This PRODUCT IS INTENDED AS A RESEARCH CHEMICAL ONLY. This designation allows the use of research chemicals strictly for in vitro testing and laboratory experimentation only. All product information available on this website is for educational purposes only. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law. This product should only be handled by licensed, qualified professionals. This product is not a drug, food, or cosmetic and may not be misbranded, misused or mislabled as a drug, food or cosmetic.

What Is Melanotan 1?

Melanotan 1 is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanotocyte stimulating hormone. It is used clinically, in Europe, to prevent sun-related skin damage (i.e. phototoxicity) from occurring in people suffering from erythropoietic protoporphyria. Though initially developed as a sunless tanning agent, melanotan 1 has been found to have a number of physiologic effects on blood pressure, feeding behavior, central nervous system function, and more. The peptide is in phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of polymorphose light eruption and is in phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of actinic keratosis (a specific type of skin damage caused by the sun) and its more serious counterpart, squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanotan 1 Structure

Sequence: Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val Molecular Formula: C78H111N21O19 Molecular Weight: 1646.874 g/mol PubChem CID: 16154396 CAS Number: 75921-69-6 Synonyms: Afamelanotide, Scenesse, CUV1657, MT-1

How Does Melanotan 1 Work?

Melanotan 1 is very similar to naturally occurring alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Alpha-MSH is primarily known for its influence on melanocytes, the cells in skin and hair responsible for pigmentation. This function is mediated via strong binding to melanocortin receptor 1. Alpha-MSH is a non-selective full agonist of melanocortin receptors 1, 3, 4, and 5.

Melanotan 1 differs from alpha-MSH by a single amino acid and was actually first developed as a sunless tanning agent. Research into melanocortin receptors and their effects was relatively limited at the time and scientists quickly discovered that while melanotan 1 did indeed cause pigmentation, it also increase sexual arousal, boosted appetite, and altered baseline metabolism. Subsequent study of melanotan 1 and other melanocortin-binding proteins helped scientists to better understand the melanocortin signaling system.

Melanotan 1 Research

Melanotan 1 Originally Designed for Sunless Tanning

MT-1 has been studied in phase 1 clinical trials for its effect on tanning in humans exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The research showed that subjects administered MT-1 were 75% more likely to tan and 47% less likely to experience sunburn. Compared to controls, subjects given melanotan 1 required 50% less exposure to ultraviolet light to achieve equivalent tanning. They also retained their tan for three weeks longer than those exposed only to UV light[1]. There is some thought among scientists that melanotan 1 could be used to boost tanning in high UV settings to protect against sunburn and the long-term effects of ultraviolet skin damage. This could be particularly useful in individuals with poor-tanning skin types (referred to as type I and type II by the Fitzpatrick scale).

Research in individuals with variant MC1 receptors shows that they are less likely to tan than the average individual. As it turns out, administration of melanotan 1 in this setting increases melanin density and tanning substantially, helping to protect people who do not tan well and are most in need of photoprotection[2]. These are individuals who get limited benefit from sunscreen and, in order to prevent skin cancer, must limit their sun exposure a great deal. This research could open pathways to better UV protection and reduce rates of skin cancer substantially.

There is also interest in using melanotan 1 to treat vitiligo. A small phase 1 trial showed that using melanotan 1 in conjunction with UVB light therapy stimulated both melanin production and the proliferation of the melanocytes that produce melanin. Nearly half of treated patients showed improved pigmentation of vitiligo lesions and a faster rate of repigmentation[3]. Research shows that combining melanotan 1 treatment with existing treatment modalities of vitiligo produces synergistic effects and improved aesthetic outcomes in shorter periods of time[4]. If successful in vitiligo treatment, there may be applications for melanotan 1 treatment in the setting of hypopigmented scars, etc.

Actinic keratosis, also called solar keratosis, is a crusty scaly growth of skin caused by overexposure to UV light. It is considered a precancerous lesion that will eventually lead to squamous cell carcinoma (one type of skin cancer) if left untreated. There are more than 400,000 cases every year. Though obvious lesions can be removed by a dermatologist or surgeon, the vast majority are so small that they cannot be seen or even felt. Melanotan 1 is being investigated as a possible first-line agent for treating these invisible lesions and for preventing their progression to full-blown skin cancer.

