What is Melanotan I?
Melanotan I (MT-I, Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It’s more selective than Melanotan II, primarily targeting the MC1R receptor responsible for melanin production.
MT-I is FDA-approved (as Scenesse®) for patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) — a rare condition causing severe sun sensitivity. It provides “sunless” tanning with fewer side effects than MT-II.
The 10mg vial provides 10-20 doses at typical research amounts.
Quick Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Peptide Amount | 10mg |
| Recommended BAC Water | 2mL |
| Resulting Concentration | 5mg/mL |
| Typical Research Dose | 0.5-1mg |
| Frequency | Once daily (loading) |
| Loading Duration | 2-4 weeks |
Reconstitution Guide
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clean vial stoppers — Wipe with alcohol swabs
- Draw 2mL BAC water — Using sterile syringe
- Add to peptide vial — Inject slowly down the wall
- Dissolve — Gently swirl, 2-5 minutes
- Label and refrigerate — Store immediately
Concentration Calculations
With 10mg in 2mL BAC water:
- Concentration: 5mg/mL = 5000mcg/mL
- Per unit (U-100): 50mcg per unit
Dosage Protocol
Common Dose Calculations
| Desired Dose | Draw Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | 0.05mL | 5 units |
| 0.5mg | 0.10mL | 10 units |
| 1mg | 0.20mL | 20 units |
Doses Per Vial
| Dose | Doses Per Vial |
|---|---|
| 0.5mg | 20 doses |
| 1mg | 10 doses |
Suggested Protocol
Loading Phase:
- Dose: 0.5-1mg daily
- Duration: 2-4 weeks
- UV exposure: Moderate sun/UV recommended
Maintenance Phase:
- Dose: 0.5-1mg
- Frequency: 2-3x per week
- Adjust based on desired pigmentation
Storage Requirements
| Form | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | -20°C | 2+ years |
| Reconstituted | 2-8°C | 4-6 weeks |
Research Considerations
Mechanism of Action
- MC1R selectivity — Primary melanin receptor
- Melanogenesis — Stimulates melanin production
- Eumelanin — Increases protective brown/black pigment
- Minimal off-target — Less sexual/appetite effects
Melanotan I vs Melanotan II
| Factor | Melanotan I | Melanotan II |
|---|---|---|
| MC1R selectivity | High | Moderate |
| Tanning | Strong | Strong |
| Sexual effects | Minimal | Significant |
| Appetite effects | Minimal | Yes |
| Nausea | Less common | More common |
| FDA approved | Yes (Scenesse) | No |
| Side effect profile | Cleaner | More effects |
Why Choose MT-I Over MT-II
Choose MT-I when:
- Tanning is the only goal
- Sexual side effects unwanted
- Cleaner side effect profile preferred
- FDA-approved status matters
Choose MT-II when:
- Sexual enhancement also desired
- Cost is primary concern (often cheaper)
- Previous MT-II experience with good tolerance
Research Applications
- Sunless tanning
- Photoprotection research
- EPP and sun sensitivity
- Melanin biology research
Sourcing for Research
Source from verified suppliers that provide third-party testing and certificates of analysis (COA) for each batch. Compare purity documentation, shipping conditions, and batch traceability before purchasing research materials.