01 / RESEARCH SUMMARY
Melanotan I Research Summary
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-MSH that selectively activates the MC1 receptor on skin pigment cells. This increases eumelanin, the dark pigment that protects skin from UV damage. Afamelanotide is approved as a slow-release implant (Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria, a condition that causes severe pain from light exposure. Compared with Melanotan II, it has a more targeted effect on skin pigment.
Read the full guide →02 / WHY RESEARCHERS STUDY IT
Why Melanotan I draws research interest
These are the areas researchers and the peptide community explore Melanotan I for most often. They describe what is being studied — not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
Tanning & photoprotection
Increases protective dark pigment in the skin.
Light sensitivity
Approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Targeted action
Selective for the skin-pigment receptor (MC1R).
Evidence ranges from early lab work to large clinical trials depending on the use — see the sections below for the data and sources.
03 / DOSING & RECONSTITUTION
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate dosing, step by step
Standard Approach (3 mL = 3.33 mg/mL)
- Reconstitute: Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → final concentration 3.33 mg/mL (3,333.3 mcg/mL).
- Typical range: 250–1000 mcg 1x daily · daily.
- Easy measuring: At 3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 33.33 mcg on a U-100 syringe, so doses read at 7.5–30 units — a 0.3 mL (30-unit) syringe makes them easier to read.
- Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
| Protocol | Dose range | Frequency | Cycle | Half-life | Fasted | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injectable · Subq | 250–1000 mcg | 1x daily · Daily | ~1–2 hrs | No | Subq | |
| Pigmentation · historical pilot (2000) | 0.16 mg/kg | Weekdays only · 10 administrations | 2 weeks | Subcutaneous (experimental formulation) | ||
| Afamelanotide · SCENESSE label | 16 mg | One implant every two months | Ongoing · label-specific | Subcutaneous implant · professionally administered |
04 / RECONSTITUTION CALCULATOR
Mix & measure Melanotan I · 10 mg
Pre-filled with this protocol's recommended BAC water and starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.
- CONCENTRATION
- 3.33 mg/mL
- DRAW VOLUME
- 0.075 mL
- ON THE SYRINGE
- 7.5 units
- DOSES / VIAL
- 40
Reconstitution math only. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL.
Reconstitution GuideFull calculator →05 / STORAGE
Storage Instructions
Lyophilized (powder)
Store in the freezer at −20 °C (−4 °F) for long-term storage, or refrigerated at 2–8 °C for shorter periods. Keep dry, sealed and away from light. Let a frozen vial reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
Reconstituted
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 28 days. Do not freeze. Keep away from heat and direct light, and avoid repeated temperature swings. Swirl gently — never shake.
Reconstitution steps
- Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Draw the BAC water and release it slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don't shake.
- Label with the date and concentration and refrigerate.
06 / RESEARCH FINDINGS
What Research Shows
Human research
- Melanocortin signaling and pigmentation are research targets.
- Approved afamelanotide has a specific medical indication; that does not validate MT-1 research powder.
Research context
The community identifies MT-1 as Melanotan I. Approved afamelanotide implants and vendor powders differ in formulation, delivery and regulatory status.
07 / MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
Characterized biological pathway
Melanocortin-1 receptor
An alpha-MSH analog associated with MC1R activation and increased eumelanin production. Licensed afamelanotide implant delivery differs from historical injection research.
Adamantane & the blood–brain barrier
Chemically attaching an adamantane group to a peptide can increase its lipid (fat) solubility. Researchers hypothesize that this modification may help certain compounds cross the tightly regulated blood–brain barrier. The effect depends on the specific modified molecule; greater lipid solubility alone does not establish brain delivery or clinical benefit. This does not apply automatically to the unmodified peptide and is not a reconstitution additive.
08 / LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Lifestyle Factors
- Start low: nausea is dose-related.
- Dose in the evening to sleep through nausea and flushing.
- UV: tanning still requires sun exposure — use sensible exposure and protection.
- Check moles regularly and see a dermatologist for any changes.
09 / BENEFITS & SIDE EFFECTS
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Deeper, longer-lasting tan with less UV exposure (Melanotan)
- Increased sexual desire and arousal (PT-141, Melanotan II)
- Appetite suppression (Melanotan II)
Side Effects
- Nausea (most common)
- Facial flushing
- Darkening of freckles and moles
- Temporary rise in blood pressure (PT-141)
- Spontaneous erections (Melanotan II, PT-141)
10 / STUDIES
Studies & references
11 / SAFETY
Safety considerations
- Verify the active identity, lot number, and matching certificate of analysis. Testing does not by itself establish sterility or suitability for human use.
- Follow documented product-specific storage and preparation requirements; stability and diluent compatibility depend on the formulation.
- Research powders are not interchangeable with prescription formulations. Do not infer an injection or nasal protocol from a concentration calculation.
- For medical care, pregnancy, existing conditions, or medication interactions, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
12 / RECOMMENDED SOURCE
Recommended Source
For research peptides, we point researchers to Orbitrex Peptides for Melanotan I.
Why Orbitrex?
- Family-owned & independently tested: Multiple laboratories verify quality, with batch-specific testing in every COA.
- Everyday value: Buy 4, Get 1 Free on eligible products.
- Loyalty credit: 5% back in loyalty credit for future purchases.
- VerifyPass discount: 20% off for qualifying groups — stacks with affiliate codes.
- Free 2nd Day shipping: Free UPS 2nd Day Air on orders $200+, applied automatically at checkout.
All products are for research use only. Availability and offers subject to change.