Melanotan I (Melanotan I) 10mg
Melanotan I – MC1R-selective α-MSH analog, studied in relation to melanogenesis, pigmentation and the cellular response to UV light. Price and batch analysis.
49.00 EUR · In stock
This product is intended solely for scientific and research use, as well as for use as a reference standard in HPLC analysis, and is not an approved medicinal product. It is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease in humans or animals. It has not been approved by the FDA, the EMA or any national regulator. The information on this page is provided for scientific information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, a recommendation for use, or any claim of clinical efficacy or safety.
Melanotan I – What the Peptide Is
Melanotan I, also known as afamelanotide, is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) – a natural peptide involved in the regulation of skin pigmentation.
The natural α-MSH has a very short half-life in circulation, which limits its study. The synthetic analog carries structural modifications that make it more resistant to enzymatic degradation.
Unlike Melanotan II, which shows activity toward a broader range of melanocortin receptors, Melanotan I is described as more selective toward the receptor associated with pigmentation.
Mechanism of Action
The molecule binds to the melanocortin-1 receptor on melanocytes – the cells that produce the pigment melanin. Its activation leads to increased synthesis of eumelanin.
Eumelanin is the dark form of the pigment and is described in the literature as more effective at absorbing ultraviolet light compared to the lighter pheomelanin form.
The selectivity toward the melanocortin-1 receptor is the reason this compound is not described as having a pronounced effect on other systems regulated by the melanocortin family.
Research Data and Observations
Observations track changes in pigmentation and in tolerance to ultraviolet exposure. It is noted that the response depends on the baseline skin type.
A separate line of research examines application in conditions with increased photosensitivity – an area in which the compound has undergone regulatory evaluation in some jurisdictions.
It is noted that pigmentation occurs gradually and is maintained for a limited period after discontinuation of administration.
When interpreting published data, the difference between preclinical and clinical conditions should be taken into account. Results from cell cultures and animal models describe a mechanism but do not allow quantitative conclusions for human conditions.
The dose ranges used in preclinical studies are often not directly translatable due to differences in metabolism between species. This limitation is consistently pointed out in review works.
Sample Calculations
The calculations below are purely mathematical examples showing the relationship between the total amount of substance, the volume of solvent, and the resulting concentration. They do not represent a recommendation for dosing, administration schedule, or instructions for use.
When dissolving 10 mg with 2 ml of bacteriostatic water:
The resulting concentration is 5 mg/ml, with 0.20 ml containing 1 mg of substance.
Sample values:
- 0.1 ml = 0.5 mg
- 0.2 ml = 1 mg
- 0.3 ml = 1.5 mg
- 0.4 ml = 2 mg
- 0.5 ml = 2.5 mg
Overview of Scientific Publications
The literature on melanocortin analogs includes both mechanistic work on the receptor family and controlled studies for specific indications.
Data on Melanotan I and Melanotan II are not interchangeable due to differences in receptor selectivity.
Safety data from studies
Described observations include nausea shortly after administration, darkening of existing nevi, and reactions at the site of administration.
Changes in pigmented lesions are noted in the literature as a consideration requiring monitoring.
A general limitation for compounds in this category is the absence of long-term controlled studies in humans. Available information describes mechanism and short-term observations, not a safety profile for prolonged administration.
The product is intended exclusively for research purposes. It is not a food, dietary supplement, or medicinal product and is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases.