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Melanotan 1 (MT-1)

Linear tridecapeptide · Alpha-MSH analogue · 13 amino acids

Half-life

~30min

After administration

Delivery Method

SubQ injection

Route of administration

Storage (Lyophilised)

12-24 months

2–8°C

Storage (Reconstituted)

4–6 weeks

Refrigerate at 2-8C

Known For

More selective alpha-MSH analogue than MT-2. Primarily causes skin tanning. FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Fewer sexual side effects than MT-2. Cleaner tanning response.

Mechanism of Action

Selective MC1R agonist (afamelanotide) — stimulates melanin WITHOUT sexual side effects or strong appetite changes. FDA/EMA approved for EPP.

Body vs. External Supply

🔴 Exogenous (replaces natural)

Brand / Trade Names

Scenesse® (afamelanotide) FDA-approved (2019) for EPP Manufacturer: Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals

Typical Research Dosage

Similar dosing to MT-2. 0.25-1mg/day SubQ during loading. Maintenance varies.

Vial Duration Guide

10mg vial at 0.5mg/day = 20 days.

Recommended Vial Size

★ 10mg (only size) Same as MT-2. Loading phase fits ✓. Maintenance will exceed shelf life.

Time to Effects

EARLY: 5-10 days FULL: 3-6 weeks Slightly slower onset than MT-2 due to more selective receptor activity. Week 1-2: Subtle skin darkening beginning. Week 2-4: Visible tan developing. Week 4-6: Full effect. Fewer side effects than MT-2 but also slower tanning response. Minimum commitment: 3-4 weeks loading.

Contraindications & Do Not Combine

• Do NOT combine with Melanotan 2 (pick one) • Same melanoma/mole caution as MT-2

Common Side Effects

Nausea (mild), headache, injection site reaction, skin darkening (intended effect), ⚠️ mole darkening possible

Drug Interactions

Minimal known interactions — much cleaner profile than MT-2

Reversibility

Reversible — pigmentation fades over weeks-months after stopping

Key Peer-Reviewed References

All studies are published in indexed journals unless otherwise noted.

• FDA Approved as Scenesse (afamelanotide) for EPP in EU (2014), USA (2019) • Harms et al. (2008) Photochem Photobiol Sci 7:1017-21 — Photoprotection • Only melanocortin peptide with full FDA approval for a specific indication • More selective than MT-2 with fewer sexual side effects

Research Disclaimer

Almost all data is preclinical (animal or in-vitro). No large-scale randomised controlled human trials are available for most compounds on this catalogue. This information is provided for research reference only.

Storage Requirements

Scenesse: implant device, professional insertion. Research: reconstituted 2-8°C.

State	Condition	Duration
Lyophilised (sealed)	2–8°C	12-24 months
Reconstituted	2-8C	4–6 weeks

Reconstitution Note

Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water (BAC water). Do not shake vigorously -- swirl gently to dissolve. Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial to avoid denaturing the peptide.

Video Resources

Melanotan 1 (MT-1) discussed by researchers & practitioners

Independent educational content from researchers, clinicians, and science communicators. Not affiliated with Pepnerd — provided as supplementary reading.

Educational resources only. The videos above are independent third-party content from researchers, clinicians, and science communicators. Pepnerd is not affiliated with any of these creators and does not endorse or make any claims based on their content. All products are sold strictly for in-vitro scientific research.

Select Vial Size

$55.00 per vial

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Quick Reference

Half-life	~30 minutes (shorter than MT-2)
Delivery	SubQ injection
Typical dose	0.25-1mg/day
Storage (lyoph.)	2–8°C
Storage (recon.)	4–6 weeks
Endogenous?	Exogenous (replaces natural)
Suppression	None known
WADA	Not listed
FDA status	Approved (Scenesse — EU)