Melanotan 1 (also called Melanotan I or afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It selectively activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. When researchers buy Melanotan 1, they are typically studying photoprotection, pigmentation pathways, and MC1R signaling. See our complete guide to peptides for more background.
Detailed Mechanism of Action
Melanotan 1 is a 13-amino-acid linear peptide based on the native α-MSH sequence, with a single substitution (Nle at position 4 and D-Phe at position 7) that markedly improves metabolic stability and receptor affinity. Researchers who buy Melanotan 1 commonly examine its high-affinity, selective activation of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), a Gαs-coupled GPCR expressed primarily on cutaneous melanocytes.
Upon MC1R activation, intracellular adenylyl cyclase produces cAMP, which activates protein kinase A (PKA) and downstream CREB phosphorylation. CREB drives transcription of MITF, the master regulator of melanogenic enzymes including tyrosinase, TYRP1, and DCT. The net result in research models is increased eumelanin synthesis relative to pheomelanin, shifting pigment balance toward the photoprotective brown/black eumelanin pool.
Unlike Melanotan 2, Melanotan 1 research peptide demonstrates greater MC1R selectivity over MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. This selectivity is central to its appeal as a research tool — buy Melanotan 1 online when investigations require minimal off-target melanocortin signaling. For deeper background on melanocortin biology, review the PSPeptides peptide glossary.
Half-life in published pharmacokinetic studies suggests a markedly longer plasma residence than native α-MSH, supporting once-daily research protocols. See the peptide half-life chart for comparative kinetics.
Published Research
Hadley and colleagues first characterized the Nle4-D-Phe7-α-MSH analog (later named afamelanotide / Melanotan 1) in the early 1980s, demonstrating dramatically increased potency and metabolic stability versus native α-MSH (see PubMed 6589336). Subsequent investigations expanded the receptor pharmacology profile and established MC1R selectivity.
Clinical research investigations published in New England Journal of Medicine and indexed at PubMed 26154787 reported reduced phototoxic reactions in erythropoietic protoporphyria models, leading to regulatory authorization in select jurisdictions. Researchers buying Melanotan 1 USA often reference these published endpoints for assay design.
Additional peer-reviewed reports indexed at PubMed 19656038 describe controlled-implant dosing kinetics, pigmentation density quantification (Fitzpatrick-scale shifts), and tolerability profiles in research cohorts. PSPeptides supplies Melanotan 1 research peptide exclusively for in vitro and laboratory research use.
Melanotan 1 vs Alternatives
| Feature |
Melanotan 1 |
Melanotan 2 |
Native α-MSH |
| Structure |
Linear 13-aa analog |
Cyclic 7-aa analog |
Linear 13-aa native |
| MC1R selectivity |
High |
Broad (MC1R/3/4/5) |
Moderate |
| Plasma stability |
Hours |
Hours |
Minutes |
| Eumelanin shift |
Strong |
Strong |
Moderate |
| Off-target appetite/libido pathways |
Minimal |
Significant in models |
Minimal |
| Typical research use |
Photoprotection, EPP |
Pigmentation + appetite |
Comparator control |
| Form supplied |
Lyophilized 10mg vial |
Lyophilized 10mg vial |
Reference standard |
Reconstitution & Handling
Researchers who buy Melanotan 1 typically reconstitute the 10mg lyophilized powder with 2mL of bacteriostatic water for a 5mg/mL working stock, though dilution should match individual protocol concentrations. Slowly inject diluent down the inside wall of the vial; do not shake. Gently swirl until fully dissolved. See our how to reconstitute peptides guide and the peptide dosage calculator walkthrough for protocol design.
Bacteriostatic water is required for multi-use vials — review what is bacteriostatic water for sterility background. Handle all research peptides aseptically inside a clean workspace and use individual single-use syringes for each draw.
