Melanotan 1 (10mg) Research Peptide: A Potent MC1R Agonist for Melanogenesis & Photoprotection Studies

If your research investigates melanocortin receptor signalling, melanogenesis pathways, or photoprotection mechanisms, Melanotan 1 (10mg) research peptide — also known as afamelanotide — is a well-characterised synthetic tool worthy of serious consideration. This 13‑amino‑acid linear peptide is a synthetic analogue of α‑melanocyte‑stimulating hormone (α‑MSH), the body’s natural regulator of skin pigmentation. Unlike endogenous α‑MSH, which has a very short half‑life, Melanotan 1 was engineered with two key substitutions—norleucine at position 4 and D‑phenylalanine at position 7—that confer enhanced metabolic stability and receptor binding affinity. This makes Melanotan 1 (10mg) research peptide a valuable tool for laboratories investigating MC1R pharmacology, melanin synthesis, and the molecular mechanisms underlying photoprotection.

At Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides, we supply high‑purity Melanotan 1 (10mg) research peptide to research institutions and wholesale buyers across the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy, and the USA. Every batch is lyophilised, HPLC‑verified to ≥98% purity, and accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA), ensuring your investigations into melanocortin signalling, melanogenesis, and photoprotection begin with uncompromising quality.

What Is Melanotan 1 and How Does It Work?

To fully appreciate the research potential of Melanotan 1 (10mg) research peptide, it is essential to understand its biochemical design and the precise mechanism by which it modulates the melanocortin system.

The Ac‑SYS(Nle)EHFRWGKPV‑NH₂ Peptide

Melanotan 1 is a synthetic 13‑amino‑acid peptide with the sequence Ac‑Ser‑Tyr‑Ser‑Nle‑Glu‑His‑D‑Phe‑Arg‑Trp‑Gly‑Lys‑Pro‑Val‑NH₂. Its molecular formula is C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉, and its molecular weight is approximately 1646.85 g/mol. It has a CAS number of 75921‑69‑6.

The peptide features two critical modifications that distinguish it from endogenous α‑MSH:

• Norleucine (Nle) substitution at position 4 (replacing the oxidation‑prone methionine)

• D‑Phenylalanine (D‑Phe) substitution at position 7 (replacing L‑phenylalanine)

These substitutions confer resistance to enzymatic degradation and enhance receptor binding affinity, making Melanotan 1 a more stable and potent research tool than the native hormone. The N‑terminal acetylation and C‑terminal amidation further enhance the peptide’s stability.

Mechanism of Action: MC1R Agonism and the Melanogenesis Cascade

The biological activity of Melanotan 1 (10mg) research peptide is mediated through its action as a potent agonist at the melanocortin‑1 receptor (MC1R), a G‑protein‑coupled receptor predominantly expressed on melanocytes.

• High‑Affinity Receptor Binding: Melanotan 1 exhibits high binding affinity for MC1R with a Ki of 0.085 nM. It also binds to MC3, MC4, and MC5 receptors with Ki values of 0.4, 3.8, and 5.1 nM, respectively. At the cellular level, it induces cAMP accumulation in cells expressing human MC1R with an EC₅₀ of 0.5 nM.

• G‑Protein Activation and cAMP Signalling: Receptor binding activates the associated Gs protein, which stimulates adenylyl cyclase to convert ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP).

• PKA Activation and Gene Transcription: Elevated cAMP levels activate Protein Kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates transcription factors such as CREB. This leads to increased expression of the Microphthalmia‑associated Transcription Factor (MITF), the master regulator of melanocyte development and function.

• Melanin Synthesis (Melanogenesis): MITF upregulates the expression of key enzymes involved in melanin synthesis, including tyrosinase, TRP‑1, and TRP‑2, resulting in the production of eumelanin—the dark, photoprotective form of melanin.

Research Relevance: A Clinically Validated Compound

Understanding Melanotan 1’s clinical and regulatory status is important for any laboratory study. Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide, brand name Scenesse) has received FDA and EMA approval for the prevention of phototoxicity in adult patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare inherited disorder characterised by severe light intolerance. In clinical studies, afamelanotide has been shown to prolong pain‑free sun exposure, improve quality of life, and reduce the frequency and severity of phototoxic reactions.

This regulatory approval provides researchers with well‑documented pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data that can inform experimental design.

Key Research Applications for Melanotan 1 (10mg)

Melanotan 1 (10mg) research peptide is a versatile tool with applications spanning several domains of biomedical research.