Melanotan-1 Research and Blood Pressure

Research in hypertensive (high blood pressure) mice has revealed that melanotan 1 can protect against high blood pressure without affecting animals that have normal blood pressure[5]. This is important because current blood pressure medications can cause hypotension, which can lead to loss of consciousness, stroke, heart attack, and more. This side effect of blood pressure medications is more common in the elderly, thanks in part to their labile physiology. The ability to regulate high blood pressure without causing significant lows makes melanotan 1 the perfect candidate for exploring further drug development.

Cognitive Decline, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Melanotan 1

Research in transgenic mice indicates that melanotan 1 may protect the brain against the kind of damage that leads to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. The study, which used a mouse model of moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD), indicated that melanotan 1, even in minuscule doses, reduces the level of amyloid beta plaques in the brain, protects neurons from death, and improves clinical measures of cognitive function as well as laboratory measures of synaptic transmission. In the same study, blocking the effects of melanotan 1 at the MC4 receptor prevented all of the peptide’s favorable effects[6].

The benefit of melanotan 1 action at the MC4 receptor has been explored in other studies as well. Research, also in mice, shows that MC4 receptor stimulation can boost neurogenesis and lead to cognitive recovery in AD. It is one of the few studies to show improvement in the condition rather than simply slowing decline[7]. Once daily administration of MT-1 reduces levels of all AD-related biomarkers, indicating that the peptide actually works through multiple pathophysiological pathways[8].

The MC4 receptor is the only melanocortin receptor known to be expressed on astrocytes, the cells that protect neurons and provide them with nutrition. Research in rats indicates that melanotan 1 improves astrocyte functioning by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)[9]. BDNF is critical to protecting synapse stability and neurogenesis in general.

Melanotan 1 and Functional Recovery Following Stroke

It isn’t just biomarkers in AD that improve following MT-1 treatment. Research in gerbil models of a stroke lasting ten full minutes reveals that treatment with nanomolar doses of melanotan 2 can reduce brain damage, including neuron death, and improve recovering of learning and memory. What is really exciting is that these effects are achieved even melanotan 1 is administered 9 hours after a stroke[10]. It is thought that MT-1 activates repair mechanisms that improve synaptic plasticity and promote long-lasting functional recovery by allowing the brain to reroute learning and memory to healthier areas. The lynch pin in this process appears to be expression of the Zif268 gene. Zif268 is over-expressed in animals given melanotan-1. The same gene is also over-expressed in the models of Alzheimer’s disease showing cognitive improvement.

Melanotan 1 Influences Heart and Circulation

Research in rats undergoing heart attack has shown that melanotan 1 and other melanocortins can help to reduce injury and improve circulatory parameters. Administration of MT-1 during CPR and in conjunction with epinephrine helps to restore baseline arterial pressure and heart rate, reverses metabolic acidosis, reduces inflammatory markers, and improves the expression of genes associated with cardiac function. Overall, the therapy improved survival rate by 81%, a substantial increase that may make melanotan 1 or a similar melanocortin a mainstay of emergency advanced cardiac life support[11].

Melanotan 1 Research and Neuroinflammatory Disease

Research on melanotan 1 has revealed that the MC1 receptor is responsible for pigmentation in skin and hair. For a long time it was thought that this was the receptor’s only function. Recent research in mice, however, has indicated that this receptor plays a role in mediating inflammation in the central nervous system. In multiple sclerosis, for instance, helper T cells cause loss of myelin on neurons, which in turn causes neuron dysfunction and even death. In mice, administration of melanotan 1 interferes with this process and prevents loss of meylin, thus preventing neuron damage. In fact, administration of MT-1 to these mice improved myelin recovery and helped to reestablish neuron signaling[12].

