Melanotan-1 is a skin & hair research compound currently in stock directly from a verified Chinese manufacturer. Every batch is HPLC-verified and shipped with a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Sourcing is direct — no intermediaries. Minimum order value is $600 USD. International shipping available.
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic linear analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), the endogenous 13-amino acid tridecapeptide cleaved from POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin). The key structural modifications relative to native α-MSH are Nle⁴ (norleucine replacing methionine at position 4) and D-Phe⁷ (D-phenylalanine replacing L-phenylalanine at position 7), which together increase receptor binding affinity and confer metabolic stability. Melanotan-1 activates melanocortin receptors MC1R and MC3R — with primary research interest in MC1R-mediated melanogenesis in skin melanocytes.
As a selective MC1R agonist, Melanotan-1 stimulates eumelanin synthesis in melanocytes via cAMP-dependent signaling, increasing skin pigmentation. Research interest in Melanotan-1 extends beyond photoprotection: MC1R is expressed in immune cells, neurons, and endothelial cells, where melanocortin signaling contributes to anti-inflammatory responses and cellular stress protection. The compound is structurally distinct from Melanotan-2 (which is cyclic and has significantly higher potency at MC3R/MC4R, producing aphrodisiac and anorectic effects alongside melanogenesis). This distinction makes Melanotan-1 the preferred research tool when MC1R-selective skin biology is the focus.
PeptidesFromChina.co supplies Melanotan-1 as a lyophilized powder at 99%+ purity, verified by HPLC and Mass Spectrometry. Certificate of Analysis accompanies every batch. All products are for laboratory research use only and are not for human consumption.
| Chemical Class | Linear α-MSH analogue (MC1R agonist) |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Afamelanotide, [Nle⁴,D-Phe⁷]-α-MSH, Scenesse (clinical formulation) |
| Sequence | Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂ |
| Amino Acids | 13 |
| Molecular Weight | 1646.9 Da |
| CAS Number | 75921-69-6 |
| Receptor Targets | MC1R (primary), MC3R (secondary) |
| Research Areas | Melanogenesis, MC1R pharmacology, photoprotection models, skin biology, anti-inflammatory signaling |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Storage | −20°C long-term; 2-8°C aqueous (use within 2 weeks); protect from light |
| Molecular Formula | C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉ (Afamelanotide) |
| Name | Strength | Pack Size | Purity | Availability | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melanotan-1 | 10 mg | 10 vials | ≥98% | In Stock | $62.00 |
Testing method: HPLC / LC-MS. Every batch is tested before shipment. Purity ≥99% confirmed per batch.
Certificate of Analysis (COA) is included with every order. Documentation covers purity, molecular weight, and batch identification.
Melanotan-1's primary research application is MC1R-mediated melanogenesis in melanocyte cultures and skin models. Studies have characterized the dose-response relationship between Melanotan-1 concentration and cAMP elevation, MITF transcription factor upregulation, tyrosinase activity, and eumelanin production. As a linear α-MSH analogue with high MC1R affinity, it serves as a reference agonist in structure-activity studies of melanocortin receptor pharmacology.
MC1R is expressed on macrophages, neutrophils, and endothelial cells where melanocortin signaling reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and NF-κB activation. Research has examined Melanotan-1's anti-inflammatory properties in macrophage stimulation models and rodent inflammatory disease models, exploring whether MC1R-selective agonism produces anti-inflammatory effects separate from its melanogenic activity.
MC1R-mediated eumelanin production is the primary UV-protective pigmentation mechanism in human skin. Research has examined Melanotan-1's ability to increase eumelanin levels in skin cell cultures and animal models, reduce UV-induced DNA damage (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, 8-oxoguanine), and modulate UV-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes. These studies contribute to understanding of how MC1R pharmacology interacts with the UV response in skin biology.
Melanotan-1 is a linear α-MSH analogue with primary activity at MC1R (skin melanogenesis) and limited activity at MC3R/MC4R. Melanotan-2 is a cyclic modified analogue with significantly higher potency at MC3R and MC4R — producing central effects (libido via MC4R in the spinal cord, appetite suppression via hypothalamic MC4R) in addition to melanogenesis. Melanotan-1 is the preferred tool when MC1R-selective skin research is the goal.
Eumelanin (dark brown/black pigment, produced via the MC1R-cAMP-MITF pathway) absorbs UV radiation more effectively than pheomelanin (red/yellow pigment). Individuals with low MC1R activity produce more pheomelanin and less eumelanin, associated with increased UV sensitivity and skin cancer risk. Melanotan-1 research examines whether pharmacological MC1R stimulation can shift the eumelanin/pheomelanin ratio — a key question in photoprotection biology.
Melanotan-1 is synthesized to 99%+ purity, verified by HPLC and Mass Spectrometry. Certificate of Analysis from the manufacturing facility is included with every batch.
Lyophilized Melanotan-1 should be stored at −20°C, protected from light (the compound is light-sensitive due to its Tyr residues). Aqueous solutions should be kept at 2-8°C in the dark and used within 2 weeks.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. PeptidesFromChina.co is a B2B wholesale supplier operating under strict research-use-only terms. All products are sold exclusively for in vitro and preclinical research purposes.