Melanotan 1 (MT-1)

Half-life

~30 minutes

Very short

minsdays

Route

SubQ injection

Evidence

Approved therapeutic

Risk

Standard

Overview

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

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

Key facts

Format

Lyophilized powder

Mechanism targets

Classification

Authoritative

Supply & nature

ExogenousExogenous

FDA category

Approved (Scenesse — EU)

Evidence & standing

Evidence base

Approved therapeutic

Risk level

Standard

Best studies

4 references

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

Dosage & protocol

Typical dose

0.25-1mg/day

Research range

0.5–1 mg

Cycle

Loading then maintenance

Onset

7 days first effects

Full effect

31 days

Half-life

~30min

~30 minutes (shorter than MT-2)

Protocol

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

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.

Recommended vial

10mg (only size)

Same as MT-2. Loading phase fits ✓. Maintenance will exceed shelf life.

Reference figures only

Dosing reflects published laboratory protocols and is not guidance for use in any living subject.

Safety

Reversibility

Fully Reversible

Side effects

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

Interactions

Minimal known interactions — much cleaner profile than MT-2

Do not combine

Melanotan 2

Handle with research caution

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

Storage & handling

Lyophilised

12–24 months

2–8°C

Reconstituted

4–6 weeks

2–8°C

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