Research peptides · For laboratory and scientific research in vitro · Not medications · Not approved for consumption · Adults only (18+)
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)
In plain language
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) — linear α-MSH analog. More MC1R-selective than MT-2: pigmentation without appetite or sexual effects. First -approved melanocortin peptide (Scenesse, 2019).
For researchers
Melanotan I is a linear, thirteen-amino acid α-MSH analog (NDP-α-MSH), stabilized by substituting Met⁴ with Nle (norleucine) and Phe⁷ with D-Phe. These modifications dramatically extend half-life and melanocortin receptor affinity. Under the trade name Scenesse (afamelanotide) the peptide was -approved in 2019 for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) — a rare photodermatosis, the first clinical precedent for induced pigmentation as a therapeutic strategy. Mechanistically MT-1 binds MC1R on the melanocyte, activates adenylate cyclase and cAMP, which triggers MITF transcription — the master regulator of melanin synthesis. MITF induces tyrosinase, TYRP1 and DCT, which convert tyrosine into eumelanin (the more photoprotective, brown-black type). Unlike cyclized MT-2, the linear structure of MT-1 is significantly more MC1R-selective and weaker at MC4R — the result is pigmentation without appetite or sexual side effects. In research protocols it is used s.c. in a loading phase (250-500 mcg daily for 1-2 weeks), followed by maintenance 250 mcg 2× weekly. UV exposure is required for melanin synthesis to finalize — without UV the peptide does not produce visible pigmentation. Storage: -20°C lyophilized; reconstituted — 30 days at 2-8°C.
Scientific literature
Other peptides
Information about Melanotan I is based on published scientific research and is intended for research purposes. Not medical advice.
Products related to this peptide are for in vitro laboratory research only. Not approved for human consumption.
