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What is Melanotan I?
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear analog of alpha-MSH that is more selective than Melanotan II, studied for melanogenesis endpoints with fewer of the off-target effects reported for MT-II.
How Melanotan I works (research mechanism)
Melanotan I research focuses on MC1R-mediated melanin synthesis, the pathway central to pigmentation research, with a more selective profile than the non-selective MT-II.
Primary research applications
Pigmentation research
Studied for melanogenesis endpoints with a selective profile.
Photoprotection research
Examined in models of UV response.
Melanocortin-receptor research
A more selective MC1R model compound.
Research dosing reference
Research references commonly cite a loading figure of 0.5-1 mg daily followed by 2-3 times weekly maintenance. Reference values only.
Reconstitution & handling
Melanotan I ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and must be reconstituted before use in any liquid research model. Allow the vial to reach room temperature, swab the stopper, then add bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial - never spray it directly onto the powder. Swirl gently until dissolved; do not shake, as shaking foams the solution and stresses the peptide. The volume of water you add sets the concentration: a 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL yields 2,500 mcg/mL, so 0.1 mL measures 250 mcg. A correctly reconstituted Melanotan I solution is clear; discard if it is cloudy or shows particulate.
Storage & stability
Store un-reconstituted Melanotan I vials refrigerated and protected from light for long-term stability; the lyophilized form is robust and tolerates shipping. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2-8C, keep away from light, and use within the typical research window of roughly two to four weeks. The benzyl alcohol in bacteriostatic water helps inhibit microbial growth across that period. Always label reconstituted vials with the concentration and date.
Common research pairings
Generally studied as a standalone selective melanocortin agonist.
How Melanotan I compares
Melanotan I is more selective and reportedly better tolerated in models than Melanotan II, with a narrower pigmentation focus.
Safety & research considerations
Supplied for research use only and not for human consumption.
Sourcing, purity & Certificate of Analysis
Every lot of Melanotan I sold by Peptides Factory Direct is third-party tested to a 99%+ purity target, with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry and purity quantified by HPLC. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting these results is available on request and ties each vial to a tracked lot. Material ships nationwide to all 50 US states with cold-chain handling where appropriate and fast domestic dispatch. This documentation is what separates research-grade Melanotan I from unverified material - quality is established before the vial ever reaches your lab.
How to order Melanotan I for research
Melanotan I can be ordered through the Peptides Factory Direct research portal as a one-time purchase or on a recurring research schedule (every 2 weeks, monthly, every 2 months, or every 3 months). Checkout requires confirming you are 21 or older, purchasing for laboratory research only, and that the product is not for human or animal consumption. Bulk and standing-order pricing is available - note it in your order. Open the order portal to view current research sizes and pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Melanotan I vs Melanotan II?
MT-I is more selective (MC1R) and reportedly better tolerated in models; MT-II is non-selective with broader effects. Research use only. Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear analog of alpha-MSH that is more selective than Melanotan II, studied for melanogenesis endpoints with fewer of the off-target effects reported for MT-II.
What size is available?
10 mg vial, third-party tested, COA on request. Melanotan I is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in 10 mg research sizes. A Certificate of Analysis tied to the tracked lot is available on request. Un-reconstituted Melanotan I vials are stored refrigerated and protected from light; the lyophilized form is robust and tolerates shipping.
How should Melanotan I be stored?
Store un-reconstituted Melanotan I vials refrigerated and protected from light; the lyophilized powder is stable enough to tolerate shipping. Once reconstituted, keep the solution at 2-8C away from light, label it with concentration and date, and use it within roughly two to four weeks of research handling.
How is Melanotan I purity verified?
Melanotan I purity is verified by an independent third-party laboratory, not an in-house claim. Purity is quantified by HPLC against a 99%+ target and identity is confirmed by mass spectrometry, and the resulting Certificate of Analysis is tied to the tracked lot you receive and is available on request.
Is Melanotan I FDA approved?
No. The research-grade Melanotan I supplied here is not an FDA-approved drug product and is sold strictly for laboratory and in-vitro research. Where an approved pharmaceutical form of a compound exists, it is a separate prescription product made to clinical standards. Research material is not a supplement, food, or cosmetic and is not for human or animal consumption.
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External references: Peptides (Wikipedia) · U.S. Food and Drug Administration