Melanotan I

Also known as Afamelanotide related chemistry / MT-1, NDP-MSH analogue.

Research / investigational listing only. This compound is not available for consumer purchase from Cellular Sequence and must not be confused with shop products.

Research / investigational compoundThis compound does not have an established approved therapeutic dosing schedule. Doses below describe those reported in published scientific research and should not be interpreted as a treatment recommendation.

At-a-glance profile

Classification: Linear α-MSH analogue (research / distinct from approved afamelanotide implants)
Approval status: Research only · Not approved for human use
Research status: Investigational / reference listing.
Molecular formula: Insufficient reliable evidence identified.
Molecular weight: Insufficient reliable evidence identified.
Sequence: [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH related analogue (MT-1).
Primary biological target: Insufficient reliable evidence identified.
Half-life: Insufficient reliable evidence identified.
Routes investigated: Insufficient reliable evidence identified.
Human evidence level: D — Primarily animal / preclinical evidence

What is it?

Unapproved tanning analogue. Licensed afamelanotide (Scenesse) is a different, restricted medicine for EPP — not a tanning vial. Not sold.

Mechanism of action

MC1R agonism increases eumelanin.

Pigmentation pharmacology with systemic melanocortin risks.

What is it being studied for?

Pigmentation biology; EPP medicine is a separate product

Investigational findings are not proven clinical benefits unless an authority has labelled that indication.

Evidence level

Overall human evidence grade: D · Primarily animal / preclinical evidence

Human research

Afamelanotide is a specialised approved implant in some markets; MT-1 vials are not that product.

Preclinical research

Animal, cell and in-vitro findings are listed separately from human effects.

MSH pigmentation biology.

Doses reported in published research

This section does not provide personalised medical dosing. Values are those reported in papers or protocols. Animal mg/kg doses are not converted to human doses.

Doses reported in human studies

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Preclinical / animal study dosing

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Pharmacokinetics

Reliable human pharmacokinetic data were not identified for this encyclopaedia entry, or are limited to product information for approved presentations.

Safety

Nausea, mole changes, blood-pressure effects.

Unknowns. Absence of a published harm signal is not evidence of safety.

Contraindications. Not for tanning. Melanoma-risk caution.

Regulatory status

Grey-market MT-1 not approved.

Educational warning. TGA has warned on melanotan-type products.

Citations

[1] Encyclopaedia note
Encyclopaedia note

For educational and research reference only. This page summarises published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, prescribing information or a recommendation to use an investigational compound. Research doses shown describe doses reported in published studies and are not personalised dosing instructions.

Last reviewed 2026-09-13. Research areas: Skin & Hair · Compare peptides