Research brief · Cosmetic
Melanotan I
MC1R-selective α-MSH analogue used in melanogenesis and photoprotection research.
Class
Linear α-MSH analogue ([Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH)
Half-life
~30 min (systemic)
Studied in
Melanogenesis, photoprotection and MC1R pharmacology research.
What it is
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear α-MSH analogue with high MC1R selectivity. It is used in laboratory research to study eumelanin synthesis, photoprotection and melanocortin-receptor pharmacology, with a cleaner receptor profile than Melanotan II.
Mechanism studied
Selective melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonism driving eumelanin synthesis.
Research notes
- More MC1R-selective than MT-2 — no MC3/MC4-driven sexual-behaviour endpoints.
- Frequently benchmarked against MT-2 in receptor-selectivity 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.