Melanotan I

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic tridecapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in which a linear, non-cyclic structure is maintained. The primary modification over native α-MSH is substitution of Nle4 (norleucine) and D-Phe7, which confer metabolic stability and enhanced potency at melanocortin receptors.

Melanotan I acts preferentially at MC1R (melanocortin-1 receptor) on melanocytes, stimulating the switch from phaeomelanin (reddish-yellow, UV-sensitive pigment) to eumelanin (brown-black, UV-protective pigment) production. It is FDA-approved (as Scenesse implant, by Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals) for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare photosensitivity disorder, representing the first approved alpha-MSH analog. It is studied in photoprotection, melanocyte biology, and UV damage protection research.

• MC1R (melanocortin-1 receptor) pharmacology and receptor selectivity
• Eumelanin vs phaeomelanin switching and melanogenesis research
• Photoprotection and UV-induced DNA damage prevention models
• Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and photosensitivity research
• Melanocyte biology and pigmentation regulation studies
• Comparison with Melanotan II and alpha-MSH receptor selectivity

Dose levels referenced by the MVLabs peptide calculator, shown for research reference only:

MC1R agonist studied for pigmentation. Loading then maintenance is common in research.

Research reference only — not dosing guidance for human use. Use the calculator for other vials or volumes.

Supplied as a lyophilized powder. Store at 2–8 °C on receipt; protect from heat, light and moisture, and avoid excessive agitation. If reconstitution is required for laboratory work, use sterile technique — bacteriostatic water, or 0.6% acetic acid for low-solubility peptides. Protocols vary by research application.