Melanotan 1 (MT-1) (10mg)

What Is Melanotan 1 (MT-1)?

Melanotan 1 (MT-1) is a synthetic peptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a naturally occurring peptide involved in the regulation of pigmentation. It is studied for its interaction with the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), a receptor expressed by melanocytes, the specialised cells responsible for producing melanin.

MC1R signalling influences melanogenesis, the biological process through which melanocytes synthesise melanin pigments. Research into Melanotan 1 therefore provides a model for investigating melanocortin activity, pigment production and the molecular pathways involved in pigmentation biology.

Melanotan 1 is closely associated with afamelanotide, a peptide used as the active ingredient in SCENESSE, an authorised medicine for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) in the European Union. However, the research-grade MT-1 peptide is not the same as the authorised medicinal formulation; this product is intended exclusively for laboratory research use.

What's Included

Each Melanotan 1 (MT-1) order from Crystal Peptides includes:

• Product: Melanotan 1 (MT-1)
• Quantity: 10mg per vial
• Format: Research peptide supplied in a vial
• Documentation: Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provides product-specific information
• Intended use: Laboratory research only; not for human or veterinary use

You can find the CoAs on the product page on our Lab Tests page for review.

Melanotan 1 (MT-1) Technical Specifications

Note: The formula, molecular weight and sequence above correspond to registry information for afamelanotide. For exact product details (such as salt form), check product documentation such as CoA and SDS.

Mechanism of Action: MC1R and Melanogenesis

Melanotan 1 (MT-1) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a peptide involved in melanocortin signalling. Its principal area of interest is the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), which regulates several stages of melanin synthesis in melanocytes. Understanding this pathway provides a basis for investigating pigment production, melanocyte signalling and the cellular responses associated with ultraviolet (UV) exposure. [1]

MC1R Binding and Receptor Activation

MC1R is a G protein-coupled receptor expressed predominantly on melanocytes, the specialised cells responsible for producing melanin. Under physiological conditions, α-MSH can bind to this receptor and initiate intracellular signalling. Melanotan 1 is designed to mimic aspects of α-MSH activity, making it relevant to research examining ligand–receptor interactions and melanocortin signalling. [1]

Following receptor activation, MC1R couples primarily to the stimulatory G protein, Gs, which activates adenylyl cyclase. This enzyme increases intracellular concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a second messenger that relays signals from the cell surface to intracellular regulatory systems. The resulting signalling cascade connects melanocortin receptor activity with the cellular machinery responsible for regulating pigmentation.

The cAMP–PKA Pathway and Melanogenesis

An important downstream component of MC1R signalling is the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. Increased cAMP activates PKA, which can phosphorylate the transcription factor CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein). Activated CREB contributes to the regulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a key regulator of melanocyte function and pigment synthesis.

MITF influences the expression of several genes involved in melanogenesis, including those encoding tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT, also known as TYRP2). Tyrosinase catalyses essential reactions in melanin synthesis, while the other enzymes participate in subsequent stages of pigment production. This pathway helps explain how a signal initiated at MC1R can influence the expression of proteins involved in melanin biosynthesis. [2]

Eumelanin Production and Pigment Regulation

Melanin is produced within specialised cellular organelles called melanosomes. Two principal forms are eumelanin, associated with brown and black pigmentation, and pheomelanin, associated with yellow and red pigmentation. The balance between these pigments depends on several factors, including MC1R activity, genetic variation and the availability of substrates involved in melanin synthesis.

MC1R signalling is particularly associated with the regulation of eumelanin production. Through the cAMP–PKA–CREB–MITF pathway, melanocortin signalling can influence the expression of enzymes that participate in pigment synthesis and affect the resulting pigment profile. Melanotan 1 is therefore relevant to laboratory investigations into the relationship between receptor activation, melanocyte activity and melanin composition. These mechanisms provide a framework for studying pigmentation at the cellular and molecular levels.

MC1R Signalling, UV Exposure and Photobiology

MC1R is also relevant to photobiology, the study of how biological systems respond to light. UV exposure can trigger cellular responses in the skin, including signalling pathways associated with pigmentation. α-MSH and related melanocortin signalling mechanisms form part of the biological network through which melanocytes respond to these signals.

Eumelanin absorbs and scatters a proportion of incident UV radiation and can help limit some forms of UV-induced cellular damage. However, pigmentation is only one component of the skin's response to UV exposure, and the relationship between melanocortin signalling, pigment production and photoprotection is complex.

