Melanotan-1
A metabolically stabilized α-MSH analog studied as a selective MC1R agonist in melanogenesis research.
01At a Glance
| Compound | Melanotan-1 (CAS 75921-69-6) |
| Classification | Regenerative research compound |
| Molecular weight | 1,646.85 g/mol |
| Sequence / Form | Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂ |
| Purity | ≥98% HPLC, identity verified by mass spectrometry |
| Documentation | Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis available |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Storage | Store sealed at 2–8°C. Long-term storage per certificate guidance. |
| Use | Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use. |
02Mechanism of Action
Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a tridecapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone carrying two substitutions — norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7 — which the literature associates with markedly increased resistance to enzymatic degradation relative to native α-MSH.
Research characterises it as an agonist at the melanocortin-1 receptor, where receptor binding is studied for cAMP-mediated upregulation of tyrosinase and subsequent eumelanin synthesis in melanocyte models.
Unlike Melanotan II, which is a cyclic analog with broader melanocortin-receptor activity, Melanotan-1 is described in the literature as comparatively MC1R-selective — the basis for its use in receptor-specificity work.
Research framing only · No human-use claims
03Research Context
- MC1R binding and selectivity assays
- Tyrosinase expression and eumelanin synthesis models
- cAMP signaling in melanocyte cultures
- Photoprotection and UV-response research
04Quality & Verification
Ethos Bio presents compound information with an emphasis on identity verification, purity analysis, certificate access, and storage guidance. Product-specific documentation is available through the certificate page where applicable. Cold-chain shipping is available where required, and inventory is held under refrigerated conditions at our fulfillment center with temperature-logging protocols in place.
05FAQ
What is Melanotan-1?
Melanotan-1, also known as afamelanotide, is a 13-amino-acid analog of α-MSH studied as a selective melanocortin-1 receptor agonist. Its molecular weight is approximately 1,646.85 g/mol (CAS 75921-69-6). It is a research-use-only compound.
How does Melanotan-1 differ from Melanotan II?
Melanotan-1 is a linear tridecapeptide reported to be comparatively MC1R-selective. Melanotan II is a shorter cyclic analog with activity described across a broader range of melanocortin receptors.
What makes Melanotan-1 more stable than α-MSH?
The Nle⁴ and D-Phe⁷ substitutions. Both are associated in the literature with resistance to enzymatic cleavage, which is why the analog is used in place of native α-MSH in longer assays.
How should Melanotan-1 be stored?
Melanotan-1 ships lyophilized and should be handled per standard research-peptide practice — kept cold, protected from light and moisture, and reconstituted only for laboratory use. Cold-chain handling is used where required. For research use only.
Is Melanotan-1 approved for human use?
No. Melanotan-1 is sold strictly for laboratory research use only and is not a drug or supplement. It is not approved for human or veterinary use or consumption.
How is Melanotan-1 tested at Ethos Bio?
Every lot is independently verified by Kovera Labs on a third-party analytical panel — RP-HPLC purity and HPLC-MS identity confirmation — and a lot-specific certificate of analysis issued to Ethos Bio ships with the vial. See How We Test for the full methodology.