
Formula	C78H111N21O19
Mol. weight	1646.8 g/mol
Half-life	~1-2 hours (injectable); sustained release with implant forms
Forms sold	Lyophilized powder

What is Melanotan I?

Afamelanotide is one of the few research peptides to reach full regulatory approval in a pharmaceutical context: as a subcutaneous implant (Scenesse) it is approved in the EU and US for preventing phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). In research settings it is studied for UV-damage models, melanogenesis pathways, and MC1R signaling. Compared with Melanotan II it shows far less activity at MC3R/MC4R, which is why it is considered the more selective - and milder - melanocortin tool compound.

Mechanism of Action (Research Context)

Selective agonist at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), mimicking alpha-MSH. MC1R activation raises intracellular cAMP in melanocytes, upregulating tyrosinase activity and shifting pigment synthesis toward eumelanin. Minimal agonism at MC3R/MC4R distinguishes it from non-selective melanocortins.

Research Areas

Melanogenesis and pigmentation pathwaysUV-induced skin damage modelsErythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)MC1R receptor pharmacology

Melanotan I Dosages in Research

1mg2mg10mg vials

Published human research with afamelanotide used 16mg subcutaneous implants releasing drug over days. In vitro and animal melanogenesis studies typically work in microgram ranges. All dosing information is research-context only.

Dosage information is a summary of published laboratory research and is provided for informational purposes only. These compounds are not for human use.

Storage & Handling

Store lyophilized at -20C protected from light. After reconstitution refrigerate at 2-8C and use within 2-4 weeks; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Melanotan I Supplier Price Comparison

No tracked suppliers stock Melanotan I yet — inventory syncs run continuously. Check our supplier reviews.

Melanotan I FAQ

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear peptide selective for the MC1R receptor, while Melanotan II is a cyclic, non-selective melanocortin agonist hitting MC1R, MC3R and MC4R. MT-1 is generally considered milder and more targeted in research models.

Yes - as afamelanotide implants (Scenesse) it is approved in the EU and US for preventing phototoxic reactions in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria. Lyophilized vials sold by peptide suppliers are research-use-only material.

Legitimate research material should test at 98%+ purity by HPLC with a matching mass spec identity (1646.8 Da). Always verify the COA is batch-specific and from a third-party lab.

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