Melanotan 1 (MT1)

99%+ Purity USA Tested

Research Use Only. Not for Human or Veterinary Use

MT-1 (Melanotan 1): MC1R-selective melanocortin agonist peptide, CAS 75921-69-6, MW 1646.85 g/mol, ≥99% purity. Lyophilized powder for laboratory use.

$50.00

Peptide Name	MT-1 (Melanotan 1 / Afamelanotide)
CAS Number	75921-69-6
Molecular Formula	C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉
Molecular Weight	1646.85 g/mol
Mechanism Class	MC1R-selective melanocortin agonist
Appearance	White to off-white lyophilized powder
Purity	≥99% (HPLC)
Storage	-20°C, desiccated, protected from light
Solubility	Soluble in sterile water

This product is not intended for human or animal use. For scientific research only.

VivePeptides provides detailed analytical results including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry data for all peptides. These reports confirm peptide purity, composition, and molecular accuracy, giving researchers full transparency and confidence in the materials used for their studies.

VIEW COA

VivePeptides peptides should be stored in a cool, dry environment and protected from light and moisture. Lyophilized peptides are best kept refrigerated or frozen until use to maintain stability. Once reconstituted for research purposes, peptides should be stored according to standard laboratory protocols, typically under refrigeration, and handled using proper aseptic techniques to preserve integrity throughout the study period.

OVERVIEW

What Is MT-1 Peptide?

MT-1, commonly referred to as Melanotan 1 or by its pharmaceutical research name Afamelanotide, is a synthetic tridecapeptide analog of the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Developed in the 1980s at the University of Arizona, MT-1 was designed as a more potent and stable version of α-MSH for research into melanocortin receptor signaling and skin pigmentation biology. The peptide has been the subject of extensive preclinical and clinical research, with published studies spanning over three decades.

Unlike its cyclic counterpart MT-2, Melanotan 1 is a linear peptide with high selectivity for the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). This selectivity has made MT-1 peptide a valuable tool for researchers investigating MC1R-specific signaling pathways. In laboratory settings, MT-1 research has contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of melanogenesis, photoprotection mechanisms, and melanocortin receptor biology.

Selective MC1R Agonist

Linear 13-amino-acid analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone with high MC1R selectivity

≥99% HPLC Purity

Every batch verified via high-performance liquid chromatography

USA Tested & Verified

Third-party analytical testing performed in USA laboratories

RESEARCH

MT-1 Mechanism of Action in Research

The MT-1 mechanism of action centers on its interaction with melanocortin receptors, particularly MC1R, which plays a central role in melanogenesis. Published research has characterized MT-1 as a potent and selective MC1R agonist, distinguishing it from broader melanocortin receptor agonists. MT-1 research continues to inform our understanding of melanocortin signaling in laboratory and clinical research settings.

Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) Activation

MT-1 binds to and activates the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes. Research indicates that upon MC1R binding, MT-1 triggers the cAMP signaling cascade, leading to activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and subsequent upregulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). MITF activation drives the expression of melanogenic enzymes including tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2, which are essential for eumelanin synthesis (Barnetson et al., 2006). This selective MC1R agonism distinguishes MT-1 from non-selective melanocortin agonists in research applications.

Eumelanin Production Pathway

Studies indicate that MT-1 preferentially promotes the eumelanin synthesis pathway over pheomelanin production. Eumelanin, the brown-black pigment, is associated with photoprotective properties in research models. Published studies have demonstrated that MT-1 administration in research settings shifts the eumelanin-to-pheomelanin ratio, providing researchers with a tool to investigate the biological differences between these melanin subtypes (Brenner & Hearing, 2008). This pathway specificity has made MT-1 peptide a preferred compound in melanogenesis research.

Photoprotection Research Applications

Beyond direct melanogenesis, MT-1 research has explored the peptide’s role in DNA repair mechanisms associated with UV-induced damage. Studies suggest that MC1R signaling may influence nucleotide excision repair pathways independently of pigmentation. Researchers have investigated how MT-1-mediated MC1R activation may modulate cellular responses to ultraviolet radiation in laboratory models, adding another dimension to the peptide’s research utility (Abdel-Malek et al., 2006). —

COMPARISON

MT-1 vs MT-2: Research Peptide Comparison

MT-1 (Melanotan 1) and MT-2 (Melanotan 2) are both synthetic analogs of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), but they differ significantly in structure, receptor selectivity, and research applications. Understanding these differences is essential for researchers selecting the appropriate compound for their specific melanocortin receptor studies.

