Research brief · Cosmetic
Melanotan 1
MC1R-biased α-MSH analogue for pigmentation and photoprotection research.
Class
Linear α-MSH analogue
Half-life
~30 min (free); depot forms much longer
Studied in
Photoprotection and pigmentation pathway studies.
What it is
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a linear, more MC1R-selective α-MSH analogue. Research interest centres on eumelanin synthesis and photoprotection models.
Mechanism studied
Selective MC1R-biased melanocortin agonist driving eumelanin synthesis.
Research notes
- More receptor-selective than Melanotan II in pigmentation studies.
Before sourcing any material
- Confirm a lot-matched third-party certificate of analysis (HPLC purity and mass-spectrometry identity).
- Check the stated peptide content per vial, not just the gross vial mass.
- Plan reconstitution volumes first so the vial size matches your protocol.
- Verify what is lawful in your jurisdiction — these are in-vitro research reagents, not medicines.