Melanotan-1

Overview

Melanotan 1, also known as afamelanotide, is a stable version of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It activates the MC1R receptor on pigment cells, which increases eumelanin, the dark pigment that protects skin from light.

It is more selective than melanotan 2 and is an approved medicine for a rare condition that causes severe sensitivity to light.

Research areas

• Skin pigmentation and melanin production
• Photoprotection
• MC1R receptor signalling

Specifications

Category

Skin & tanning

Compound

Synthetic α-MSH analogue, MC1R agonist

Structure

13 amino acids

Form

Lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder in sealed vials

Available as

10mg (10 vials)

Quality

Third-party tested

Storage and handling

Unopened vials: freezer (−20 °C) for long-term storage, or refrigerator (2–8 °C) for shorter periods. Keep away from light and moisture. After reconstitution, keep refrigerated.