Melanotan 1

Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic linear analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with a molecular weight of approximately 1,646.9 Da, incorporating a [Nle4, D-Phe7] substitution that confers resistance to enzymatic degradation and significantly extends plasma half-life compared to the native 13-amino acid α-MSH sequence — while retaining high selectivity for the MC1R melanocortin receptor subtype expressed on melanocytes.

Originally developed to study the role of melanocortin signaling in melanogenesis and photoprotective biology, Melanotan 1 has been studied extensively for its ability to activate MC1R-mediated cAMP signaling in melanocytes, stimulate eumelanin synthesis and melanocyte proliferation, and modulate photoprotective responses in preclinical models — with research further examining its anti-inflammatory properties through MC1R-mediated suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine production in immune cell populations.

Research has focused on Melanotan 1’s role in melanocortin receptor pharmacology, pigmentation biology, and cutaneous photoprotection mechanisms — with its high MC1R selectivity distinguishing it from non-selective melanocortin agonists and making it a valuable research comparator alongside PT-141, which targets the CNS-expressed MC3R and MC4R subtypes. For further reading see: Afamelanotide melanocortin receptor research (PubMed).

Specifications:

• Purity: ≥99% (HPLC verified)
• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Storage: −20°C

For Research Use Only.