Description
Melanotan I (MT-1), also known as afamelanotide, is a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is studied as a melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist with substitutions at positions 4 (norleucine) and 7 (D-phenylalanine) that confer enzymatic stability and prolonged receptor activity compared with native α-MSH. In research models, MT-1 is investigated for its effects on melanocyte signaling, eumelanin synthesis, photoprotective pathways, and DNA damage response in UV-exposed cell systems. The same molecule, formulated as a controlled-release subcutaneous implant (Scenesse®, Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals), has been approved by the FDA (2019) and EMA (2014) for the prevention of phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).
Benefits (Research Focus)
• MC1R agonism — studied as a selective melanocortin-1 receptor agonist for receptor pharmacology research
• Eumelanin biosynthesis — investigated for stimulation of eumelanin production in melanocyte cell cultures
• cAMP / MITF / tyrosinase pathway — explored for melanogenic pathway activation in research models
• Photoprotection research — examined for UV-induced DNA damage response and protective pathway endpoints
• Melanocortin signaling — researched for anti-inflammatory and cellular protective signaling within the melanocortin system
What Researchers Look At
• MC1R receptor binding affinity and receptor subtype selectivity (vs MC3R, MC4R, MC5R)
• cAMP dynamics and MITF transcriptional activation in melanocyte cell models
• Tyrosinase activity and melanogenic gene expression panels (TYR, TYRP1, DCT)
• Eumelanin / pheomelanin ratio and melanosome biology endpoints
• Nucleotide excision repair and UV-induced DNA damage markers (CPD, 6-4PP)
Quick Specs
• Form: Lyophilized white powder
• Net Peptide Content: 10 mg per vial
• Quantity: 1 vial
• Appearance: White to off-white lyophilizate
• Reconstitution: Bacteriostatic or sterile water (added by the end researcher)
• Purity: ≥99% by HPLC
• Identity: MS-verified (per COA)
• Storage: Protect from light
Identity Basics
• Compound: Melanotan I (MT-1)
• Synonyms: Afamelanotide; [Nle⁴, D-Phe⁷]-α-MSH; NDP-MSH; CUV1647; Scenesse (FDA/EMA-approved brand name)
• Class: Synthetic 13-amino-acid α-MSH analog; selective MC1R agonist
• Sequence: Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂
• Modifications: N-acetylation; norleucine substitution at position 4; D-phenylalanine substitution at position 7; C-terminal amidation
• Formula / M.W.: C78H111N21O19, ~1646.85 g/mol
• CAS: 75921-69-6
⚠️ Disclaimer
- This product is intended for laboratory research use only.
- Not for human or veterinary use.
- Not approved for diagnostic, therapeutic, or medical applications.
- Handle using appropriate laboratory safety procedures and personal protective equipment.
COA Verification Notice: Even if the vial label or product image states a certain concentration, always go by the COA for the true verified value. We reference the COA to determine the verified concentration and purity of each product, regardless of what the label or product image indicates.
Janoshik COA — Third-Party Testing