Similar effects as above are also seen in mouse models of uveitis, an inflammatory disorder of the eye that can cause pain and vision loss. Current treatments have a range of side effects, so scientists are constantly searching for alternatives to steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Alpha-MSH acts to suppress T-cell function, a property mediated through the MC4 receptor and thus mimicked by MT-1[13]. Surprisingly, local administration of MC4 receptor agonists directly to the eye is as effective as systemic administration. This route of administration helps to eliminate systemic side effects.

Melanotan 1 Investigated in Fat Loss Trials

Melanotan 1 works on several melanocortin receptors, including the MC5 receptor. Stimulation of MC5R promotes the oxidation of fatty acids by muscle and shifts fat cells from fat storage to fat burning[14], [15]. These findings in mice also reveal that the fat burning caused by melanocortin stimulation is complex and involves several receptors and physiologic pathways. That said, melanotan 1 is useful to scientists wishing to explore how fatty acid metabolism can be altered and offers the tantalizing ability to boost baseline physiology without the need for exercise, which could be of tremendous benefit in individuals who are unable to exercise due to morbid obesity, disability, or injury.

About The Author

Research by L. Edmiston, M.D. for  peptide Review Hub. L. Edmiston holds an M.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in molecular biology.

Melanotan 1 (MT-1), also known as Afamelanotide, is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that has attracted significant scientific interest in pigmentation research, photoprotection studies, melanocortin signaling, neurobiology, cardiovascular physiology, metabolic regulation, and inflammatory disease research.

Researchers investigate Melanotan 1 because it interacts with melanocortin receptors involved in skin pigmentation, immune regulation, neurological signaling, and cellular adaptation. Originally developed to investigate tanning and photoprotection mechanisms, Melanotan 1 has since become a valuable research tool across multiple scientific disciplines.

This Melanotan 1 Vendor Price Comparison Guide helps researchers evaluate suppliers using objective criteria including:

• Product Pricing

• Cost Per Milligram

• Product Purity

• Third-Party Testing

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)

• Vendor Reputation

• Customer Reviews

• Shipping Performance

• Product Availability

• Overall Value

Whether you're searching for the lowest-priced Melanotan 1 supplier, the highest-purity research-grade material, or vendors offering extensive analytical verification, this guide provides a framework for comparing research peptide suppliers.

Explore Melanotan 1 Vendors by Criteria

Most Popular Melanotan 1 Vendors

Compare suppliers frequently selected by pigmentation and melanocortin researchers.

Highest Reviewed Vendors

Discover peptide suppliers with strong customer satisfaction and positive marketplace reputations.

Lowest Price Vendors

Identify suppliers offering competitive pricing and attractive cost-per-milligram value.

Highest Purity Vendors

Review suppliers providing transparent purity verification and laboratory testing.

Best Value Vendors

Compare pricing, testing standards, product quality, and customer support.

Fastest Shipping Vendors

Evaluate fulfillment speed, packaging quality, and delivery reliability.

Newly Listed Vendors

Explore recently added suppliers offering Melanotan 1 research peptides.

What Is Melanotan 1?

Overview

Melanotan 1 is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH).

Researchers investigate Melanotan 1 because of its relationship with:

• Melanocortin receptor signaling

• Pigmentation biology

• Photoprotection pathways

• Neuroendocrine communication

• Cardiovascular signaling

• Inflammatory regulation

• Metabolic physiology

• Cellular adaptation

Melanotan 1 remains one of the most extensively studied melanocortin-based peptides.

Molecular Characteristics

Peptide Information

Researchers evaluating Melanotan 1 products should carefully review analytical documentation and molecular specifications.

Peptide Name

Melanotan 1

Alternative Names

• Afamelanotide

• MT-1

• Scenesse

• CUV1647

Classification

Melanocortin Receptor Agonist

Research Category

Pigmentation & Melanocortin Research

Sequence

Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val

Molecular Formula

C78H111N21O19

Molecular Weight

1646.874 g/mol

PubChem CID

16154396

CAS Number

75921-69-6

Product Format

Lyophilized Peptide Preparation

How Melanotan 1 Works

Melanotan 1 was designed as a synthetic analogue of alpha-MSH and is known for its interaction with melanocortin receptors.

