Melanotan I
Melanotan I is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) studied for its role in melanogenesis and skin pigmentation signaling. It selectively activates melanocortin-1 receptors (MC1R), influencing melanin production in melanocytes. In clinical and preclinical research, Melanotan I has been observed to modulate UV-response pathways and photoprotective pigmentation mechanisms. Formulated in a stabilized pre-mixed injection pen for research use only.
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Description
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone designed to selectively activate melanocortin-1 receptors (MC1R) expressed on melanocytes. MC1R activation regulates eumelanin production, influencing pigmentation and photoprotective responses. Compared to other melanocortin agonists, Melanotan I demonstrates higher receptor selectivity, primarily targeting pigmentation pathways rather than broader melanocortin system activation.
Our formulation is provided in a stabilized pre-mixed injection pen for SubQ administration. Subcutaneous delivery supports controlled systemic exposure and predictable receptor engagement in experimental protocols. Each unit is freshly prepared to preserve peptide integrity and standardized dosing. The product is intended strictly for laboratory and research use only.
In research models, Melanotan I has been observed to stimulate melanogenesis through activation of cyclic AMP signaling within melanocytes. This intracellular signaling cascade influences tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis. Research domains include pigmentation biology, UV response modulation, erythropoietic protoporphyria studies, and photoprotection research contexts.
Clinical Status
Human RCT ✔ | Observational ✔ | Animal ✔ | In vitro ✔
Clinically evaluated and approved in certain jurisdictions for specific photoprotection indications.
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan I activates melanocortin-1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating intracellular signaling pathways that increase melanin production. This results in enhanced eumelanin synthesis and increased skin pigmentation in research models. The peptide mimics endogenous alpha-MSH but with improved stability and receptor selectivity.
Benefits
- Selective activation of melanocortin-1 receptors:
Melanotan I has been studied for its selective activation of MC1R receptors located on melanocytes. These receptors regulate pigmentation signaling pathways responsible for eumelanin synthesis. By preferentially targeting MC1R, Melanotan I limits broader activation of other melanocortin receptor subtypes. This receptor specificity supports focused pigmentation research without extensive systemic melanocortin engagement. - Stimulation of eumelanin synthesis:
Activation of intracellular cAMP signaling increases transcription of genes involved in melanin production. Upregulation of MITF enhances expression of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the melanin synthesis pathway. Eumelanin production contributes to darker pigmentation and increased photoprotective capacity in experimental models. This biochemical pathway underlies its role in pigmentation research. - Modulation of ultraviolet response pathways:
Melanin serves as a natural photoprotective pigment by absorbing and dissipating ultraviolet radiation. Research demonstrates enhanced pigmentation response following administration in controlled settings. Increased eumelanin content may influence UV-induced DNA damage models in laboratory research. These photobiological properties position Melanotan I within dermatologic and photoprotection studies. - Enhanced stability compared to endogenous alpha-MSH:
Native alpha-MSH is rapidly degraded in circulation. Melanotan I incorporates structural modifications that improve resistance to enzymatic breakdown. This enhanced stability allows more sustained receptor engagement in research settings. The improved pharmacokinetic profile supports controlled experimental protocols. - Dermatologic research applications:
Melanotan I has been evaluated in clinical research involving pigmentation disorders and light sensitivity conditions. Its ability to increase eumelanin content supports investigation into protective pigmentation responses. These studies contribute to understanding melanocortin pathway biology in human populations. - Predictable subcutaneous pharmacokinetics:
Provided in a stabilized pre-mixed injection pen for SubQ administration, Melanotan I supports consistent systemic exposure in experimental settings. Subcutaneous delivery allows structured dosing parameters and reproducible receptor engagement. Each unit is freshly prepared and intended strictly for laboratory use only.
Research Data
| Study / Model | Reported effect |
|---|---|
| Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) clinical trials | ↑ pain-free sun exposure duration; improved photoprotection via increased eumelanin |
| Healthy human volunteers (SubQ dosing) | ↑ skin pigmentation across all Fitzpatrick skin types after repeated administration |
| Vitiligo combination studies (with NB-UVB) | Accelerated and more uniform repigmentation of depigmented lesions |
| In vitro melanocyte cultures | ↑ tyrosinase activity and eumelanin synthesis via MC1R-cAMP signaling |
| UV-exposure animal models | ↓ DNA photodamage markers; reduced erythema response |
| Polymorphic light eruption research | Reduced phototoxic skin reactions in sensitive subjects |
| Pharmacokinetic studies (implant formulation) | Sustained MC1R activation over ~2 months from single subcutaneous implant |
Stack Suggestions
Melanotan I is often combined in research with:
- Melanotan I + GHK-Cu → Supports pigmentation research alongside skin remodeling and antioxidant pathways.
- Melanotan I + Glutathione → Investigated for balancing eumelanin and pheomelanin dynamics in pigmentation models.
- Melanotan I + BPC-157 → Combines pigmentation signaling with cutaneous repair and tissue regeneration research.
- Melanotan I + Epitalon → Explored for skin aging and cellular protection alongside MC1R activation.
⚠ Stacks are for experimental design only; not safety or efficacy guidance.
