Melanotan I (MT-1 / Afamelanotide) Research Guide
MT-1 (Afamelanotide) is a selective MC1R agonist and the only clinically-approved melanocortin peptide.
What is MT-1?
MT-1, also known by its INN Afamelanotide, is a 13-amino-acid synthetic analog of α-MSH developed by Clinuvel. The [Nle⁴, D-Phe⁷] modifications provide MC1R selectivity and resistance to enzymatic degradation.
Mechanism of action
Selective MC1R activation on melanocytes drives tyrosinase upregulation and eumelanin synthesis. In photoprotection research, this results in constitutive melanin content that absorbs UV and visible light before it reaches DNA-damaging depths.
Sourcing & purity
Research-grade material should be ≥99% pure by HPLC with peptide content confirmed via mass spectrometry. Redline Bio material ships with batch documentation; independent third-party COAs are published on the lab reports page as testing returns.
Compliance reminder
Sold and distributed for laboratory research use only. Not approved by the FDA for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or cure of any disease. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable institutional, state, and federal regulations.
Frequently asked questions
What is MT-1?
MT-1 (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic tridecapeptide analog of α-MSH with a [Nle⁴, D-Phe⁷] substitution that produces MC1R selectivity and enhanced enzymatic stability.
How is it different from MT-2?
MT-2 is non-selective across melanocortin receptors. MT-1 is highly selective for MC1R — the melanocyte receptor — meaning it drives pigmentation without the MC4R effects on appetite or sexual response.
Approved use?
Afamelanotide is approved (as Scenesse) for the prevention of phototoxicity in adult patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria — the only melanocortin peptide with regulatory approval.