Melanotan I

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic linear analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a tridecapeptide that binds to melanocortin receptors (particularly MC1R). Unlike the endogenous alpha-MSH, Melanotan I incorporates a [Nle4] substitution that increases metabolic stability. In preclinical research it has been studied for melanogenesis and UV-independent pigmentation pathways, photoprotection and DNA damage reduction models, MC1R receptor binding kinetics, and skin biology and dermatological research. It has also been the subject of clinical research in photoprotection. Supplied at >99% HPLC purity.

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear alpha-MSH analogue with selective MC1R affinity, making it more specific to pigmentation pathways. Melanotan II is a cyclic analogue (Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2) that binds to a broader range of melanocortin receptors including MC3R and MC4R, giving it distinct research applications. Key structural differences: Melanotan I = linear peptide (MW 1646.87 Da); Melanotan II = cyclic with disulphide-bridge structure (MW 1024.18 Da). Their receptor selectivity profiles mean they are used in different in-vitro research contexts and should not be considered interchangeable.

Legal status: Melanotan I is legal to purchase in Australia for laboratory research purposes. It is not a scheduled substance under the Poisons Standard when sold for research use only. Not for human consumption, therapeutic, cosmetic, or veterinary use. Quality: manufactured to a >99% HPLC purity specification. Sourced exclusively from GMP-certified manufacturing facilities.

Reconstitution: Draw 1–2mL of bacteriostatic water into a clean 31G syringe. Inject slowly down the inner glass wall of the vial. Gently swirl until the lyophilised powder is fully dissolved. Do not shake. The solution should be clear and colourless. Storage: Lyophilised — store at −20°C, protected from light and moisture, for up to 12–24 months. Reconstituted — refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 4 weeks. Melanotan I is sensitive to UV light in solution; keep the vial protected from direct light exposure after reconstitution.

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) binds primarily to MC1R (melanocortin receptor 1), which is the dominant receptor subtype expressed in melanocytes and responsible for UV-induced and UV-independent melanogenesis. Its selectivity for MC1R over other melanocortin receptor subtypes (MC3R, MC4R, MC5R) is a key research characteristic that distinguishes it from Melanotan II. MC1R activation stimulates the cAMP/PKA pathway in melanocytes, leading to activation of MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor) and downstream upregulation of melanin synthesis enzymes including tyrosinase. This pathway is a central focus of skin pigmentation research using Melanotan I. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is studied as a photoprotective research compound: increasing eumelanin production in skin models via MC1R activation, where epidermal melanin acts as a UV filter and reduces UV-induced photosensitisation. This mechanism — stimulating UV-protective melanin independently of UV exposure — is a key research direction in melanocyte and photobiology models. Our product is supplied only for in-vitro research. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a more receptor-selective alpha-MSH analogue studied largely for melanocortin-1 (pigmentation) pathways, whereas Melanotan II is a non-selective analogue acting across multiple melanocortin receptors. In research they are distinct tools with different selectivity profiles and are not interchangeable. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Melanotan I is the research name for the linear alpha-MSH analogue also known as afamelanotide, which has been studied clinically in the context of photoprotection and certain light-sensitivity conditions. Our product is supplied strictly as a research compound and is not the commercial pharmaceutical formulation. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Research on Melanotan I examines melanocortin-1 receptor activation and downstream eumelanin synthesis, the pigment associated with photoprotective research models. These studies investigate pigmentation biology in cell and animal models and are not evidence of any cosmetic or therapeutic effect in humans. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Because afamelanotide has been studied clinically in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a light-sensitivity condition, Melanotan I appears in the research literature in that context. This is background to its research interest only; our research-grade peptide is not a treatment and is not TGA-approved for human use. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Add 1–2mL of bacteriostatic water slowly down the vial wall with a 31G syringe and swirl gently; do not shake. A 10mg vial in 1mL gives 10mg/mL. Store lyophilised at −20°C up to 24 months; refrigerate reconstituted solution at 2–8°C, protected from light, and use within 4 weeks. Not for human consumption — for research use only.

Melanotan I is also written Melanotan 1, MT-1 or MT-I, and is known pharmacologically as afamelanotide. All of these refer to the same melanocortin research peptide. For in-vitro research use only.