Pen Dosage Chart
| Melanotan I 10 mg Pen | |
|---|---|
| Volume | 2.0 mL (after reconstitution with bacteriostatic water) |
| mg/mL | 5.0 mg/mL |
| Click-to-Dose | 1 click = 0.05 mg |
| Example(s) | 10 clicks = 0.5 mg; 20 clicks = 1 mg |
Dosage & Protocols Variations
Standard Research Protocol
- Dose: 0.5 – 1.0 mg (= 10–20 clicks)
- Duration: 2 – 4 weeks
- Frequency: Daily
- Cycle Interval: 2 – 4 weeks off before repeating
- Goal / Description: Baseline pigmentation induction in melanogenesis research models.
Therapeutic Research Protocol
- Dose: 1.0 – 2.0 mg (= 20–40 clicks)
- Duration: 3 – 6 weeks
- Frequency: Daily until target pigmentation observed
- Cycle Interval: 4 – 6 weeks off before repeating
- Goal / Description: Higher-dose schedule used in photoprotection and MC1R activation studies.
Biohacker Protocol (experimental)
- Dose: 0.25 – 0.5 mg (= 5–10 clicks)
- Duration: 6 – 8 weeks
- Frequency: 3 – 4× per week
- Cycle Interval: Continuous microdose with periodic washout
- Goal / Description: Low-dose continuous exposure for gradual pigmentation modeling.
Possible Side Effects
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is generally well-tolerated in clinical and observational studies, particularly under its approved use for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Reported side effects are typically mild and transient:
- Localized injection site reactions, including redness or mild irritation.
- Nausea or transient gastrointestinal discomfort during initial dosing.
- Headache or mild fatigue reported in a subset of subjects.
- Darkening of pre-existing nevi (moles) and freckles due to increased melanogenesis.
- Facial flushing or warmth shortly after administration.
No evidence of serious cardiovascular, hepatic, or systemic adverse effects has been observed in available clinical data, distinguishing Melanotan I from less-selective melanocortin agonists.
Product Attributes
- CAS #: 75921-69-6
- Molecular Formula: C78H111N21O19
- Sequence (AA): Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
- Molecular Weight: 1646.85 g/mol
- PubChem CID: 16154978
- Half-Life: ~30-60 minutes (extended pigmentation effect lasts weeks)
- Synonyms: Afamelanotide, MT-I, MT-1, NDP-MSH, Scenesse, [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH
- Type: Synthetic research peptide (alpha-MSH analog, MC1R agonist)
- Research Focus: Skin Pigmentation & Photoprotection, Melanocortin Signaling
Scientific References
- Afamelanotide for prevention of phototoxicity in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria Human RCT | Regulatory
- Afamelanotide and narrowband UV-B phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligo Human RCT
- Photoprotection by melanocortin 1 receptor agonists Animal | In vitro
- Afamelanotide: a melanocortin analogue for photoprotection Observational | Animal
- The melanocortin-1 receptor: red hair and beyond In vitro | Observational
- Melanocortin 1 receptor signaling and skin pigmentation In vitro | Animal
- Scenesse (afamelanotide) – European Medicines Agency assessment report Regulatory | Human RCT
Included In The Box
Every product arrives in a premium, custom-designed PEPTIDE.Power box, engineered for convenience, hygiene, and safe storage in your refrigerator. Inside, you will find everything needed for your full research protocol:
- 1× Disposable Pre-Mixed Injection Pen
- Powered by our proprietary PSM Technology™ – precision stabilization & mixing system for consistent potency
- 10× Ultra-thin Needles (33G, 4 mm)
- 10× Alcohol Pads for sterile preparation
- Internal Stabilizing Foam Insert to prevent shaking during transport
- Instruction Panel printed on the inside of the box for quick reference
- Security Seal Sticker ensuring the package has not been opened or tampered with
Storage
Store the product in a refrigerator at 1 – 8°C immediately upon delivery. To maintain optimal stability, keep the pen away from light, and do not expose it to repeated temperature changes.
Once reconstituted (all our pens come pre-mixed), research compounds remain stable for 6 – 8 weeks under proper refrigeration.
Do not freeze after reconstitution. Always keep the box closed so the pen, needles, and alcohol pads stay clean and protected.
For best results, use the product consistently within the recommended time window and always follow your research protocol.
Delivery
We ship with Next-Day EU Delivery via DHL Express or UPS Express.
All orders are prepared fresh on the day of dispatch, placed in EPS Cold-Chain Transport Boxes, and shipped with cooling elements to maintain a stable temperature throughout the journey.
Our logistics process is designed so the package arrives overnight, avoiding customs delays inside the European Union.
Products are shipped from our EU facility, ensuring no import duties, no customs clearance, and always fast and secure delivery.
Payment
Due to the nature of research peptides and the high-risk category assigned by payment processors, credit card companies do not generally support merchants in this field.
For this reason, we accept mainly Bank Transfers.
We also work with a crypto payment provider, and from time to time, card payments may be available depending on processor availability.
Within the European Union, SEPA transfers are fast, low-cost, and usually arrive within minutes to a few hours, making the payment process smooth and simple.
Once the transfer is received, your order is prepared immediately and dispatched the same day, depending on the daily cut-off time.
Please note that we do not dispatch shipments on Fridays or on days before official public holidays. This is done to ensure that parcels can be delivered on the next working day and are not held in transit over weekends or holidays.
This method ensures compliance, security, and continuity of service for all customers across the EU.
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