Melanotan-1 CAS:75921-69-6

Melanotan 1 (also referred to as Afamelanotide) is a synthetic peptide variant of a peptide hormone, called alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone or MSH that is naturally produced in the body and is responsible for stimulating melanogenesis, a peptide process for pigmentation of the skin. Alpha-MSH activates certain melanocortin receptors in the process of exerting its effects. Indeed, MSH also exerts potent influence over lipid metabolism, appetite, and sexual libido via these melanocortin receptors. As a result, Melanotan-1 sunless skin tanning effects. While Melanotan 2 and PT-141 have been studied at length as a potential remedies for the treatment of sexual dysfunction, Melanotan-1 has been researched extensively for use in protecting against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from sunlight due to its melanogenesis-stimulating properties.

Both Melanotan-1 and Melanotan 2 are analogs of the peptide hormone alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α -MSH) that tend to induce skin tanning. Unlike Melanotan 1, Melanotan 2 has been shown to have aphrodisiac properties, the additional effect of increasing libido. Melanotan-1 is a non selective agonist of the melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3-5R). As an analogue of α -MSH, its mechanism of action is biomimicry of the natural mammalian tanning process.

Melanotan 1 is structurally and functionally similar to physiological alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Alpha-MSH is known to primarily affect melanocytes, skin cells and hair cells responsible for pigmentation. This hormone interacts strongly with melanocortin receptor 1, thereby regulating its effects. Alpha-MSH is a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors 1, 3, 4 and 5, fully stimulating them.

MT-1 differs from alpha-MSH by a single amino acid and was originally developed as a sunless tanning agent. It was soon discovered that, in addition to affecting skin pigmentation, MT-1 could induce sexual arousal, increase appetite, and alter baseline metabolism. Subsequent studies of peptides and other melanocortin-binding proteins helped scientists better explore the melanocortin signaling system.

Start with a dose of 1mg daily for the first two or three days and, if level of side effects permit, look to increase dosage by 0.25mg every day over the next several days until you reach a daily dosage of 2-3mg. This level should be adequate for most users, though some may wish to increase yet further, perhaps as high as 5mg daily in order to achieve a very deep tan. A maintenance phase as described above is then used.