Research involving Melanotan 1 can help investigate these interconnected pathways, but findings about receptor activity or melanin synthesis do not, by themselves, establish clinical photoprotective effects for a research-grade peptide.

Melanotan 1 in Melanocortin Research

The MC1R pathway provides a defined molecular framework for investigating how melanocortin ligands influence melanocyte biology. Research can examine receptor activation, intracellular second-messenger signalling, transcriptional regulation and the expression of enzymes involved in pigment synthesis. These endpoints can be studied using appropriate cellular and biochemical models to distinguish individual stages of the signalling cascade.

Melanotan 1 is also scientifically relevant to research on α-MSH analogues and their interaction with melanocortin receptors.

Research Applications of Melanotan 1 (MT-1)

Melanotan 1 is studied as a synthetic α-MSH analogue in research on melanocyte biology, melanin synthesis and melanocortin receptor signalling. Published studies have examined its effects on cultured human melanocytes, pigment production and differences in response associated with MC1R genetic variation. These findings provide practical starting points for investigating how melanocortin signalling influences pigmentation at cellular and molecular levels.

In Vitro Melanogenesis and Melanocyte Function

One established research application is the investigation of melanogenesis in cultured melanocytes. Researchers have examined changes in melanin content, tyrosinase activity and cellular morphology to characterise the response to melanocortin peptides.

One study published in the Journal of Cell Science examined α-MSH and its analogue, Nle⁴-D-Phe⁷-α-MSH, in cultured human melanocytes. The analogue produced dose-related increases in tyrosinase activity and melanin content, although responses varied between cultures. The researchers also observed changes in melanocyte morphology, including the development of dendritic extensions. [3]

In this research context, these findings support several measurable endpoints:

• Total cellular melanin content as an indicator of pigment production.
• Tyrosinase activity as a measure of a key enzymatic step in melanogenesis.
• Melanocyte morphology, including dendricity, as an indicator of cellular responses.
• Differences between experimental conditions to assess the consistency of melanogenic responses.

The study highlights an important limitation that not every melanocyte culture investigated responded in the same way. Experimental conditions and the characteristics of the cell model therefore matter when interpreting results.

MC1R Genetic Variation and Response to Melanocortin Peptides

MC1R variants have been associated with differences in pigmentation biology, making receptor genotype relevant when investigating how genetic variation in MC1R influences responses to melanocortin signalling.

A 2006 study by Fitzgerald and colleagues investigated the effects of Melanotan (NDP-MSH) in 77 Caucasian participants with different MC1R genotypes. The researchers reported a significant increase in melanin density in treated participants compared with placebo, with larger increases observed in several groups carrying variant MC1R alleles. [4]

Although this was a human study, it only provides evidence that MC1R genetic variation can be relevant to the observed response to this peptide analogue. In laboratory research, the finding supports investigating receptor variants, receptor signalling and differences in melanogenic responses across characterised cell models. It does not establish that every MC1R variant produces the same effect, nor does it suggest that findings from the test population apply universally.

Melanin Composition and Pigment Analysis

Melanotan 1 research can also contribute to investigations of the type and quantity of melanin produced by melanocytes. Eumelanin and pheomelanin differ in their chemical properties and biological roles, so measuring total pigment alone may not fully characterise a melanogenic response.

In a 2000 study published in Photochemistry and Photobiology, Dorr and colleagues investigated Melanotan I in a small group of human volunteers. The researchers assessed pigmentation using reflectance measurements and analysed skin samples for eumelanin and pheomelanin markers. The study provided evidence that the analogue could influence pigmentation and eumelanin expression under the conditions examined. [5]

For research purposes, this work illustrates the value of combining measurements of visible pigmentation with biochemical analysis. Depending on the experimental model, relevant endpoints may include total melanin, eumelanin-associated markers and the relative contribution of different pigment types. Such measurements can help distinguish changes in pigment quantity from changes in pigment composition.

Melanocortin Signalling and Photobiology

Melanocortin signalling is also relevant to research examining interactions between pigmentation and ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Melanin can absorb and scatter some UV radiation, while UV exposure can trigger biological responses that affect melanocyte activity and pigment production.