1. Melanogenesis and Pigmentation Research

The most established application of Melanotan 1 lies in its ability to serve as a molecular probe for studying the melanogenesis pathway. Research applications include:

• MC1R Signalling Studies: Investigating the structure‑activity relationships of MC1R activation and the downstream signalling cascades that regulate melanin production

• Melanin Synthesis Assays: Studying the regulation of tyrosinase, TRP‑1, and TRP‑2 expression and activity in melanocyte cell culture models

• Pigmentation Models: Exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying skin pigmentation, tanning responses, and pigmentary disorders

• Melanocyte Biology: Investigating melanocyte proliferation, differentiation, and survival pathways

2. Photoprotection and UV Damage Research

Melanotan 1 has been extensively studied for its photoprotective properties. Research applications include:

• UV Protection Studies: Investigating how MC1R‑mediated eumelanin production protects against UV‑induced DNA damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis

• Skin Cancer Research: Exploring the potential for MC1R agonists to reduce the risk of sunlight‑induced skin cancers

• Photosensitivity Disorders: Studying the mechanisms underlying photoprotection in models of erythropoietic protoporphyria and other photosensitivity conditions

3. Melanocortin Receptor Pharmacology

As a potent MC1R agonist with defined receptor selectivity, Melanotan 1 serves as a reference standard for:

• Receptor Binding Assays: Characterising the affinity and selectivity of novel MC1R ligands

• Signal Transduction Studies: Dissecting the G‑protein‑coupled signalling pathways activated by MC1R

• Structure‑Activity Relationship (SAR) Studies: Investigating how modifications to the Melanotan 1 sequence affect receptor binding and activity

• Receptor Localisation: Using labelled Melanotan 1 for live‑cell imaging of MC1R

4. Inflammation and Immunomodulation Research

Emerging research has explored the anti‑inflammatory properties of melanocortin receptor agonists. Applications include:

• Inflammatory Models: Investigating the effects of MC1R activation on inflammatory responses in skin and other tissues

• Cytokine Modulation: Studying how melanocortin signalling influences the production of pro‑inflammatory and anti‑inflammatory cytokines

5. Drug Discovery and Peptide‑Based Screening

In drug discovery and chemical biology, Melanotan 1 provides a functional template for:

• High‑Throughput Assays: Evaluating the efficacy of candidate compounds in activating MC1R

• Agonist Development: Developing novel MC1R agonists with improved selectivity, potency, or pharmacokinetic properties

• Formulation Studies: Investigating peptide stability and delivery systems, including controlled‑release formulations

Chemical & Physical Specifications

Accurate characterisation of Melanotan 1 (10mg) research peptide is essential for reproducible experimental design.

Note: The 10 mg mass refers to the weight of the peptide in its lyophilised form. Melanotan 1 is typically supplied as a TFA or acetate salt, which enhances aqueous solubility.

Reconstitution & Handling Protocol for Melanotan 1 (10mg)

Proper reconstitution of Melanotan 1 (10mg) research peptide is critical for maintaining its structural integrity and biological activity. This peptide is known to undergo degradation under various stress conditions, including acidic, basic, oxidative, and UV exposure, so careful handling is essential.

Step 1 – Preparation

• Bring the sealed Melanotan 1 vial and your chosen diluent (sterile bacteriostatic water or sterile PBS, pH 5‑7) to room temperature. Condensation can degrade the lyophilised powder.

• Clean your work surface with 70% ethanol and lay out sterile syringes, alcohol wipes and a clean work mat.

Step 2 – Vial Sanitisation

• Wipe the rubber stopper of the Melanotan 1 vial with a fresh 70% ethanol wipe. Allow the alcohol to evaporate completely before piercing.

Step 3 – Reconstitution

• Draw your desired volume of diluent into a sterile syringe. A common starting concentration for research applications is 10 mg per 1 mL of diluent, yielding a 10 mg/mL stock solution.

• Insert the needle and slowly inject the diluent against the inner glass wall. Do not spray directly onto the lyophilised powder.

• Gently swirl the vial until the solution is clear and fully dissolved. Do not shake vigorously, as shaking can cause denaturation.

Step 4 – Aliquoting & Storage

• Immediately after dissolution, aliquot the reconstituted Melanotan 1 into single‑use sterile vials.

• Store aliquots at –20°C. Avoid repeated freeze‑thaw cycles.

• Once thawed, store at 2‑8°C and use within a short period. Protect from light, as UV exposure can induce degradation.

Concentration Reference Table

Adjust diluent volume based on your experimental requirements. For cell culture applications, typical working concentrations range from 0.1‑10 µM.

Storage & Stability Guidelines

Why Choose Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides for Melanotan 1 (10mg)?

As an authentic licensed peptide supplier based in the United Kingdom, we supply Melanotan 1 (10mg) research peptide and a wide range of research‑grade compounds under rigorous quality assurance protocols, fully aligned with Google’s E‑E‑A‑T standards (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).

• Verified Purity: Independent HPLC analysis with purity guaranteed ≥98% for every batch.

• GMP‑Compliant Manufacturing: All peptides are synthesised in ISO 13485:2016 and GMP‑certified facilities, ensuring batch‑to‑batch consistency.

• Full Traceability: Batch‑specific Certificates of Analysis (COA) are available for every order.

• Wholesale Supply: We serve research institutions, laboratories, and wholesale buyers across the UK, EU, and USA with flexible volume pricing and reliable logistics.

• UK‑Based Regulatory Compliance: All products are supplied strictly as research‑grade chemicals for laboratory use only (RUO).

Researchers across the United Kingdom—including those at leading institutions in London, Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester, and Edinburgh—trust us for fast domestic delivery, transparent documentation and professional technical support.