Feature	MT-1 (Melanotan 1)	MT-2 (Melanotan 2)
Structure	Linear tridecapeptide	Cyclic heptapeptide
Amino Acids	13	7
CAS Number	75921-69-6	121062-08-6
Molecular Weight	1646.85 Da	1024.18 Da
Receptor Selectivity	Highly selective for MC1R	Non-selective (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R)
Primary Research Focus	MC1R-specific melanogenesis research	Broad melanocortin receptor research
Stability	Stable linear structure	Cyclized for enhanced stability
Proposed Mechanism	cAMP/PKA/MITF via MC1R	Multi-receptor melanocortin activation
Research Volume	100+ published studies	200+ published studies

Both peptides are valuable tools in melanocortin research, but their receptor selectivity profiles make them suitable for different experimental paradigms. MT-1 is preferred when MC1R-specific data is required, while MT-2 is used in studies requiring broader melanocortin system activation. VivePeptides offers both MT-1 for sale and MT-2 at research grade purity from our USA-based facility.

RESEARCH STUDIES

MT-1 Research Applications & Published Studies

MT-1 research spans over three decades of published literature across preclinical and clinical research contexts. The following areas represent the most actively investigated applications of MT-1 peptide. All references are to research contexts only.

Melanogenesis and Pigmentation Research

The primary body of MT-1 research concerns its effects on melanogenesis. Barnetson et al. (2006) published a randomized controlled study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology demonstrating that Afamelanotide increased melanin density in human skin. Subsequent research by Langan et al. (2009) further characterized the pigmentary response to MT-1, establishing dose-response relationships in research settings. These studies established MT-1 as a key pharmacological tool for melanogenesis investigation.

Photoprotection and DNA Repair Studies

Research has explored MT-1’s potential role in photoprotection beyond pigmentation. Abdel-Malek et al. (2006) published findings in the FASEB Journal suggesting that MC1R activation by α-MSH analogs, including MT-1, may enhance DNA repair mechanisms in UV-irradiated melanocytes. Song et al. (2009) extended this work by investigating the relationship between MC1R signaling and nucleotide excision repair, contributing to our understanding of melanocortin-mediated cellular protection pathways.

Melanocortin Receptor Biology

MT-1 has served as a valuable probe for melanocortin receptor pharmacology. Sawyer et al. (1980) first characterized the structure-activity relationships of α-MSH analogs including the MT-1 precursor compounds. More recent work by García-Borrón et al. (2014) utilized MT-1 and related compounds to map MC1R signaling networks, contributing to the broader understanding of melanocortin receptor biology and pharmacology.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Quality & Testing Standards

VivePeptides maintains rigorous quality control for every batch of MT-1 peptide. Our commitment to research-grade purity ensures that laboratories receive consistent, reliable compounds for their investigations.

HPLC & Mass Spectrometry

Every batch of MT-1 undergoes high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry analysis to confirm identity, purity, and molecular weight.

Third-Party Verified

All VivePeptides MT-1 is independently verified through third-party analytical laboratories based in the USA. Testing documentation is available for every lot.

≥99% Purity Standard

Our MT-1 consistently meets or exceeds ≥99% purity as determined by HPLC analysis, ensuring research-grade quality for laboratory applications.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About MT-1

What is MT-1 used for in research?

MT-1 (Melanotan 1 / Afamelanotide) is used in preclinical research to study melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) signaling, melanogenesis pathways, eumelanin production, and photoprotection mechanisms. It is one of the most selective MC1R agonists available for laboratory research. MT-1 is sold for research use only.

What purity is VivePeptides MT-1?

VivePeptides MT-1 is manufactured to ≥99% purity as verified by HPLC analysis. Every batch is tested and verified through independent third-party USA-based laboratories to ensure consistent research-grade quality.

How should MT-1 be stored?

Lyophilized MT-1 should be stored at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Once reconstituted, the solution should be stored at 2–8°C and used within 14 days for optimal stability. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

What is the difference between MT-1 and MT-2?

MT-1 (Melanotan 1) is a linear 13-amino-acid peptide highly selective for the MC1R receptor. MT-2 (Melanotan 2) is a cyclic 7-amino-acid peptide that acts on multiple melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R). MT-1 is preferred for MC1R-specific research, while MT-2 is used for broader melanocortin system studies.

Is VivePeptides MT-1 third-party tested?

Yes. Every lot of VivePeptides MT-1 undergoes independent third-party testing at USA-based analytical laboratories. Testing includes HPLC purity analysis and mass spectrometry identity confirmation. Results are available upon request for qualified researchers.

Related Research Peptides

Explore other research-grade peptides available from VivePeptides. Each product meets the same rigorous purity and testing standards.

Melanotan 2 (MT-2)

Cyclic melanocortin agonist peptide for broad melanocortin receptor research

BPC-157

Research grade gastric pentadecapeptide for tissue biology studies

GHK-Cu Copper Peptide

Research grade copper peptide for skin and tissue biology studies

SNAP-8

Anti-wrinkle research peptide (Acetyl Octapeptide-3)

Explore More Research Peptides

All Peptides → · Melanotan 2 (MT-2) · BPC-157 · Semaglutide · Selank · GHK-Cu · TB-500 · BAC Water