Researchers investigate pathways involving:

• Melanocortin receptor signaling

• Pigment-cell regulation

• Cellular communication

• Neuroendocrine signaling

• Hormonal adaptation

• Tissue-specific receptor activation

Studies involving Melanotan 1 have contributed significantly to understanding melanocortin biology.

Why Researchers Study Melanotan 1

Melanotan 1 has become a valuable research tool because of its broad physiological relationships.

Researchers investigate pathways involving:

• Skin pigmentation

• UV-response mechanisms

• Neuroprotection

• Cardiovascular adaptation

• Neuroinflammation

• Energy metabolism

• Cognitive signaling

• Immune regulation

These diverse biological activities continue to drive scientific interest.

Melanotan 1 & Pigmentation Research

Photoprotection Research

One of the primary areas of Melanotan 1 investigation involves photoprotection.

Researchers study pathways involving:

• Melanin production

• UV-response biology

• Pigment-cell signaling

• Skin adaptation

• Photoprotection mechanisms

This remains one of the largest areas of Melanotan 1 research.

Vitiligo Research

Scientists have also studied pathways involving:

• Melanocyte biology

• Repigmentation processes

• Skin-cell communication

• Pigment restoration mechanisms

• UV-associated cellular adaptation

Research remains ongoing in this area.

Key Areas of Melanotan 1 Research

Cardiovascular Research

Researchers investigate Melanotan 1 because of its relationship with:

• Blood-pressure regulation

• Cardiovascular signaling

• Vascular adaptation

• Cardiac physiology

• Circulatory-system communication

Additional studies continue to explore these pathways.

Neurological Research

Researchers continue examining pathways involving:

• Neuronal signaling

• Neuroprotection

• Synaptic communication

• Brain adaptation

• Nervous-system physiology

This remains an active research field.

Alzheimer's Disease Research

Experimental investigations continue examining:

• Amyloid-related pathways

• Synaptic function

• Cognitive signaling

• Neurodegenerative mechanisms

• Neuron survival pathways

Further investigation remains underway.

Stroke Recovery Research

Researchers investigate pathways involving:

• Neuroplasticity

• Functional recovery

• Neuronal adaptation

• Synaptic remodeling

• Brain-repair mechanisms

This remains an emerging area of research.

Neuroinflammation Research

Melanotan 1 has generated interest in studies involving:

• Neuroimmune communication

• Inflammatory signaling

• Central nervous system regulation

• Immune-cell activity

• Neural resilience

Researchers continue exploring these interactions.

Metabolic Research

Scientists continue investigating pathways associated with:

• Fat metabolism

• Energy utilization

• Nutrient signaling

• Metabolic adaptation

• Endocrine communication

These remain important areas of melanocortin research.

Body Composition Research

Research continues examining:

• Adipose-tissue signaling

• Fatty-acid metabolism

• Cellular energy regulation

• Nutrient partitioning

• Metabolic pathways

Further investigation remains ongoing.

Why Researchers Compare Melanotan 1 Vendors

Research reproducibility depends heavily on peptide quality and manufacturing consistency.

Differences among suppliers may include:

• Purity levels

• Batch consistency

• Stability testing

• Manufacturing standards

• Storage procedures

• Analytical verification

• Quality-control systems

• Product documentation

Careful supplier evaluation may improve research reliability and experimental consistency.

How We Compare Melanotan 1 Vendors

Third-Party Laboratory Testing

Independent testing remains one of the strongest indicators of peptide quality.

Researchers should prioritize suppliers offering:

• Third-party laboratory testing

• Purity verification

• Identity confirmation

• Batch-specific reports

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A quality COA should include:

• Batch number

• Testing date

• Purity percentage

• Identity verification

• Analytical methodology

Product Purity

Purity remains one of the most important variables when evaluating research peptides.

Higher-purity materials generally contribute to improved reproducibility and consistency.

Cost Per Milligram

Comparing vial prices alone may not accurately reflect overall value.

Cost Per Milligram Formula

Product Price ÷ Total Milligrams = Cost Per Milligram

This provides a more accurate comparison among suppliers.

Customer Reviews

Customer experiences often provide insight regarding:

• Product consistency

• Shipping reliability

• Packaging quality

• Customer support

• Purchasing experience

Vendor Reputation

Established suppliers often demonstrate:

• Transparent testing standards

• Reliable quality-control systems

• Strong customer satisfaction

• Consistent inventory availability

Product Quality & Analytical Testing

Why Testing Matters

Research-grade Melanotan 1 products should undergo testing to verify:

• Identity

• Purity

• Stability

• Composition

• Batch consistency

Common Testing Methods

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Used to evaluate purity and identify impurities.

Mass Spectrometry (MS)

Used to verify peptide identity and composition.

Identity Verification Testing

Confirms peptide authenticity.

Stability Testing

Measures peptide integrity during storage.

Batch Consistency Testing

Evaluates reproducibility across manufacturing lots.

Understanding Melanotan 1 Pricing

Several factors influence pricing among suppliers.

Product Purity

Higher-purity products often command premium pricing.

Specialized Manufacturing

Melanocortin peptides typically require specialized synthesis and purification procedures.

Analytical Verification

Comprehensive testing programs improve transparency while increasing manufacturing costs.

Research Demand

Growing interest in pigmentation, photoprotection, and melanocortin research contributes to demand.

Vendor Reputation

Trusted suppliers often charge higher prices due to established quality-assurance standards.

Melanotan 1 Vendor Evaluation Checklist

Quality Verification

✅ Third-party testing available

✅ Certificate of Analysis provided

✅ Identity verification documented

✅ Purity information disclosed

✅ Batch-specific testing available

✅ Stability information available

Vendor Reliability

✅ Positive customer reviews

✅ Transparent company information

✅ Responsive customer support

✅ Reliable inventory availability

Purchasing Experience

✅ Secure checkout process

✅ Shipment tracking available

✅ Clear refund policies

✅ Reliable order fulfillment

Red Flags When Comparing Vendors

Testing Concerns

❌ No third-party testing

❌ Missing COAs

❌ Unverified purity claims

❌ Missing identity verification

❌ Outdated laboratory reports

Transparency Issues

❌ Hidden specifications

❌ Missing batch information

❌ Limited documentation

❌ No supplier contact information

Service Problems

❌ Frequent inventory shortages

❌ Poor communication

❌ Negative customer reviews

❌ Unclear shipping policies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melanotan 1?

Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone investigated primarily in pigmentation, photoprotection, melanocortin signaling, neurobiology, and cardiovascular research.

What is Melanotan 1 used for in research?

Researchers investigate Melanotan 1 in studies involving pigmentation biology, UV-response pathways, melanocortin receptor signaling, neuroprotection, cardiovascular physiology, metabolic regulation, inflammation, and cognitive function.

Why compare Melanotan 1 vendors?

Purity, analytical testing, pricing, supplier reliability, and documentation quality can vary significantly among peptide vendors.

What should researchers review before purchasing?

Researchers should evaluate:

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)

• Third-party testing

• Purity verification

• Identity confirmation

• Vendor reputation

• Customer reviews

Why is third-party testing important?

Independent testing helps verify peptide identity, purity, composition, and batch consistency while improving transparency and reproducibility.

Is the lowest-priced supplier always the best option?

No. Product quality, testing standards, supplier reputation, and documentation quality are often more important than price alone.

How often should vendor comparisons be updated?

Pricing, laboratory reports, inventory availability, and supplier policies can change frequently and should be reviewed regularly.

Final Thoughts

Melanotan 1 remains one of the most extensively researched melanocortin peptides because of its relationship with pigmentation biology, photoprotection mechanisms, neuroprotection, cardiovascular physiology, inflammatory regulation, and metabolic signaling. Ongoing investigations continue expanding scientific understanding of melanocortin receptors and their role throughout multiple physiological systems.

When comparing Melanotan 1 vendors, researchers should prioritize purity verification, third-party analytical testing, Certificate of Analysis availability, supplier reputation, and overall value rather than focusing exclusively on price. A structured vendor-comparison process can help identify suppliers capable of meeting rigorous research-quality standards.