Melanotan-1 is a skin & hair research compound currently in stock directly from a verified Chinese manufacturer. Every batch is tested by the manufacturer for purity and concentration as part of routine quality control. 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. Every batch is tested by the manufacturer for purity and concentration as part of routine quality control. 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.
Every batch is tested by the manufacturer for purity and concentration as part of routine quality control, using methods such as HPLC and LC-MS. These results are kept in the manufacturer's internal quality-control records and are not issued as a separate certificate or document.
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. Every batch is tested by the manufacturer for purity and concentration as part of routine quality control.
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.