Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) – Synthetic α-MSH Analog for Pigmentation and Photoprotection Research

Category: Melanocortin & Photoprotective Research Peptides

SKU: MT1-10MG | Form: Lyophilized Powder | Purity: ≥ 99% (HPLC Tested)

For Research Use Only – Not for Human Consumption

Product Overview

Melanotan I, also known as Afamelanotide, is a synthetic linear analog of the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It selectively activates the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) to stimulate melanogenesis—the process responsible for the production of melanin in skin cells. Unlike Melanotan II, which acts on multiple melanocortin receptors, Melanotan I is highly specific to MC1R, resulting in controlled pigmentation with minimal systemic effects. This peptide is widely researched for its potential role in photoprotection, UV-induced DNA damage reduction, and pigmentation-related disorders such as erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) Research Summary

Melanotan I was developed to mimic the pigmentation-inducing and photoprotective properties of natural α-MSH without hormonal or systemic effects. It promotes melanin synthesis by stimulating MC1R receptors on melanocytes, leading to enhanced skin pigmentation and UV tolerance. Research indicates that Afamelanotide offers protective benefits against photodermatoses, reduces oxidative DNA damage, and supports skin barrier health. It has also been studied for its role in mitigating photosensitivity in rare genetic disorders and providing antioxidant protection against UV-induced stress.

Key research findings include:

• Increases melanin production in human melanocyte cultures (J Invest Dermatol, 1998).
• Provides photoprotection against UV-induced DNA damage (Photochem Photobiol, 2001).
• Reduces photosensitivity and pain in erythropoietic protoporphyria (N Engl J Med, 2009).
• Demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in skin models (Br J Dermatol, 2014).
• Supports sustained pigmentation with minimal receptor desensitization (Front Pharmacol, 2020).

These findings position Melanotan I as a precise and well-tolerated research compound for exploring pigmentation biology, skin photoprotection, and melanocortin receptor pharmacology.

Applications in Research

• Melanogenesis and pigmentation studies
• UV radiation and DNA damage protection models
• Erythropoietic protoporphyria and photodermatosis research
• Melanocortin receptor binding and signaling assays
• Oxidative stress and antioxidant response studies in skin biology

For Research Use Only

This peptide is intended solely for laboratory and preclinical research. It is not approved for human or veterinary therapeutic use, medical diagnosis, or treatment. Researchers must comply with institutional biosafety and peptide-handling regulations when using this material.

References

• Thody AJ. et al. 'Alpha-MSH Analogues and Melanocortin Receptor Activation in Human Melanocytes.' Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1998.
• Diffey BL. et al. 'Photoprotective Effects of Melanocortin Analogues Against UV Radiation.' Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2001.
• Langendonk JG. et al. 'Afamelanotide for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria and Photosensitivity Reduction.' New England Journal of Medicine, 2009.
• Brzoska T. et al. 'Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Melanocortin Peptides in Skin Research.' British Journal of Dermatology, 2014.
• Mountjoy KG. et al. 'Selective MC1R Activation and Melanin Regulation by Afamelanotide.' Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2020.