Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)

What is Melanotan I?

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a linear 13-amino-acid analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), carrying norleucine-4 and D-phenylalanine-7 substitutions that make it dramatically more potent and longer-acting than the native hormone. It went on to become an approved medicine (Scenesse) in the field of photoprotection — a rare distinction among research peptides.

Research Applications

• Melanogenesis: Melanotan I is the reference agonist for studying MC1R-driven eumelanin production in melanocytes.
• Photoprotection: Clinical research in erythropoietic protoporphyria demonstrated increased pain-free sun exposure, the basis of its approval.
• Melanocortin Pharmacology: Its receptor selectivity profile makes it a tool for separating MC1R effects from other melanocortin receptors.
• UV Damage Models: Studied for its influence on markers of UV-induced skin damage in pigmentation research.

Compound Information

• Structure: Linear 13-amino-acid α-MSH analog ([Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH)
• Molecular Weight: ~1,647 Da
• Appearance: White lyophilized powder

Specifications

• Purity specification: >99%
• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Container: Sealed vial (3mL flip-top)
• Storage: -20°C or below, protected from light
• Shelf Life: 2+ years when stored properly
• Certificate of Analysis available on request

Peer-Reviewed References

• Sawyer TK, Sanfilippo PJ, Hruby VJ, et al. "4-Norleucine, 7-D-phenylalanine-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone: a highly potent alpha-melanotropin with ultralong biological activity." Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1980.
• Langendonk JG, Balwani M, Anderson KE, et al. "Afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyria." N Engl J Med. 2015.

For research use only. Not for human consumption. All products are sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes.