MC1R and Pigmentation
Afamelanotide is an MC1R agonist. The approved Scenesse product
increases eumelanin production; that pharmacological effect can
occur independently of sunlight or artificial UV exposure.
![Melanotan I (MT- I) [10mg]](https://vipresearchpeptides.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/melatonin1.jpg)
peptides
Melanotan I (MT- I) [10mg]
$45.00
Melanotan I is a synthetic 13-amino-acid melanocortin analog studied for MC1R-related pigment production. The related pharmaceutical product, Scenesse (afamelanotide), is FDA-approved only as a healthcare professional-administered implant for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). That approval does not cover research vials or cosmetic tanning.
RESEARCH USE ONLY
Laboratory research
BATCH DOCUMENTATION
Not currently available
PRODUCT FORMAT
10 mg · Lyophilized powder
For laboratory research only. Not for human or animal consumption.
VIP Peptides · Research Compound
Melanotan I Research Profile
Melanotan I (MT-1) is a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of
alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It has been studied for
its activity at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), which is involved
in melanin production. Cosmetic tanning use of research vials is not
an approved indication.
13 Amino Acids
Synthetic α-MSH analog
Synthetic α-MSH analog
MC1R
Primary receptor focus
Primary receptor focus
10 mg
Research vial format described
Research vial format described
Research Use Only
Cosmetic vial is not approved
Cosmetic vial is not approved
Product Information
About Melanotan I
Melanotan I is a synthetic linear peptide based on α-MSH. It has
been studied for its activity at MC1R on melanocytes, cells involved
in producing melanin, including eumelanin.
Afamelanotide is the pharmaceutical form used in Scenesse, a
controlled-release implant containing the MC1R agonist. The FDA
approval applies to the Scenesse implant for a specific medical
indication; it does not apply to injectable research-grade
Melanotan I vials or cosmetic tanning.
Increased pigmentation does not prevent all UV-related skin damage
or replace sun-protection measures. Evidence and product
characteristics for the approved implant should not be assumed to
apply to research vials.
Product Specifications
| Product | Melanotan I |
|---|---|
| Also known as | MT-1, afamelanotide |
| Peptide length | 13 amino acids |
| Related hormone | Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) |
| Primary receptor | Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) |
| Research format described | 10 mg lyophilized vial |
| Approved pharmaceutical form | Scenesse afamelanotide implant for a specific EPP indication |
Research Areas
What Research Has Examined
Erythropoietic Protoporphyria
Scenesse is FDA-approved to increase pain-free light exposure in
adults with a history of phototoxic reactions from EPP, a rare
photosensitivity disorder. This is a specific indication for the
approved implant.
Skin Pigmentation Studies
Research on afamelanotide and related MC1R activity has examined
increased pigmentation and skin responses to light. Findings from
the pharmaceutical implant do not establish the safety or results
of cosmetic use of research vials.
Limits of UV Protection
Increased melanin may provide some natural photoprotection, but it
does not eliminate UV risk or prevent sunburn. Continue appropriate
sun and light protection; a tan should not be treated as a
substitute for it.
Product Distinction
Research Vial ≠ Scenesse Implant
Scenesse is a regulated pharmaceutical implant containing
afamelanotide and is administered by a trained healthcare
professional. The approval is for adults with EPP, not for cosmetic
tanning.
A research-grade vial is a different product form. The Scenesse
approval, clinical results and safety information do not establish
the identity, quality, safety or effectiveness of a research vial.
Safety & Regulatory Status
Limitations and Skin Monitoring
Afamelanotide can increase skin pigmentation and darken existing moles
(nevi) and freckles. The Scenesse prescribing information recommends
full-body skin examinations twice a year to monitor new and existing
pigmented lesions.
In clinical trials of the approved implant, reported adverse reactions
included implant-site reactions, nausea, fatigue, dizziness,
hyperpigmentation and melanocytic nevi. Those trial findings concern
Scenesse in its approved medical setting and do not define the risk
profile of research-grade vials.
Scenesse (afamelanotide implant) is FDA-approved to increase pain-free
light exposure in adults with EPP. Injectable research-grade Melanotan I
is not FDA-approved for cosmetic tanning or any other indication.
Research-vial quality and purity may vary.
For laboratory research only. Not intended for human or animal
consumption, clinical use, diagnosis, treatment, cure, mitigation or
prevention of disease. Preparation and dosing instructions are not
provided here.
consumption, clinical use, diagnosis, treatment, cure, mitigation or
prevention of disease. Preparation and dosing instructions are not
provided here.
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