Melanotan-1 10 mg

Melanotan-1 for research: identity and specifications

Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a synthetic linear 13-residue peptide, an analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with norleucine and D-phenylalanine substitutions, with the sequence Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂ (CAS 75921-69-6). Supplied as a 10 mg vial, lyophilized powder, with no fillers, carriers or excipients, at ≥98% purity by HPLC, with the lot-specific value reported on the certificate of analysis.

Scientific background

The Nle and D-Phe substitutions relative to native α-MSH make Melanotan-1 more resistant to enzymatic degradation and increase its potency in receptor assays. In experimental models, the compound is investigated for binding to the melanocortin receptor MC1R and for cAMP signaling in cell lines expressing melanocortin receptors.

Preclinical literature uses it in comparative analyses with other melanocortin analogs, such as Melanotan II, in studies of receptor subtype selectivity and structure-activity relationships, always under controlled bench conditions and without extrapolating results to human or veterinary use.

• Binding to the melanocortin receptor MC1R
• cAMP signaling in cell lines
• Selectivity across melanocortin receptor subtypes
• Structure-activity relationships of linear α-MSH analogs

Technical specifications

Analytical quality and chain of custody

Every lot of Melanotan-1 is synthesized in registered facilities, with independent analytical verification by third-party laboratories and full chain-of-custody documentation. The certificate of analysis (COA) for each lot can be reviewed before purchase, recording HPLC purity and the other quality-control parameters used to release the material.

Reconstitution and laboratory handling

As a bench procedure, the lyophilized vial is reconstituted with a known volume of a suitable solvent, added along the inner wall of the vial, followed by gentle swirling until fully dissolved, without vigorous shaking. The reconstituted solution should be kept refrigerated and protected from light, and used in controlled assays within the stability period validated by the laboratory. Handling must be performed only by qualified personnel, in a bench environment suitable for in vitro experimentation, with lot number and storage conditions documented according to good laboratory practice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purity of the Melanotan-1 supplied?

≥98% by HPLC, with the lot-specific value reported on the certificate of analysis (COA).

Are Melanotan-1 and afamelanotide the same compound?

Yes, they are names for the same linear peptide (Nle⁴, D-Phe⁷-α-MSH), identified by PubChem CID 16197727 and CAS 75921-69-6. It should not be confused with Melanotan II, which is a distinct cyclic compound.

How should the compound be stored?

At -20 °C, protected from light and moisture, as a lyophilized powder until reconstitution.

Does the certificate of analysis come with the lot?

Yes, every lot has a matching COA that can be verified before purchase using the button on this page.

Who can purchase Melanotan-1?

Sales are restricted to qualified researchers and institutions, for laboratory use only, as detailed in the research-use-only notice on this page.

See the peptide reference guide, the page on how every lot is tested by HPLC and COA and the molecular structure in the PubChem database.

Research use only (RUO). This material is supplied for in vitro laboratory research only. It is not a drug, dietary supplement or cosmetic, and it is not intended for human or veterinary use, or for the diagnosis or treatment of any condition. Sales are restricted to researchers and institutions.