Storage & Stability
Store lyophilized Melanotan 1 research peptide at 2–8°C for up to 24 months from receipt, or at −20°C for extended storage. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 28 days for optimal integrity. Protect from direct light and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Full handling protocols are detailed in the peptide storage guide, and signs of breakdown are reviewed in peptide degradation: how to tell.
Certificate of Analysis
Every order to buy Melanotan 1 online from PSPeptides ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA). The COA documents identity by mass spectrometry, purity by HPLC (≥99%), counter-ion content, water content, and sterility/endotoxin where applicable. For help interpreting purity reports, see how to read a peptide COA.
Why Researchers Choose PSPeptides
- US Manufactured: All Melanotan 1 USA inventory is synthesized and lyophilized in the United States under controlled conditions.
- Third-Party Tested: Independent HPLC and mass spectrometry on every batch — no exceptions.
- Fast Shipping: Free UPS 2nd Day Air on orders over $150, same-day dispatch on orders placed before 2 PM EST.
- Flexible Payments: Major credit cards, Afterpay, Klarna, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
- 7-Day Support: Email, phone, or text support every day of the week from our US-based team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 1 is a linear 13-amino-acid α-MSH analog with high MC1R selectivity, while Melanotan 2 is a cyclic 7-amino-acid analog with broader melanocortin receptor activity (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R). Researchers who buy Melanotan 1 generally want cleaner, pigment-focused signaling without appetite or libido pathway involvement.
Is Melanotan 1 for sale legal to purchase?
Melanotan 1 is sold by PSPeptides for laboratory and research use only — not for human consumption. Sale and possession of research chemicals are governed by your local jurisdiction. Review are research peptides legal in 2026 for current US regulatory context.
How is Melanotan 1 research peptide shipped?
Orders are shipped via UPS with cold-pack insulation when seasonal temperatures require it. Free UPS 2nd Day Air is included on orders over $150. Lyophilized peptide remains stable in standard transit windows, and we monitor delivery routes to minimize heat exposure.
How should I choose a research peptide supplier?
Look for US manufacturing, third-party HPLC and mass spectrometry on every batch, batch-specific COAs, transparent storage guidance, and responsive support. Our breakdown — how to choose a research peptide supplier — covers the full checklist.
Related Resources
Ready to Buy Melanotan 1?
Researchers ready to buy Melanotan 1 for sale can add this 10mg vial to the cart above. Every order ships with a batch-specific COA, lyophilized 99%+ purity peptide, and direct support from the PSPeptides US-based team. Buy Melanotan 1 online today and receive fast UPS shipping, secure payment processing, and the documentation your research demands.
All PSPeptides products are sold exclusively for laboratory and research use. Not intended for human consumption.
Pharmacology Deep Dive
The melanocortin system comprises five G-protein coupled receptors (MC1R–MC5R), each with distinct tissue expression and physiological roles. MC1R is densely expressed on epidermal melanocytes, hair follicle melanocytes, and to a lesser extent on monocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. When researchers buy Melanotan 1 to probe these populations, they exploit its high MC1R affinity (subnanomolar EC50 in many cell-based assays) and slow off-rate, which together translate into prolonged downstream signaling.
Beyond canonical cAMP/PKA/MITF/tyrosinase signaling, secondary literature has documented MAPK pathway crosstalk, p38 activation, and modulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor stability. Researchers studying Melanotan 1 research peptide in keratinocyte–melanocyte co-cultures often quantify melanin transfer via paracrine vesicle release and PAR-2 dependent uptake. These mechanistic endpoints are commonly paired with UVR exposure paradigms to model photoprotection.
Anti-inflammatory effects of α-MSH and its analogs have also been documented through MC1R signaling on leukocytes, including NF-κB suppression and IL-10 induction. While not the primary research focus when researchers buy Melanotan 1 online, these auxiliary pathways are increasingly relevant in skin inflammation, vitiligo, and oxidative-stress models. Cross-reference these mechanisms in the peptide glossary.
