PEPT-MT1-005

MELANOTAN 1

Name: MELANOTAN 1
Brand: MELANOTAN 1
SKU: PEPT-MT1-005
Availability: InStock

Melanotan 1 (MT-1), also known as afamelanotide, is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) designed exclusively for laboratory research. This linear heptapeptide (Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2) acts as a potent, selective melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist.

Used primarily in preclinical dermatological and photobiology research, Melanotan 1 stimulates eumelanin production without significant activation of other melanocortin receptors. This selectivity makes it a valuable tool for studying UV-independent melanogenesis, DNA repair pathways, and photoprotection mechanisms. Each lyophilized vial is synthesized to ≥99% purity, verified by independent HPLC and mass spectrometry.

Key Features

Ultra-High Purity: ≥99% confirmed by third-party HPLC analysis
MC1R-Selective: Minimal cross-reactivity with MC3R, MC4R, or MC5R
UV-Independent Melanogenesis: Stimulates eumelanin production without UV exposure
Stable Lyophilized Format: Easy reconstitution for cell culture or preclinical research
Research Use Only: Not for human consumption, cosmetic use, or clinical application

Specifications

Specification	Detail
Molecular Formula	C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉
Molecular Weight	1,646.85 g/mol
Sequence	Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂
Purity	≥99% (HPLC)
Appearance	White lyophilized powder
Storage (Lyophilized)	-20°C, protected from light and moisture
Storage (Reconstituted)	2-8°C for up to 14 days; aliquot for longer storage

Research Applications

Melanotan 1 is widely used in preclinical studies investigating:

Photoprotection: Studying melanin-mediated UV radiation shielding and DNA damage repair
Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) Models: Light tolerance and oxidative stress reduction
Melanoma Research: MC1R signaling, pigmentation pathways, and tumor biology
Dermatological Inflammation: Contact hypersensitivity and sunburn cell formation models

Typical Research Parameters

Parameter	Recommendation
Reconstitution	Sterile water or bacteriostatic water
In Vitro Concentration	0.1–10 µM (melanocyte cultures)
Preclinical Dosage (Rodent)	25–100 µg/kg, subcutaneous
Onset of Melanogenesis (In Vivo)	7–14 days with daily administration

Note: These are references for laboratory protocol design only, not medical dosing instructions.

Mechanism of Action

Melanotan 1 exerts its research-documented effects through:

MC1R Activation: Stimulates adenylate cyclase → cAMP elevation → PKA activation
Eumelanin Upregulation: Increases tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 expression
DNA Repair Enhancement: Promotes nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Reduces UV-induced cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-6)

Comparison: Melanotan 1 vs. Melanotan 2

Feature	Melanotan 1 (MT-1)	Melanotan 2 (MT-2)
Structure	Linear heptapeptide	Cyclic lactam
MC1R Selectivity	High	Moderate
MC3R/MC4R Activity	Minimal	Significant (appetite/libido effects)
Half-Life (Research Models)	~1–2 hours	~30+ minutes (longer in some models)
Primary Research Focus	Photoprotection, EPP	Pigmentation + appetite studies

Quality Assurance

This Melanotan 1 product undergoes rigorous quality control, including:

HPLC Purity Verification: ≥99% with full chromatographic trace
Mass Spectrometry Confirmation: Molecular weight validated (ESI-MS)
Endotoxin Testing: <1 EU/mg for cell culture compatibility
Batch Tracking: Certificate of Analysis available for each lot

Shipping & Storage

Shipping: Ambient with cold pack (2–8°C recommended during transit)
Upon Arrival: Store lyophilized material at -20°C immediately
Avoid Freeze-Thaw: Aliquot reconstituted peptide to prevent degradation
Shelf Life: 18 months from the manufacture date when stored as directed at -20°C