Not medical advice. Melanotan-1 is a research compound. This guide does not provide dosing, diagnosis, therapy recommendations, or claims about effects in humans.
Melanotan-1 is listed in our catalogue under “Tanning / Libido.” In scientific publications it is discussed in technical language; this page translates the general themes into everyday wording while staying faithful to research-only framing.
One-paragraph overview from our research datasheet — still scientific, but faster to read than the full mechanism list below.
Afamelanotide (Melanotan I) linear 13-amino-acid α-MSH analogue selectively activates MC1R eumelanogenesis via cAMP-MITF cascade. FDA/EMA-approved for EPP treatment.
Peer-reviewed literature typically discusses Melanotan-1 in specific experimental settings. The points below reflect how the scientific community frames this compound—not as health claims, but as the research questions being asked.
Research vs. personal use: Literature describes experiments in controlled lab and animal models. This is distinct from any real-world use; our products are for laboratory research only.
These peptides are studied mainly for how they interact with melanocortin receptors and pigmentation biology. That research is separate from human “tanning products” and stays in controlled scientific contexts.
Our datasheet lists mechanistic themes observed in preclinical work. These are research endpoints, not health claims. They help scientists understand and compare pathways.
Storage requirements: Lyophilised powder: store in freezer (−20 °C). Reconstituted: refrigerate 1–6 °C, away from sunlight. Use within the validated stability window for the specific batch and formulation. · Learn best practices in our detailed storage guide.
Research dosing context: Literature typically discusses 0.5-1.0 mg subcutaneously or 16 mg implant (Scenesse) · Subcutaneous injection daily or every other day; implant every 60 days (EPP) · Full SC bioavailability; no oral or transdermal bioavailability detected. Nle4 substitution prevents methionine oxidation; D-Phe7 resists proteolysis. Implant formulation provides controlled release at lower effective doses than daily injections. Non-immunogenic per long-term clinical follow-up. CAS 75921-69-6.
Preparation steps: Follow our detailed reconstitution guide, use the calculator tool for volume confirmation, and always verify purity with the COA reading guide.
MT-1 is a linear 13-amino-acid peptide that is relatively selective for MC1R (pigmentation). MT-2 is a cyclic 7-amino-acid peptide that hits all four melanocortin receptors non-selectively, which is why it produces appetite suppression, nausea, and central arousal effects that MT-1 largely avoids. MT-1 is also the only one that has been FDA/EMA-approved for any indication.
Yes. Afamelanotide's clinical trial program specifically tested it in populations carrying MC1R variant alleles (like Val60Leu, Arg151Cys, and Arg160Trp) that produce weak natural pigmentation. It was effective even in those genotypes, which is one of the reasons it was approved for EPP.
Normal tanning requires UV damage - your skin darkens as a response to DNA damage from sun exposure. MT-1 activates the same downstream pigmentation pathway (MC1R / cAMP / MITF / tyrosinase) directly at the receptor level, so pigment accumulates without the upstream DNA damage signal. The protective pigment is the same; only the trigger is different.
Keep the lyophilised powder frozen at −20 °C. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 1-6 °C and protect from light. The linear structure is slightly more sensitive than cyclic MT-2, so prompt use after reconstitution is recommended.
No, and no. This article is educational only. We do not provide dosing, medical recommendations, or health claims. Our products are sold strictly for laboratory research, not for personal use of any kind.
Open the shop listing via “View product details.” There you will see batch specs, the Certificate of Analysis (COA), concentration, purity grade, and available SKUs with current pricing.
Other compounds researchers often read about alongside Melanotan-1.
Primary literature and registries for Melanotan-1, plus mainstream coverage of the peptide category. Research use only - not medical advice.
Databases & literature:
Peptides in the news:
Access concentration, batch info, variants, and current pricing on our shop.
Also known as: Melanotan I, MT-1, Afamelanotide, Scenesse, NDP-MSH, NDP-α-MSH, [Nle4,D-Phe7]-α-MSH, CUV1647, Selective MC1R Agonist