Melanotan 1 (MT-1)
Melanotan 1 (MT-1)

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Melanotan 1 (MT-1)

Melanotan 1 (MT-1)
Melanotan 1 (MT-1)
Melanotan 1 (MT-1)
Melanotan 1 (MT-1)
Melanotan 1 (MT-1)
Melanotan 1 (MT-1)

Melanotan 1 (MT-1)

£19.00Sold out
Out of stock
Size
1
ABOUT THIS COMPOUND
Description

Melanotan 1 (also known as afamelanotide) from Super Human Peptides UK is a synthetic, linear peptide analogue of the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). In laboratory research, Melanotan 1 is studied for its ability to induce melanogenesis (the production of melanin) by acting as an agonist at the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). Unlike its derivative, Melanotan 2, MT-1 is highly selective for the MC1 receptor, meaning researchers utilize it to study skin pigmentation and photoprotection pathways without the secondary central nervous system effects (such as appetite suppression or arousal) associated with broader melanocortin receptor activation.

Produced under GMP-compliant conditions and verified for 99% purity or higher, Melanotan 1 is a highly stable model for dermatological and UV-resistance research.

WarningFor laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.
Key Features
  • —High Selectivity: Targeted agonist for the MC1 receptor (MC1R).
  • —Linear Peptide Structure: Synthetic alpha-MSH analogue designed for longer half-life.
  • —High Purity: 99% purity or higher (verified by HPLC and MS analysis).
  • —Quality Standard: GMP / ISO certified manufacturing.
Research Focus
  • —Melanogenesis: Studying the intracellular signalling pathways that lead to eumelanin production in melanocytes.
  • —Phototoxicity Protection: Preclinical models investigating the peptide's ability to protect skin cells from UV-induced DNA damage.
  • —Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) Models: Researching absolute light tolerance in genetically photosensitive animal models.
  • —Receptor Selectivity: Comparing MC1R binding affinity against other melanocortin receptors (MC3R, MC4R).
  • —Antioxidant Defence: Investigating secondary cellular responses to increased melanin concentrations.
Published Research and Study Findings

Melanotan 1 has been extensively documented in clinical and preclinical literature under the generic name afamelanotide. Originally developed at the University of Arizona, laboratory studies demonstrated that administering MT-1 effectively mimics natural alpha-MSH but with a significantly longer half-life, allowing for sustained receptor activation. Research has shown that by stimulating MC1R, Melanotan 1 promotes the shift from pheomelanin (red/yellow pigment) to eumelanin (brown/black pigment), which provides superior photoprotection.

Due to its high specificity, it has become a foundational compound in studies related to preventing actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, and providing cellular defense in models of severe light intolerance.

NoteAll findings are derived from laboratory and non-clinical research settings.
Representative Scientific References
  • 1.Dorr, R.T. et al., "Evaluation of melanotan-I, a superpotent alpha-MSH analog," Life Sciences, 1996.
  • 2.Hadley, M.E. et al., "Discovery and development of novel melanogenic drugs (Melanotan-I and -II)," Integration of Pharmaceutical Discovery and Development, 2006.
  • 3.Biolcati, G. et al., "Efficacy of the melanocortin analogue Nle4-D-Phe7-alpha-MSH (afamelanotide) in erythropoietic protoporphyria," British Journal of Dermatology, 2015.
  • 4.Abdel-Malek, Z.A. et al., "Alpha-MSH tripeptide analogs activate the melanocortin 1 receptor and reduce UV-induced DNA damage in human melanocytes," Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 2009.
Technical data
Specifications
Purity
≥99%, HPLC verified
Form
Lyophilised white powder
Molecular formula
C78H111N21O19
Molecular weight
1646.8 g/mol
SKU
SHP-MT1-010
Research category
Regeneration
Storage
-20°C, protected from light
Reconstitution
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; swirl gently, do not shake
Research use
In-vitro laboratory research only. Not for human consumption.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Melanotan 1 is a synthetic peptide agonist selective for the melanocortin 1 receptor, supplied lyophilised at ≥99% purity or greater under GMP-compliant manufacturing.
It supports investigation of melanin synthesis, skin pigmentation and UV-resistance mechanisms, phototoxicity defence and melanocortin receptor selectivity.
Melanotan 1 (MT-1) is supplied at ≥99% purity, verified by HPLC with mass-spectrometry identity confirmation. Testing is carried out per batch rather than per product line, so the figures on your certificate of analysis relate to the exact lot in your vial.
Store the sealed vial at -20°C, protected from light. Once reconstituted, the solution should be kept refrigerated at 2-8°C, protected from light, and treated as a short-lived working preparation rather than a long-term stock.
Melanotan 1 (MT-1) is supplied lyophilised. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; swirl gently, do not shake, and allow the powder to dissolve fully before use. Direct the solvent down the inside wall of the vial rather than onto the pellet, and record the volume used so working concentrations can be calculated. This applies to in-vitro laboratory work only.
Selectivity. Melanotan 1 is far more specific for MC1R, so the pigmentation signal can be isolated. Melanotan II additionally binds MC3, MC4 and MC5, introducing appetite and arousal responses that confound a study concerned only with melanin synthesis.
Yes. A certificate of analysis covering HPLC purity and mass-spectrometry identity is available for every batch of Melanotan 1 (MT-1). Each vial carries a batch number on its label, and quoting that number lets us send you the certificate that matches the material you hold rather than a generic example.
Melanotan 1 (MT-1) has the molecular formula C78H111N21O19 and a molecular weight of 1646.8 g/mol. Those figures are stated on the certificate of analysis supplied with each batch and are the values researchers use when preparing molar calculations.
Melanotan 1 (MT-1) ships from the UK to UK research addresses, with tracked dispatch and insulated packaging. It is sold for in-vitro laboratory research only: it is not a medicine, not a supplement, and not for human or veterinary consumption. Orders are accepted on the basis that the buyer is a qualified researcher.