A 2006 study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology examined Nle⁴-D-Phe⁷-α-MSH in 65 human volunteers. The researchers reported increased melanin density and reductions in certain measured indicators of UV-induced skin damage in the treated group under the study conditions.

This research provides scientific context for studying the relationship between melanocortin signalling, pigmentation and UV-related cellular effects. Relevant research questions include whether changes in pigment production correlate with measurable changes in cellular responses to UV exposure and how these relationships vary between experimental models. [6]

These historical findings should not be interpreted as evidence that a research-grade Melanotan 1 product prevents sunburn or provides clinically established photoprotection. In this context, laboratory findings and results from these highly controlled human studies do not automatically establish the performance of a commercial research material.

Comparative Studies of α-MSH Analogues

Melanotan 1 is also relevant to comparative research involving α-MSH and related melanocortin peptides. Structural modifications to a peptide can influence its biological activity, stability and interaction with receptor systems, making comparative studies useful for characterising structure–activity relationships.

Researchers can compare documented receptor responses, downstream signalling and melanogenic endpoints across relevant experimental models. For example, the 1994 Hunt study directly compared α-MSH with Nle⁴-D-Phe⁷-α-MSH and found differences in the magnitude of their effects on tyrosinase activity, despite broadly similar effects on melanin content under the conditions tested.

Such findings demonstrate why individual endpoints should be evaluated separately rather than assuming that two related peptides will produce identical biological responses. Comparisons must also account for differences in experimental conditions, peptide identity and the limitations of the selected model.

Research Context and Limitations

Published research supports the study of Melanotan 1 in melanocyte function, melanogenesis, MC1R-related variation and pigment analysis. However, the strength of evidence differs by application, and findings from cell culture, animal models and human studies should not be treated as interchangeable.

Crystal Peptides supplies Melanotan 1 (MT-1) strictly for laboratory research, not for human or veterinary use.

Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2 vs PT-141 Comparison

Melanotan 1 (MT-1), Melanotan 2 (MT-2) and PT-141 (bremelanotide) are synthetic peptides related to α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Although they share a connection to melanocortin biology, their molecular structures, receptor activity and principal research applications differ.

MT-2 provides a broader model for investigating melanocortin receptor pharmacology, while PT-141 is more closely associated with research into central melanocortin pathways and sexual function.

Related Peptides and Compounds for Further Research

Researchers exploring melanocortin signalling and related biological pathways may also be interested in other compounds available from Crystal Peptides such as KPV, a tripeptide derived from the C-terminal region of α-MSH studied in research on inflammatory signalling and cellular responses, and Melatonin, a peptide molecule involved in circadian and melatonin-receptor research. However, the latter is not a melanocortin peptide despite the name.

These compounds have distinct structures and research applications. Their inclusion here provides further reading for researchers investigating related biological systems, rather than suggesting that they are interchangeable with Melanotan 1.

Although the compounds share structural and pharmacological relationships, they are not interchangeable. The appropriate choice depends on the research question, the receptor system being investigated and the evidence available for the specific compound.

Crystal Peptides supplies Melanotan 1 (MT-1) for laboratory research only, not for human or veterinary use.

Storage and Handling: Melanotan 1 (MT-1)

Proper storage and handling help preserve the integrity of research peptides. Follow the storage conditions specified on the product label and in the accompanying documentation for Crystal Peptides Melanotan 1 (MT-1).

• Storage conditions: Follow the temperature and storage requirements specified on product documentation (CoA and SDS).
• Container integrity: Keep the vial appropriately sealed and check for visible damage before handling.
• Documentation: Review the product information and relevant batch Certificate of Analysis (CoA) before laboratory use.

Handle Melanotan 1 using appropriate laboratory procedures to minimise contamination and material loss. Follow the laboratory's established protocols for handling research peptides, including any applicable requirements for personal protective equipment and controlled working conditions.

If the material is prepared for an experimental procedure, use a compatible preparation medium and follow a validated protocol appropriate to the research design. Stability after preparation can vary with the solution composition, temperature, concentration and duration of storage. Do not assume a universal post-preparation shelf life without supporting stability data.

For product-specific storage temperatures, preparation conditions and stability information, consult the product label or contact Crystal Peptides.

Melanotan 1 Certificate of Analysis (CoA)

Crystal Peptides provides Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) to support research with accurate product identification and quality assurance. You can review the available documentation for Melanotan 1 (MT-1) on the product page or through our Lab Tests page.