Structure-Activity Relationships
The α-MSH parent sequence (Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2) is rapidly degraded by serum peptidases. The Melanotan 1 modifications — Nle substituted for Met at position 4 and D-Phe substituted for L-Phe at position 7 — eliminate the most susceptible cleavage sites while preserving the His-Phe-Arg-Trp core message sequence essential for MC1R recognition. The result is a several-hundred-fold increase in functional half-life with minimal loss of receptor selectivity.
Comparative SAR studies have shown that further constraining the peptide backbone (as in Melanotan 2’s cyclic disulfide bridge) increases potency at MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, broadening the receptor profile but reducing MC1R selectivity. This is why researchers seeking targeted pigmentation pathway studies preferentially buy Melanotan 1 over alternative melanocortin agonists. See the best peptides for skin research overview for adjacent comparators.
Research Protocol Considerations
When designing studies, researchers who buy Melanotan 1 commonly evaluate, common variables include dose, frequency, model system, baseline pigmentation phenotype, and concurrent UV exposure. In ex vivo skin explant work, single bolus dosing at protocol-determined concentrations is frequently used to track melanogenic enzyme upregulation across 24–72 hours. In whole-organism pre-clinical pigmentation models, daily research dosing over 5–10 day windows is typical for visualizing measurable eumelanin density changes against a vehicle control.
Researchers who buy Melanotan 1 for sale to perform receptor binding assays generally rely on radio-ligand displacement (e.g., 125I-NDP-α-MSH competition) or cAMP accumulation assays in HEK293 cells transfected with MC1R. Functional selectivity is verified by parallel assays on MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R lines. Each PSPeptides batch is verified for purity prior to shipment so research data is not confounded by impurity-driven off-target signaling.
Statistical design should account for inter-donor melanocyte variability — Fitzpatrick I–II donors respond differently than Fitzpatrick IV–VI donors, and this is biologically informative rather than noise. The peptide stacking guide discusses combination experimental designs where applicable.
Quality, Sourcing & Manufacturing
PSPeptides Melanotan 1 USA inventory is produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) in US facilities using Fmoc chemistry, followed by reversed-phase HPLC purification. Final material is lyophilized into 10mg amber-glass vials under inert atmosphere to maximize shelf stability. Every lot is independently tested for identity, purity, and counter-ion content before release.
Researchers who buy Melanotan 1 online from PSPeptides receive a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis documenting HPLC chromatogram (≥99% area), mass spectrometry identity confirmation (theoretical vs observed MW), water content (Karl Fischer), and acetate counter-ion content. Lot numbers are traceable end-to-end from synthesis through shipment, supporting full reproducibility for publication-grade research data.
For context on supplier evaluation criteria, review how to choose a research peptide supplier and research peptides vs prescription peptides.
Safety, Handling & Laboratory Best Practices
Although Melanotan 1 is sold strictly for laboratory and research use, standard peptide handling precautions apply. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection. Reconstitute in a clean workspace using sterile technique and bacteriostatic water. Use individual single-use syringes when transferring reconstituted material between containers to avoid cross-contamination.
Researchers who buy Melanotan 1 should review general peptide safety considerations in peptide side effects and route-selection guidance in subcutaneous vs intramuscular peptide injection when relevant to their research model. Always follow the institutional biosafety protocols at your organization.
Can Melanotan 1 be used for tanning research outside of EPP models?
Yes — researchers commonly buy Melanotan 1 for general pigmentation and photoprotection studies beyond EPP-specific work, including investigations of cosmetic biology, melanogenesis kinetics, and UV response variability across Fitzpatrick skin types.
What concentration should reconstituted Melanotan 1 be?
Concentration depends entirely on the research protocol. A common starting point for a 10mg vial is 2mL of bacteriostatic water yielding 5mg/mL, but lower or higher concentrations are routinely prepared. Use the peptide dosage calculator to align reconstitution volume with your protocol units.
