
Melanotan I
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It acts as a non-selective agonist of the melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R), heavily studied for inducing eumelanin production and photoprotection.
Melanogenesis & Photoprotection Research.
For Research Use Only — Not for Human Consumption.
Sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research purposes.
- Availability
- Delivered in 3–7 days (EU)
- Storage
- Store 2–8 °C. Reconstitute before use.
- Ships from
- EU Fulfilment Centre
Lab proof, by batch
- Tested independently, by batch
- Certificate of analysis available
- Purity and identity on record
Melanogenesis & Photoprotection Research.
Melanotan I (CAS 75921-69-6) is a linear tridecapeptide analogue of endogenous α-MSH, designed with a longer half-life than its natural counterpart. Research has primarily focused on its MC1R agonism to stimulate melanogenesis without UV exposure, offering a distinct safety profile compared to the cyclic Melanotan II. Formula C78H111N21O19, MW 1646.8 g/mol.
- — Dorr et al. (1996) — Safety and efficacy of afamelanotide (Melanotan I) in inducing melanogenesis.
- — Fitzgerald et al. (2006) — Photo-protection and melanogenesis pathways activated by alpha-MSH analogues.
- — Hadley et al. (1998) — The design and evaluation of Melanotan I as a protective agent against UV radiation.
- — Barnetson et al. (2006) — Clinical trials exploring MC1R agonism for dermatological repair.
Research context only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before use.
- 10 mg lyophilised powder per vial
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water before use
- Store lyophilised at 2–8 °C, keep from light
- Once reconstituted, refrigerate and use within 30 days
- One 10 mg lyophilised Melanotan I vial
- Tamper-evident cap and batch-coded label
- Storage card with reconstitution guidance
What the research reports about this molecule.
Classic parameters from peer-reviewed literature. Not human dosing guidance — read alongside the PubMed references on /learn.
- Sequence
- Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
- Molecular weight
- 1646.8 Da
- Mechanism
- MC1R agonism
- Research domain
- Dermatology and melanogenesis
- Reconstitution
- Bacteriostatic water, USP
- Storage
- Long-term -20°C lyophilised; reconstituted 2-8°C
Simple, deliberate steps — not a protocol.
These are practical handling notes. Dosing decisions stay between you and your clinician.
- 1
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water — swirl, do not shake
- 2
Draw the dose your clinician agreed with you using a fine-gauge syringe
- 3
Store the reconstituted vial in the fridge, use within 30 days
How-to-use guide
Read the research protocol
Concise reconstitution, dosing, and handling instructions.
Reconstitution calculator
Research use onlySyringe
Peptide in vial
Bacteriostatic water
Concentration5 mg/mL
Target dose
Pull syringe to
5
units · 0.05 mL
Concentration
5
mg/mL
Doses per vial
40
doses
U-50 2.5 · U-40 2 units
For laboratory research calculation only. Not medical or dosing advice, and not for human or veterinary use.
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Each release is matched with quality documentation through a documented verification path. Identity, purity, and composition test results sit on the product page before you buy.
Every batch is verified by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory before release. Identity, purity, and documentation travel with the product — not behind a form.
Sensitive peptides ship in insulated cold packaging with gel packs sized for a 48-hour transit window, tracked door to door.
Everything worth asking before you order.
Shipping, storage, quality, and when to speak to a clinician — without the runaround.
What proof of quality comes with my order?
Every batch ships with a batch code printed on the vial. The matching independent lab report — showing identity, purity, and composition — is linked on the product page and stays on your order page after purchase.
How should I store my order when it arrives?
Sensitive peptides ship cold. Move them to a fridge on arrival (2–8 °C) unless the product page states otherwise. Lyophilised vials can tolerate short transit at ambient temperature but should not be left unrefrigerated for extended periods once delivered.
When will my order ship and arrive?
Orders placed before 14:00 CET Monday–Friday ship the same business day from our European fulfilment centre in The Hague, Netherlands. Standard tracked EU delivery arrives in 2–4 business days; express options are available at checkout.
What happens after I place an order?
You will receive an order confirmation, then a dispatch email with tracking once the package leaves our fulfilment centre. Your order page keeps the batch code, lab report, and storage guidance in one place for later reference.
How do I reconstitute a lyophilised peptide vial?
Bring both the lyophilised vial and the bacteriostatic water to room temperature, equalise pressure with a sterile vented needle, then inject the solvent slowly down the side of the vial. Swirl gently — never shake — until clear, and refrigerate at 2–8 °C.
How much bacteriostatic water should I add to my peptide vial?
The calculation is peptide mass (mg) ÷ desired concentration (mg/mL) = volume of bacteriostatic water in mL. For example, a 5 mg vial at 1 mg/mL needs 5 mL; at 2 mg/mL, 2.5 mL. Every Peptyds product page carries a suggested reconstitution volume tuned to the vial size.
How long does a reconstituted peptide stay stable in the fridge?
Most lyophilised peptides reconstituted with bacteriostatic water remain stable for 28–30 days at 2–8 °C, protected from light. A handful of short, fragile sequences — Epithalon among them — drop to roughly 14 days. Never freeze a reconstituted vial.
What side effects are most commonly reported across peptide research?
Across published trials and case series, the most frequent reported events are injection-site reactions (redness, induration, transient discomfort), headache, mild nausea, and temporary fatigue. GLP-1 and dual-agonist class peptides add dose-dependent gastrointestinal effects.
Who should not use peptides?
Peptides are not appropriate for anyone who is pregnant, nursing, planning conception, under 18, managing active cancer, or on immunosuppressants — and competitive athletes governed by WADA must avoid every peptide on the prohibited list. Anyone with a personal or family history of melanoma should specifically avoid melanocortin-receptor agonists.
Should I speak to a clinician before using a peptide?
We recommend it — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, managing a medical condition, or combining peptides with prescribed medication. Our product pages are educational. They are not medical advice and they do not replace a conversation with a qualified practitioner.