Melanotan 1 10

Melanotan 1 (also known as Afamelanotide or MT-1) is a synthetic linear tridecapeptide consisting of 13 amino acids (Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂).

It is a modified, long-acting analogue of the naturally occurring peptide hormone \alpha-MSH (\alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone). It was developed to stimulate melanogenesis (skin pigmentation) to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation without requiring excessive sun exposure.

Primary Key Mechanisms

 Melanocortin Receptor Activation: Melanotan 1 acts as a non-selective agonist primarily targeting MC1R (Melanocortin 1 Receptors) located on melanocytes in the skin.

 Melanogenesis & Eumelanin Synthesis: Binding to MC1R triggers intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling, stimulating the enzyme tyrosinase. This shifts pigment production toward eumelanin (dark brown/black protective pigment) rather than pheomelanin (red/yellow pigment).

 Photoprotection & DNA Repair: By increasing photoprotective eumelanin levels in epidermal cells, it reduces UV-induced cellular DNA damage, sunburn risk, and oxidative stress.

 Structural Stability: Modifications to the natural \alpha-MSH sequence (specifically replacing Met with Nle and L-Phe with D-Phe) grant Melanotan 1 a significantly longer biological half-life and enzymatic resistance compared to endogenous \alpha-MSH.

refrigerate after reconstitution not for human consumption.