Melanotan 1

Melanotan 1 - Afamelanotide MC1R-Selective Research Peptide

Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide, brand name Scenesse) is a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s. It carries a single stabilizing modification - substitution of methionine at position 4 with norleucine and phenylalanine at position 7 with the D-isomer - that dramatically extends its plasma half-life compared to native α-MSH. Melanotan 1 is the reference MC1R-selective melanocortin research compound and was approved by the FDA and EMA as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), making it one of the few melanocortin peptides with an approved-drug regulatory record.

Why the MC1R-Selective Profile Matters

The melanocortin receptor family has five subtypes (MC1R-MC5R), each linked to different biological functions. MC1R is the primary skin-melanogenesis receptor. Melanotan 1 is selective for MC1R in its binding profile, which is the research distinction between it and Melanotan 2 - Melanotan 2 binds multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes and therefore produces broader secondary effects (libido, appetite suppression, anti-inflammatory signaling).

Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2

The two compounds are compared constantly in the melanocortin research literature. They share a mechanism but differ in receptor selectivity and downstream effect profile.

Research Applications

Melanotan 1 is used in studies examining:

• MC1R agonism and eumelanin synthesis endpoints
• Photoprotection and UV-damage research
• Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) models
• Comparative melanocortin selectivity research (MT-1 vs MT-2)
• Vitiligo repigmentation studies
• Melanocyte biology and tyrosinase-cascade regulation

Specifications

Storage & Handling

Unopened vials are kept at 2-8°C under standard cold-chain conditions and remain stable for 12+ months. Reconstitution parameters, solvent compatibility, and post-reconstitution stability for Melanotan 1 are documented in the published peer-reviewed literature and standard peptide-chemistry references.

Reference Literature

Published clinical and preclinical Melanotan 1 literature is available through PubMed, Google Scholar, and other peer-reviewed databases. WWP does not provide protocol design, dosing guidance, or administration parameters. Those decisions rest with the researcher and any applicable institutional review board.

Common Questions About Melanotan 1 Research

What is Melanotan 1 used for in research?

It is studied as the reference MC1R-selective melanocortin agonist. Published work covers eumelanin synthesis and melanogenesis endpoints, photoprotection, erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) models, and comparative melanocortin-selectivity research against Melanotan 2.

What is the difference between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2?

Melanotan 1 is a 13-amino-acid linear peptide selective for MC1R, which is the melanocyte receptor. Melanotan 2 is a 7-amino-acid cyclic peptide that binds multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R), producing broader effects including libido signaling via MC4R and appetite suppression. The selectivity difference is the core distinction between the two compounds.

Is Melanotan 1 FDA approved?

Yes - Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is FDA approved as Scenesse (2019) for adult patients with a history of phototoxic reactions from erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Research-grade Melanotan 1 is not sold under the Scenesse brand and is distinct from the approved drug product. Every vial WWP ships is labeled and sold strictly for laboratory and research use only.

Does Melanotan 1 require UV exposure?

In published melanogenesis research, MC1R agonism increases eumelanin synthesis capacity, but measurable visible pigmentation endpoints depend on UV stimulation of the melanogenic cascade. Studies that track skin-pigmentation outcomes typically combine MC1R agonism with controlled UV exposure.

How is Melanotan 1 stored?

Unopened vials are stored at 2-8°C and stay stable for 12+ months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the solution is kept at 2-8°C and used within 28-30 days.

Purity Guarantee

Every batch is ≥99% purity. Send us a COA from any independent test and we’ll issue store credit regardless of what it shows.