MT-1

Description

Melanotan I (MT-1, also known as Afamelanotide) is a synthetic linear tridecapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is a potent and relatively selective agonist of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), the primary receptor responsible for melanogenesis in human skin. MT-1 differs from the native α-MSH sequence through substitution of methionine at position 4 with norleucine, which enhances metabolic stability. By activating MC1R on melanocytes, MT-1 stimulates the cAMP/PKA pathway, upregulating MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor) and downstream melanin biosynthesis enzymes. This results in increased eumelanin production. Afamelanotide has been approved in some countries for treating erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Research has studied its effects on photoprotection, DNA repair in UV-damaged skin, and melanocyte biology. Supplied as a lyophilized powder. For research use only.