Overview
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), corresponding to the [Nle4, D-Phe7] substituted form of the native tridecapeptide. Substitution of methionine at position 4 with norleucine and of L-phenylalanine at position 7 with its D-enantiomer confers resistance to enzymatic degradation and increased receptor affinity relative to native alpha-MSH. Among the melanocortin analogs it is notably selective for the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). It is produced synthetically as a reference compound for laboratory research.
Mechanism as studied
The research literature characterizes melanotan 1 as an MC1R agonist coupled through Gs protein to adenylyl cyclase. Receptor activation is associated with elevated intracellular cyclic AMP and downstream protein-kinase-A signaling in cultured melanocytes. This cascade is described as converging on the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and upregulation of tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme of eumelanin biosynthesis. Reported endpoints in melanocyte culture include increased tyrosinase activity and melanin content.
Research context
Contexts in which this compound appears in the in-vitro and preclinical research literature:
- Cultured melanocyte assays measuring cAMP accumulation, tyrosinase activity, and melanin content.
- MC1R radioligand-binding and receptor-selectivity studies across melanocortin-receptor subtypes.
- Keratinocyte-melanocyte co-culture models of pigment-signaling crosstalk.
- Cellular models examining MITF-driven transcription of pigmentation genes.
- Comparative stability studies against native alpha-MSH under enzymatic challenge.
Handling & storage
Supplied lyophilized for laboratory reconstitution, typically in bacteriostatic water to the working concentration required by the protocol (for example, 2 mL into a 10 mg vial gives 5 mg/mL). Add the diluent slowly down the vial wall and swirl gently to dissolve; do not vortex. Aliquot after reconstitution to minimize repeated freeze-thaw exposure.
Store sealed lyophilized vials at −20 °C, protected from light; the lyophilate is stable long-term in this state. Reconstituted material should be refrigerated at 2–8 °C and protected from repeated freeze-thaw.
Certificates of analysis
Independent and in-house certificates published for this compound. Each reports identity and HPLC purity for the tested lot.
Order Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide)
Lot-traceable, certificate-backed, and shipped cold-chain from the US.
For research use only
This guide is reference material for qualified researchers. The compound is an analytical-grade reference material supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and development — not a drug, supplement, or medical device, and not for human or animal consumption or any therapeutic, clinical, or diagnostic use. No medical claims are made or implied.
