Melanotan I
MT-1Linear alpha-MSH analog studied in photoprotection research.
Also known as: Afamelanotide, Melanotan-1
Overview
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone studied in pigmentation and photoprotection research. It is more selective than its analog Melanotan II.
A linear alpha-MSH analog (afamelanotide) that is more receptor-selective than Melanotan II, studied — and approved as Scenesse — for photoprotection in erythropoietic protoporphyria. It stimulates eumelanin production for UV-protective skin pigmentation without the broad side-effect profile of MT-II.
Activates melanocortin-1 receptors on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin synthesis (melanogenesis).
Molecular information
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2Marketed as afamelanotide (Scenesse); more MC1R-selective than the cyclic Melanotan II.
Pharmacokinetics
Illustrative relative-concentration model derived from published pharmacokinetic research. Curve is normalized and provided for educational comparison only — not a dosing schedule.
Research applications
- Pigmentation and melanogenesis research
- Photoprotection studies
- Melanocortin-pathway investigations
Research protocols
Protocols summarized from published research models. Provided for scientific reference only — not dosing guidance for human use.
Observed effects timeline
Aggregated observations reported across research literature. Timing and magnitude vary by model and are not a guarantee of outcome.
Week 1–2
Onset of melanogenesis and increased skin pigmentation reported.
Week 2–8
Photoprotective pigmentation builds and is maintained with continued use.
Research compatibility
Describes how compounds are studied alongside one another in the literature. Not a recommendation to co-administer.
Melanotan II
Overlapping melanocortin activity — redundant.
PT-141
Both are melanocortin agonists; overlapping receptor activity.
How to reconstitute
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, swirl gently, and refrigerate. Avoid shaking to preserve the peptide.
- 1Allow the vial to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes).
- 2Swab the stopper with alcohol and let it air dry.
- 3Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the vial wall.
- 4Swirl gently until dissolved into a clear solution.
- 5Refrigerate at 2–8 °C and protect from light.
Quality indicators
Uniform white powder
Lyophilized cake should be white to off-white without discoloration.
Clear solution
Reconstitutes to a clear, colorless, particle-free solution.
Cold-chain integrity
Reconstituted solution requires 2–8 °C storage.
Slight clumping
Small clumps that dissolve completely with gentle swirling are acceptable — shipping can cause minor compaction.
Collapsed or melted appearance
Powder that looks collapsed, melted, or stuck to the vial walls may have been exposed to heat in transit.
Cloudy after reconstitution
Persistent cloudiness, particles, or precipitate after gentle mixing can indicate a degraded or contaminated peptide.
Reported observations & safety
Safety signals reported in the research literature. Compiled for scientific awareness — not medical advice.
- More selective and better tolerated than Melanotan II; the main reported effect is skin darkening.
- An FDA-approved compound (Scenesse) with a defined clinical safety profile; new/changing moles should be monitored.
References & further reading
Afamelanotide (Melanotan I) for photoprotection (clinical)
Clinical research on afamelanotide for increasing protective pigmentation in erythropoietic protoporphyria.
View studyTopics
This entry is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a dosing protocol, or a claim of therapeutic benefit. Research compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory and research use — not for human or veterinary consumption.
Approved for one or more clinical indications by a major regulator.
This compound is part of our educational reference and is not currently stocked. Browse the catalogue for available research-grade peptides.
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