alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Analogue
Disclaimer: This product is for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human consumption.
Standardized handling, dosing, and storage guidelines for Melanotan-1 in dermatological and photoprotective research applications.
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It acts primarily as an agonist of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), stimulating melanogenesis (the production of melanin) and offering potential photoprotection against UV-induced skin damage. It is extensively researched in dermatology for its potential to mitigate phototoxicity and improve skin resilience without the systemic side effects seen in non-selective analogues.
Initial MC1R binding and upregulation of tyrosinase activity within melanocytes. No visible changes in pigmentation typically observed yet.
| Compound | Primary Mechanism | Key Benefit | Admin. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melanotan-1 | Selective MC1R Agonist | Photoprotection & targeted pigmentation | SubQ |
| Melanotan II | Non-selective MC Agonist | Pigmentation & libido enhancement | SubQ |
| PT-141 | MC3R/MC4R Agonist | Treatment of sexual dysfunction | SubQ |
| KPV | Anti-inflammatory Peptide | Inflammation reduction in skin/gut | SubQ/Topical |
Melanotan-1 mimics natural α-MSH but with a significantly longer half-life, allowing for sustained activation of melanogenesis pathways.
Selectively binds to the melanocortin-1 receptor on the surface of melanocytes in the epidermal layer.
Triggers intracellular cyclic AMP cascades, upregulating the expression and activity of the tyrosinase enzyme.
Shifts pigment production towards photoprotective eumelanin, which is then distributed to surrounding keratinocytes.
Relatively short plasma half-life (~1 hour), but initiates sustained melanogenic cascades in target cells.
High via subcutaneous injection, providing reliable systemic delivery to epidermal layers.
Enzymatic degradation by peptidases into constituent amino acids.
Highly selective for the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) with minimal cross-reactivity.
Melanotan-1 has shown significant efficacy in increasing skin melanin density, providing a protective barrier against UV damage.
Explores how Melanotan-1 upregulates eumelanin to protect against UV-induced damage.
MELANOGENESISA deep dive into the cAMP cascade and tyrosinase activation by α-MSH analogues.
CLINICAL EFFICACYReviews the efficacy of MT1 in improving tolerance to UV exposure in sensitive subjects.
Explore research-use products associated with this compound profile, including available formats, related blends, and supporting lab documentation where available.
Deeper research-focused questions about Melanotan-1, alpha-MSH analogues, melanocortin signaling, MC1R pathway research, pigmentation biology, storage, and batch documentation.
Melanotan-1, often discussed alongside afamelanotide, is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, also called alpha-MSH. It is commonly studied in research involving melanocortin signaling, MC1R pathway activity, pigmentation biology, eumelanin production, and photoprotection-related models. On this site, Melanotan-1 is positioned strictly as a laboratory research reference compound.
Alpha-MSH is an endogenous melanocortin peptide involved in pigmentation and melanocyte signaling. Melanotan-1 is a synthetic alpha-MSH analogue designed for research into the same general pathway family. Because of this relationship, Melanotan-1 is frequently referenced in studies and educational materials focused on melanocortin receptor biology, melanin synthesis, and MC1R-associated pigmentation pathways.
MC1R stands for melanocortin-1 receptor. It is one of the key receptor systems studied in pigmentation biology because MC1R activity is associated with melanocyte signaling and eumelanin-related pathways. In research contexts, Melanotan-1 is often discussed as part of the MC1R and melanocortin signaling category, especially when researchers are examining pigmentation, photobiology, or melanin-associated cellular responses.
Melanotan-1 is studied in pigmentation and photoprotection research because the melanocortin pathway is closely connected to melanocyte activity and melanin biology. Research discussions often focus on eumelanin-related endpoints, MC1R signaling, cellular responses to ultraviolet exposure models, and how melanocortin receptor activity may influence pigmentation pathways. This makes Melanotan-1 distinct from peptide categories focused on tissue repair, growth hormone signaling, or metabolic research.
Melanotan-1 is commonly discussed in connection with afamelanotide, a synthetic alpha-MSH analogue associated with MC1R pathway research. However, it is important to separate research-use materials from regulated pharmaceutical products. A research product should not be treated as interchangeable with any approved medication, implant, prescription product, or clinical protocol.
Melanotan-1 and Melanotan-2 are both commonly discussed within melanocortin research, but they are not the same compound. Melanotan-1 is typically associated more closely with alpha-MSH analogue and MC1R-focused pigmentation research, while Melanotan-2 is often discussed as a broader melanocortin receptor agonist in research contexts. For SEO and internal linking, it is best to keep these as separate resource pages because researchers may be looking for different mechanisms, receptor profiles, and study categories.
Melanotan-1 research discussions may involve endpoints related to MC1R activation, melanocyte signaling, eumelanin synthesis, pigmentation pathway activity, photobiology, ultraviolet exposure models, and melanocortin receptor biology. The exact endpoints depend on the model, study design, analytical methods, and whether the research is focused on receptor signaling, pigmentation biology, or photoprotection-related pathways.
Melanotan-1 is generally categorized around melanocortin signaling and pigmentation biology, not growth hormone secretagogue research or mitochondrial metabolic signaling. Compounds like Sermorelin, Ipamorelin, and CJC-1295 are commonly discussed in growth hormone axis research, while MOTS-c is usually positioned around mitochondrial and metabolic pathways. Melanotan-1 belongs in a different research category focused on alpha-MSH, MC1R, and melanocyte-related signaling.
Yes. Melanotan-1 products listed on Symbiotic Pharmaceuticals are intended for laboratory research and analytical reference use only. They are not intended for human consumption, animal consumption, diagnostic use, therapeutic use, cosmetic tanning use, or self-administration. Any discussion on this page is provided for educational and research-reference purposes only.
Storage requirements can vary by product format, batch, and label instructions. For research handling, follow the product label and applicable laboratory storage standards. In general, research peptides should be protected from unnecessary heat, light, moisture, and repeated temperature changes because these conditions may affect long-term stability and handling quality.
Available certificates of analysis and batch documentation can be reviewed through the Lab Results / COA page. Documentation availability may vary by product and inventory lot. Where available, batch documentation may include product identification, purity-focused testing references, and supporting analytical documentation.
The information provided in this resource hub is for educational and informational purposes only. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