A CoA provides information about the analytical tests performed on a specific batch. For Melanotan 1, testing includes identity, purity, sterility, endotoxin levels and heavy-metal content. Find the results for the latest batch on the provided CoA to help you assess the analytical evidence before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions About Melanotan 1 (MT-1)

Is Melanotan 1 the same as afamelanotide?

Melanotan 1, also known as MT-1 or NDP-MSH, is the synthetic α-MSH analogue associated with the name afamelanotide. Afamelanotide is the international non-proprietary name used for the active peptide in SCENESSE, an authorised medicine for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) in the European Union. However, a research-grade Melanotan 1 product may not have the same formulation or manufacturing controls and does not have the same regulatory status as SCENESSE.

Is Melanotan 1 approved for tanning?

No. Afamelanotide is authorised in the EU as SCENESSE for a specific medical indication: erythropoietic protoporphyria. This authorisation does not extend to cosmetic tanning or establish the safety and efficacy of research-grade Melanotan 1 for that purpose.

Does Melanotan 1 provide protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

Melanotan 1 has been investigated for its effects on melanin production and pigmentation. Clinical research into afamelanotide in people with EPP has also examined outcomes associated with light exposure. However, increased pigmentation should not be interpreted as a substitute for established sun-protection measures, and evidence relating to an authorised medicinal product cannot automatically be applied to a research-grade peptide.

Can Melanotan 1 affect moles or freckles?

Melanocortin signalling influences pigmentation, and changes in pigmentation have been reported in discussions of melanotan compounds. However, anecdotal reports cannot establish the frequency, cause or long-term significance of these changes. Any new, changing or unusual mole warrants assessment by a qualified healthcare professional rather than an assumption that the change is a normal response to pigmentation signalling.

What is the difference between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2?

Melanotan 1 is a linear 13-amino-acid α-MSH analogue primarily associated with MC1R-mediated pigmentation research. Melanotan 2 is a shorter, cyclic peptide with a broader melanocortin receptor activity profile. Their structural and pharmacological differences make them distinct research compounds. See the comparison table above for a more detailed breakdown.

Is Melanotan 1 the same as melatonin?

No. Despite their similar names, Melanotan 1 and melatonin are chemically distinct compounds with different biological roles. Melanotan 1 is a synthetic α-MSH analogue studied in melanocortin signalling and melanogenesis research. Melatonin is a hormone involved in circadian timing and sleep–wake regulation. They are not interchangeable and belong to different areas of biological research.

References

1. Böhm, M., Robert, C., Malhotra, S., Clément, K., & Farooqi, S. (2025). An overview of benefits and risks of chronic melanocortin-1 receptor activation. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 39(1), 39–51. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.20269
2. Dorr, R. T., Dvorakova, K., Brooks, C., Lines, R., Levine, N., Schram, K., Miketova, P., Hruby, V., & Alberts, D. S. (2000). Increased eumelanin expression and tanning is induced by a superpotent melanotropin [Nle⁴-D-Phe⁷]-α-MSH in humans. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 72(4), 526–532. https://doi.org/10.1562/0031-8655(2000)0720526IEEATI2.0.CO2
3. Fitzgerald, L. M., Fryer, J. L., Dwyer, T., & Humphrey, S. M. (2006). Effect of MELANOTAN, [Nle⁴, D-Phe⁷]-α-MSH, on melanin synthesis in humans with MC1R variant alleles. Peptides, 27(2), 388–394. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peptides.2004.12.038
4. Hunt, G., Todd, C., Cresswell, J. E., & Thody, A. J. (1994). Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and its analogue Nle⁴-D-Phe⁷ alpha-MSH affect morphology, tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis in cultured human melanocytes. Journal of Cell Science, 107(1), 205–211. https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.107.1.205
5. Mun, Y., Kim, W., & Shin, D. (2023). Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R): Pharmacological and therapeutic aspects. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(15), Article 12152. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512152
6. StC Barnetson, R., Ooi, T. K. T., Zhuang, L., Halliday, G. M., Reid, C. M., Walker, P. C., Humphrey, S. M., & Kleinig, M. J. (2006). [Nle⁴-D-Phe⁷]-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone significantly increased pigmentation and decreased UV damage in fair-skinned Caucasian volunteers. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 126(8), 1869–1878. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jid.5700317