FAQ: Melanotan 1 (10mg) Research Peptide

What is Melanotan 1 (10mg) research peptide?
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide, MT‑I) is a synthetic 13‑amino‑acid peptide analogue of α‑melanocyte‑stimulating hormone (α‑MSH). It is a potent agonist of the melanocortin‑1 receptor (MC1R) used in research to study melanogenesis, pigmentation, and photoprotection.

What is the sequence and molecular weight of Melanotan 1?
The sequence is Ac‑Ser‑Tyr‑Ser‑Nle‑Glu‑His‑D‑Phe‑Arg‑Trp‑Gly‑Lys‑Pro‑Val‑NH₂ (Ac‑SYS(Nle)EHFRWGKPV‑NH₂). Its molecular weight is approximately 1646.85 g/mol.

What are the primary research applications for Melanotan 1?
Melanotan 1 is used in melanogenesis and pigmentation research, photoprotection and UV damage studies, melanocortin receptor pharmacology, inflammation and immunomodulation research, and drug discovery and peptide‑based screening.

What is the mechanism of action of Melanotan 1?
Melanotan 1 binds with high affinity (Ki = 0.085 nM) to MC1R on melanocytes, activating a G‑protein‑coupled signalling cascade that increases cAMP, activates PKA, and upregulates MITF and melanogenic enzymes, leading to eumelanin production.

What purity does your Melanotan 1 (10mg) meet?
Our Melanotan 1 is tested to ≥98% purity by HPLC. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is supplied with every order.

How should I reconstitute Melanotan 1 (10mg)?
Reconstitute with sterile bacteriostatic water or sterile PBS (pH 5‑7). Allow the vial to reach room temperature, then slowly inject the diluent against the inner glass wall and swirl gently. Do not shake. Protect from light during handling.

 How should I store reconstituted Melanotan 1?
Reconstituted Melanotan 1 should be stored at 2‑8°C for short‑term use. For longer storage, aliquot immediately into single‑use vials and store at –20°C for up to 3 months. Avoid repeated freeze‑thaw cycles and protect from light.

Is Melanotan 1 research peptide legal to purchase in the UK?
Yes. Melanotan 1 is a laboratory reagent sold for research use only (RUO). It is fully legal to purchase, possess, and use in the United Kingdom for legitimate in‑vitro or in‑vivo scientific research, provided it is not marketed with therapeutic claims.

What is the difference between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2 in research?
Melanotan 1 is a linear peptide with higher selectivity for MC1R, making it more suitable for pigmentation and photoprotection studies. Melanotan 2 is a cyclic peptide with broader melanocortin receptor activity and is known for its effects on sexual function.

Does Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides ship internationally?
Yes. We ship across the EU (France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy) and to the USA from our UK warehouse. Wholesale pricing is available for bulk orders.

Wholesale Melanotan 1 10mg Supply Across the UK and Europe

Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides supports wholesale peptide buyers in the United Kingdom and international markets.

We Support Enquiries From:

• United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Sweden
• Italy
• USA
• Wider Europe

For larger Melanotan 1 10mg enquiries, contact our team before ordering. This helps confirm stock, documentation, shipping options, and buyer verification requirements.

Where to Source Melanotan 1 10mg in the UK

If you are searching for where to source Melanotan 1 10mg in the UK, Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides provides a simple professional enquiry process.

Professional Enquiry Process

1. Review the Melanotan 1 10mg product details.
2. Check the current label and batch information.
3. Confirm whether the batch is listed as Melanotan 1, Melanotan I, Afamelanotide, NDP-alpha-MSH, or another verified identity.
4. Ask about COA and purity-related documentation.
5. Confirm your shipping country.
6. Discuss wholesale quantity requirements.
7. Complete buyer verification where required.
8. Place a professional enquiry with support from our team.

 

Bulk Peptides Page
Shipping & Returns Page
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FDA label for afamelanotide / SCENESSE
PubChem / NCBI reference information
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Google Search Central
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From its design as a metabolically stable α‑MSH analogue to its well‑characterised role as a potent MC1R agonist, Melanotan 1 (10mg) research peptide provides a precisely defined platform for advanced melanogenesis and photoprotection research. Its ability to activate the MC1R‑cAMP‑PKA‑MITF signalling cascade—supported by high‑affinity receptor binding (Ki = 0.085 nM), demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies, and FDA/EMA approval for erythropoietic protoporphyria—makes it a valuable addition to any laboratory investigating melanocortin receptor pharmacology, melanin synthesis, or photoprotection mechanisms. By choosing high‑purity, lab‑verified Melanotan 1 (10mg) research peptide from Wuhan Top Miracle Peptides, you ensure that your research is built on a foundation of quality, reproducibility, and scientific integrity.

Ready to advance your research with Melanotan 1 (10mg)? Browse our product catalogue, request a wholesale quote, or contact our support team today to discuss your laboratory’s specific needs. Place your order now and receive GMP‑grade Melanotan 1 delivered directly to your facility in the UK, EU, or USA.