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Melanotan 1 10mg - Research Peptide
Tanning 10mg

Melanotan 1

$65.00 In Stock

Alpha-MSH analogue for melanogenesis and pigmentation research.

≥98%
HPLC Purity
COA
Included
USA
Based Supplier

Description

Alpha-MSH analogue for melanogenesis and pigmentation research.

Melanotan 1, also designated Afamelanotide, is a linear synthetic tridecapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) with the substitution of Nle at position 4 and D-Phe at position 7, conferring enhanced receptor binding affinity and metabolic stability. Melanotan 1 selectively activates melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), the primary receptor responsible for melanogenesis in epidermal melanocytes. MC1R activation triggers adenylyl cyclase-mediated cAMP elevation, which upregulates microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and downstream eumelanin synthesis enzymes. Research published in the British Journal of Dermatology by Barnetson et al. (2006) demonstrated that Afamelanotide produced significant increases in melanin density without UV exposure in fair-skinned individuals, conferring a measurable photoprotective effect. Harms et al. in Photochemistry and Photobiology showed that Melanotan 1-induced eumelanin production provided DNA damage protection equivalent to moderate constitutive pigmentation. Studies in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) patients published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Langendonk et al., 2015) demonstrated that Afamelanotide significantly increased pain-free time in sunlight. Compared to Melanotan 2, which is a cyclic heptapeptide acting non-selectively across MC1R through MC5R, Melanotan 1 is more selective for MC1R and therefore produces fewer off-target effects. Melanotan 2 additionally activates MC4R (associated with appetite and arousal), while Melanotan 1's selectivity makes it more suitable for focused pigmentation research. Store lyophilized Melanotan 1 at -20°C, protected from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and store at 2-8°C, using within 4 weeks. This peptide is studied by dermatologists, photobiologists, and researchers investigating melanocortin receptor pharmacology and photoprotective strategies.

This product is supplied as a lyophilized powder and is intended for laboratory and research use only. Not for human consumption. Each vial contains 10mg of research-grade material.

Research Applications

  • Melanocortin receptor activation studies
  • Eumelanin production research
  • Anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic studies
  • UV radiation protection research

Specifications

Size
10mg
Purity
≥98% (HPLC)
Form
Lyophilized Powder
Molecular Formula
C78H111N21O19
Molecular Weight
1646.87 g/mol

Storage & Handling

  • Long-term storage: -20°C in a sealed, light-protected container
  • Short-term storage: 2-8°C (refrigerated) for up to 30 days
  • Reconstituted: Store at 2-8°C and use within 30 days
  • Avoid: Repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct sunlight, and moisture exposure
  • Reconstitution: Use bacteriostatic water or sterile water for injection

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melanotan 1 and how does it work?
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a synthetic 13-amino acid linear analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It selectively activates the MC-1R (melanocortin-1 receptor) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production — the dark photoprotective pigment. Unlike Melanotan 2, which is cyclic and non-selective, Melanotan 1's linear structure provides more targeted MC-1R activation with minimal activity at other melanocortin receptor subtypes.
What research has been done on Melanotan 1?
Melanotan 1 (as afamelanotide/Scenesse) received FDA and EMA approval for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Published research in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated increased pain-free time in sunlight for EPP patients. Additional studies have explored its photoprotective potential in polymorphous light eruption, solar urticaria, and actinic keratosis prevention. Research in Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research showed MC-1R activation enhances DNA repair in UV-exposed melanocytes.
How does Melanotan 1 compare to Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 1 is a linear peptide with high MC-1R selectivity, producing pigmentation with fewer off-target effects. Melanotan 2 is a cyclic heptapeptide that non-selectively activates MC-1R through MC-5R, causing pigmentation plus sexual arousal (MC-3R/4R), appetite suppression, and other melanocortin effects. Melanotan 1 has regulatory approval and more clinical safety data. Melanotan 2 is primarily a research tool for studying broad melanocortin pathway effects.
What is the recommended reconstitution protocol for Melanotan 1?
For this 10mg vial, reconstitute with 2mL of bacteriostatic water for a 5mg/mL solution. Melanotan 1 (1646.87 g/mol) dissolves within 2-4 minutes. Add water along the vial wall without agitation. Store reconstituted solution at 2-8°C, protected from light (as UV exposure can degrade the peptide), and use within 30 days.
What purity testing is performed on Melanotan 1?
Melanotan 1 undergoes HPLC analysis for minimum 98% purity, mass spectrometry for molecular weight confirmation (1646.87 g/mol), and complete amino acid analysis to verify the full 13-residue sequence. Methionine oxidation monitoring is performed (Met4 oxidation reduces bioactivity). Additional tests include endotoxin screening, residual solvent analysis, and counterion quantification. A COA is provided.

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Research Use Only. This product is not intended for human consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic purposes. All peptides sold by Elyte Peptides are strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use. By purchasing, you agree to use this product in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.