By the Banger Labs Research Team · Updated June 2026
What is Melanotan I?
Melanotan I is a synthetic linear tridecapeptide structurally based on α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), with the sequence Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2. It differs from native α-MSH by two substitutions: norleucine for methionine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine for L-phenylalanine at position 7. These modifications make it more resistant to enzymatic/proteolytic degradation than the native peptide in research models.
How Melanotan I is studied
In research settings, Melanotan I acts as an agonist at melanocortin receptors, binding with notably high relative affinity at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) expressed on melanocytes. Receptor activation in preclinical/in vitro systems is reported to stimulate tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis-related pathways. Published comparative work reports the [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH analog to be substantially more potent than the native α-MSH parent peptide at stimulating melanoma-cell tyrosinase activity in vitro.
Research areas
- Studied in melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) pharmacology and receptor-binding research models
- Investigated in in vitro melanogenesis and tyrosinase-activity research
- Used as a reference α-MSH analog in structure-activity-relationship peptide studies
- Examined in photoprotection-related preclinical research models
- Studied for peptide stability/proteolytic-resistance characterization versus the native α-MSH parent peptide
These describe laboratory/preclinical research only. No therapeutic, medical, or efficacy claims are made.
Melanotan I specifications
Handling & quality
Melanotan I is held to a ≥ 99% HPLC purity standard with a Certificate of Analysis available per batch. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and store refrigerated; handle strictly for research. See reconstitution & storage.
Frequently asked questions
What is Melanotan I?
Melanotan I is a synthetic linear tridecapeptide structurally based on α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), with the sequence Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2. It differs from native α-MSH by two substitutions: norleucine for methionine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine for L-phenylalanine at position 7. These modifications make it more resistant to enzymatic/proteolytic degradation than the native peptide in research models.
Is Melanotan I research use only?
Yes. Melanotan I is supplied strictly for laboratory research — not for human or veterinary use, and not as a drug, food, or supplement.
Does Banger Labs provide a COA for Melanotan I?
Yes — a Certificate of Analysis (HPLC purity + mass-spec identity) is available per batch on request. See the COA Library.
References
- A review and update on melanocyte stimulating hormone therapy: afamelanotide — PubMed (J Drugs Dermatol, 2013)
- [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH: a superpotent melanotropin that ‘irreversibly’ activates melanoma tyrosinase — PubMed (Endocr Res, 1985)
- Afamelanotide for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria — PMC / NCBI (N Engl J Med, 2015)
- Afamelanotide — Wikipedia (overview, structure/sequence)
Sources are provided for scientific reference and describe laboratory/preclinical research; they do not constitute medical advice or efficacy claims.
Shop Melanotan I & related research peptides
By the Banger Labs Research Team. For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or cosmetic. Educational information, not medical advice.