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Melanotan 1
Melanotan is a peptide being studied for its various research applications, including skin tanning and sexual health.
Compound Overview
Class of Compound
Peptide
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan I is an agonist of melanocortin receptors 1, 3, 4, and 5, binding primarily to melanocortin receptor 1 to trigger melanin production.
Notable Studies
- Increased eumelanin expression and tanning is induced by a superpotent melanotropin [Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH in humans
- Effects of a superpotent melanotropic peptide in combination with solar UV radiation on tanning of the skin in human volunteers
- A phase II, randomised, open label pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two dosage regimens of subcutaneous bioresorbable afamelanotide implants in patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris
Also Known As
afamelanotide, afamelanotide acetate, afamelanotide triacetate, Melanotan-1, MT-1, 1566590-77-9, CUV-1647, CUV1647 ACETATE, CHEMBL4297213, A-melanotropin, 4(nle)-7(d-phe), 75921-69-6, Scenesse
Research Applications
- Skin tanning
- Skin diseases
- Erectile dysfunction
Risks
- Limited official approval
- Mild
- Administration-related symptoms
- Many counterfeits online
Chemical Structure
What is Melanotan I?
Melanotan is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, or α-MSH for short. α-MSH is one of a number of melanocortin peptide hormones in the body [1]. Melanotan is typically injected or administered as an implant and binds to melanocortin receptors 1, 3, 4, and 5.
There are two types of melanotan molecules: melanotan I and melanotan II. They have both been linked to increased melanin production and increased tanning of the skin [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
While there is strong research interest in both melanotan molecules, this review will focus on melanotan I.
What Does Melanotan I Do?
Melanotan I ([Nle-D-Phe]-α-MSH) is a synthetic peptide that has a linear formation. It is 13 amino acids in length and has the same structure as α-MSH save for two key differences. First, the fourth amino acid in melanotan I is norleucine; second, the seventh amino acid is D-phenylalanine [5].
In the body, melanotan I primarily binds with the MC1R receptor and is more potent and resistant to breakdown than α-MSH [7]. Studies have shown that MT-1 significantly enhances tanning and reduces sunburn [4].
Melanotan I should not be confused with melanotan II (Ac-Nle-[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- α-MSH-NH2). MT-2 is less receptor-specific than melanotan I and has been linked to more side effects. Studies have shown that melanotan II increases libido and decreases appetite to a greater extent than MT-1 [6].