What is Melanotan I 10MG

Melanotan I 10MG is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) studied in research for its ability to induce melanogenesis and offer photoprotection against UV radiation. It is intended exclusively for research use.

Regarding its chemical identity, Melanotan has a molecular formula of C50H69N15O9 and a molecular weight of 1048.2 g/mol. Its reported canonical sequence is Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2. A confirmed CAS number is not available in open primary reference sources and is therefore omitted.

Its synonyms include Melanotan.

Product for research use.

Mechanism of action of Melanotan

Melanotan I acts as an agonist primarily at the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) located on melanocytes. Its binding stimulates the production of eumelanin, the dark pigment in skin, creating a natural tan without the need for extensive, damaging UV exposure.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Melanotan

It is a linear peptide with a half-life significantly longer than natural α-MSH (which is degraded in minutes). It is typically administered subcutaneously and provides a slow, steady accumulation of melanin over weeks of use.

Scientific evidence on Melanotan

The available evidence on Melanotan is preliminary and largely inconclusive, and should be interpreted with caution. The literature describes it as having been investigated for multiple indications in preclinical models.

Extensively studied and clinically approved in several regions (under the name Scenesse / afamelanotide) for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a severe genetic light-intolerance disorder. It has proven highly effective at preventing UV-induced skin damage.

Melanotan applications in research

Ideal for (research context):
– In vitro and preclinical studies of its specific receptor pathways.
– Investigation of tissue repair, cell proliferation, and functional restoration in laboratory models.
– Comparative work with related peptides.

Not applicable for:
– clinical, diagnostic or therapeutic use.
– Any administration to humans or animals outside of an authorized research protocol.

Product for research use.

Melanotan protocols in preclinical studies

The literature consulted does not include numerical doses from studies that can be cited for Melanotan, so no trial schemes or quantities are specified.

The presentations of this product (10MG) refer only to the amount of lyophilized peptide per vial (or volume for liquids) and do not constitute a dosage recommendation. The design of any protocol, including concentrations and working volumes, is the responsibility of the researcher, based on their experimental objectives and the relevant primary literature.

Information provided exclusively for research purposes.

Reconstitution and manipulation of Melanotan

As a general guideline for laboratory handling, lyophilized peptides such as Melanotan are usually reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (sterile water with approximately 0.9% benzyl alcohol).

Add the solvent slowly down the side of the vial, letting it run over the lyophilized powder; avoid injecting the stream directly onto the powder.
Do not shake: gently rotate the vial until completely dissolved.
Adjust the solvent volume according to the desired working concentration, considering the 10MG contents of the vial.

These guidelines are for general technique and do not replace the internal procedures of each laboratory.

Melanotan Stability and Storage

As a standard laboratory handling procedure for peptides:

Freeze-dried (unreconstituted): This is the most stable form. It is best preserved by freezing and protecting it from moisture and light for long-term storage.
Reconstituted: once in solution, the peptide is less stable and must be kept refrigerated, being used within a short period; for extended storage, freezing in aliquots is usually preferred.
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as they can degrade the peptide.

Given that the molecule is characterized by rapid enzymatic degradation in biological media, careful cold chain management is especially relevant.

Documented Melanotan security profile

The documented safety information in open sources for Melanotan is limited and should be interpreted with caution, also considering that it is research material and not for clinical use.

Generally considered safe and well-tolerated in clinical settings. Side effects in models are usually limited to transient nausea, flushing, and darkening of existing moles. It lacks the severe systemic side effects of broad melanocortin agonists.

Formal contraindications and adverse event rates are not available in the consulted literature, so no figures are reported.

Melanotan in a comparative context

Compared to Melanotan II, Melanotan I is a linear peptide and is highly selective for the MC1R receptor. It does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier to bind to MC3R and MC4R, meaning it does not cause the intense libido stimulation or severe nausea associated with Melanotan II.

History and development of Melanotan

Developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s by researchers looking for a way to induce a protective tan to reduce skin cancer rates. It successfully transitioned from a research chemical to an approved orphan drug.