How long does reconstituted Melanotan 1 research peptide remain stable?
When reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and refrigerated at 2–8°C, Melanotan 1 typically maintains research-grade integrity for approximately 28 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw, protect from light, and discard if cloudiness, particulate matter, or color changes appear.
Do I need bacteriostatic water specifically?
Yes — bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol preserved sterile water) is strongly preferred for multi-dose vial work because the benzyl alcohol suppresses microbial growth during the use window. Sterile water for injection works for same-day single-draw use only. See what is bacteriostatic water.
Can I stack Melanotan 1 with other peptides in research models?
Co-administration designs are common in peptide research. Compatibility depends entirely on the scientific question, model system, and pharmacology of each compound. Review the peptide stacking guide for general design principles before combining compounds.
Why Buy Melanotan 1 from PSPeptides
When you buy Melanotan 1 from PSPeptides, you receive research-grade peptide manufactured to publication standards. Our Melanotan 1 USA inventory is synthesized domestically, third-party tested by independent labs, and shipped with full traceability. We have built our reputation on transparent COAs, fast US fulfillment, and a 7-day support team that understands research workflows.
Researchers who buy Melanotan 1 online from PSPeptides also benefit from flexible payment options including Afterpay, Klarna, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and major credit cards. Free UPS 2nd Day Air shipping on orders over $150 ensures your Melanotan 1 research peptide reaches the lab quickly. Same-day dispatch is available on orders placed before 2 PM EST.
Compared with overseas suppliers that may use grey-market synthesis routes or skip independent testing, PSPeptides Melanotan 1 for sale ships only after passing internal QC and third-party verification. Researchers requiring documented purity for grant-funded work consistently choose PSPeptides for this reason.
Melanotan 1 Research History and Context
The history of Melanotan 1 begins at the University of Arizona in the early 1980s, where Hadley, Hruby, and colleagues set out to design α-MSH analogs with improved metabolic stability for dermatological research. The resulting NDP-α-MSH compound — the molecule researchers today buy as Melanotan 1 — became one of the most extensively characterized synthetic peptides in receptor pharmacology.
Over the following decades, Melanotan 1 research peptide moved into clinical evaluation for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare metabolic disorder in which phototoxic accumulation of protoporphyrin IX causes severe pain on light exposure. Clinical investigations demonstrated meaningful reductions in phototoxic events, leading to authorization by the European Medicines Agency in 2014 and the FDA in 2019 for that specific indication.
Today, researchers buy Melanotan 1 to support a wide spectrum of work — from basic receptor pharmacology to translational skin biology. PSPeptides supplies the same compound, manufactured in the US, packaged for laboratory research, and supported with batch documentation. For broader context, see best peptides for skin research and best peptides for longevity and anti-aging.
Documentation Included With Every Order
Every Melanotan 1 USA order ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. The COA contains the HPLC purity chromatogram, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, water content by Karl Fischer titration, acetate counter-ion content, and visual appearance verification. Lot numbers are unique and traceable from synthesis through your lab bench. If your institution requires additional documentation, contact our support team — we maintain manufacturing records on every batch.
For researchers new to interpreting peptide COAs, our how to read a peptide COA guide walks through each field with annotated examples. Buy Melanotan 1 online with confidence knowing the documentation will withstand institutional review.
Ordering & Shipping
To buy Melanotan 1 for sale from PSPeptides, simply add the desired number of vials to your cart and check out. US domestic orders ship via UPS with free 2nd Day Air on orders over $150. International availability varies by jurisdiction — contact support before placing international orders for Melanotan 1 research peptide.
Same-day dispatch applies to orders placed before 2 PM EST Monday through Friday. Tracking information is emailed automatically upon dispatch. Cold-pack insulation is added to summer shipments to protect lyophilized integrity in transit. PSPeptides ships Melanotan 1 USA inventory from a temperature-controlled warehouse, not a residential dropshipper.
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