Melanotan 1 (MT1)

Product Overview

A fundamental standard in photobiology and endocrine research dictates that exploring advanced melanocortin receptor ligands requires complete structural integrity and verified chemical purity. The Melanotan-1 formulation addresses these demanding benchmarks, serving as a highly purified synthetic peptide analog developed for precise in vitro and in vivo laboratory modeling. Each vial provides pure Melanotan-1, stabilized as a vacuum freeze-dried (lyophilized) powder maintaining a verified purity profile of greater than 98%.

Melanotan-1 (also known as Afamelanotide or [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH) is a synthetic 13-amino acid linear peptide analog of endogenous alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Characterized by the chemical formula C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉ and a molecular weight of 1646.88 g/mol, its structure features two strategic modifications compared to native α-MSH: the substitution of Norleucine for Methionine at position 4, and D-Phenylalanine for L-Phenylalanine at position 7. This engineered structural architecture provides greater stability against rapid enzymatic degradation and a prolonged biological half-life within experimental mediums.

Operating primarily as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, Melanotan-1 binds with high affinity to melanocortin receptors, showing prominent activity at the MC1 receptor (MC1R) expressed on melanocytes. Upon binding, it activates adenylate cyclase pathways, elevating intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and triggering the downstream eumelanin synthesis cascade. Documented research demonstrates that Melanotan-1 actively drives pigmentation independent of ultraviolet radiation exposure, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties via MC4R signaling pathways, and supports cellular cytoprotection against oxidative stress. These diverse mechanisms allow for the precise investigation of melanogenesis biochemistry, photoprotective cellular barriers, and systemic hormone kinetics within controlled laboratory settings.

Product Specifications

• Form: Lyophilized (vacuum freeze-dried) powder
• Purity: Greater than 98% (verified by HPLC analysis)
• Peptide Architecture: 13-amino acid linear sequence ([Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH)
• Molecular Weight: 1646.88 g/mol
• Primary Target: MC1R (Melanocortin 1 Receptor)
• Primary Research Focus: Melanogenesis Modulation, Ultraviolet Reflection Defense, and Cytoprotective Pathways

Container Specifications

The physical attributes of the storage vessel directly impact the shelf life of the compound. All research environments should utilize clean, chemically inert containers. Glass vials provide the highest level of protection against gas permeability and chemical interaction, though high-density polypropylene tubes serve as a valid alternative. Keep all stored peptides away from automatic frost-free freezers, as their internal defrost cycles create regular temperature swings that compromise peptide longevity.