Peptide Library / Detail
Melanotan 1 (MT-1 / Afamelanotide)
Half-life
Approximately 30–60 minutes (systemic peptide); depot/implant formulations provide prolonged exposure (days).
Delivery
Subcutaneous injection in research settings; clinical use includes controlled-release subcutaneous implant.
Dosage
—
Research Use Only
All products listed are for laboratory research only — not for human consumption. By browsing, you acknowledge these terms.
Purchase
Description
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte–stimulating hormone that preferentially activates MC1R to increase eumelanin production and photoprotection with minimal central melanocortin activity.
Usage
Studied for sunless tanning, reduction of UV-induced DNA damage, and photoprotection (e.g., erythropoietic protoporphyria models).
Mechanism of Action
Agonizes melanocortin-1 receptors on melanocytes, upregulating cAMP/PKA signaling to enhance melanogenesis (eumelanin), increase melanosome transfer, and improve cutaneous photoprotection.
Benefits(4)
- Increases skin pigmentation (eumelanin)
- Enhances photoprotection and reduces UV sensitivity
- May decrease UV-induced erythema/DNA damage
- Lower incidence of nausea vs. MT-2 in many reports
Side Effects(5)
- Flushing or facial warmth
- Headache or mild nausea
- Injection-site irritation
- Freckle/mole darkening and hyperpigmentation
- Rare: increased blood pressure or fatigue