Afamelanotide / MT-1
Melanotan I
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with enhanced metabolic stability. It acts as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist with preference for MC1R, stimulating melanogenesis and eumelanin production. Preclinical and clinical research has studied its role in photoprotection, erythropoietic protoporphyria, and melanocortin pathway biology. An FDA-approved form (Scenesse) exists for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Research Benefits
Key Research Applications
Documented areas of investigation based on peer-reviewed preclinical and clinical literature. For research reference only.
Melanocortin Activation
Acts via central melanocortin receptor pathways distinct from peripheral mechanisms.
CNS-Mediated Pathways
Studied for hypothalamic signaling effects in preclinical arousal and desire research.
Receptor Selectivity
Characterized binding profiles across melanocortin receptor subtypes (MC1R–MC5R).
Clinical Research Base
Supported by preclinical and clinical research with FDA-approved analogs.
Literature
Research Highlights
MC1R-mediated eumelanin synthesis stimulation in melanocyte cell culture models
Photoprotective effects via melanin induction studied in UV-exposure rodent models
FDA-approved analog (Scenesse/afamelanotide) for erythropoietic protoporphyria (2019)
Melanocortin receptor binding profile characterized across MC1R–MC5R subtypes
Specifications
Technical Data
Molecular Weight
1646.87 g/mol
Sequence / Structure
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂
Storage Conditions
Lyophilized: −20°C, stable 24 months. Reconstituted: 4°C, use within 28 days.
Solubility
Soluble in water at ≥1 mg/mL
HPLC Purity
Verified — Batch VRC-MT1-2406
Testing Lab
Intertek Pharmaceutical Services · Jun 2026
Research Areas
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For Research Purposes Only. Melanotan I is sold exclusively for in vitro laboratory research. Not for human consumption, diagnostic, therapeutic, or veterinary use. Research highlights are summaries of published preclinical and clinical studies and do not constitute medical advice or claims of efficacy. See our Research Use Disclaimer.