MT-1 (10mg)

# MT-1 (Melanotan I / Afamelanotide) - Research Peptide

## SCIENTIFIC OVERVIEW
Melanotan I (MT-1), also known as Afamelanotide, is a synthetic tridecapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). This compound is selective for the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) and has been extensively studied in dermatological research, photoprotection studies, and melanogenesis pathway analysis. MT-1 is approved as a pharmaceutical (Scenesse®) in some countries for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

## RESEARCH APPLICATIONS
Laboratory studies have investigated MT-1 for:
- Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) binding and activation research
- Melanogenesis and pigmentation pathway studies
- Tyrosinase enzyme activity research
- UV radiation protection mechanism analysis
- Eumelanin production studies
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) disease models
- Photoaging and skin damage research
- Melanocyte proliferation and dendrite extension studies
- Vitiligo and pigmentation disorder research
- Phototoxicity and photosensitivity models

## PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
- **Purity:** ≥98% (HPLC Verified)
- **Form:** Sterile Lyophilized Powder
- **Alternative Name:** Afamelanotide, CUV1647
- **Sequence:** 13 amino acids (Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂)
- **Molecular Formula:** C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉
- **Molecular Weight:** ~1,646 Da
- **CAS Number:** 75921-69-6
- **Appearance:** White to off-white lyophilized powder
- **Storage:** -20°C (freezer), protected from light
- **Shelf Life:** 36 months frozen; 30 days reconstituted at 2-8°C

## QUALITY ASSURANCE
✓ RP-HPLC purity ≥98%  
✓ Mass spectrometry confirmation  
✓ Amino acid sequencing verification  
✓ Peptide content assay (≥85%)  
✓ Endotoxin: <1.0 EU/mg  
✓ Sterility testing (USP <71>)  
✓ pH: 5.5-7.0 (reconstituted)  

## MECHANISM OF ACTION (Research Context)
**MC1R Selective Agonism:**
- High affinity for melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes
- Minimal activity at MC3R, MC4R, MC5R (unlike MT-2)
- Activates cAMP/PKA signaling cascade
- Increases MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor)
- Upregulates tyrosinase and TRP-1/TRP-2 enzymes
- Stimulates eumelanin (dark pigment) over pheomelanin (red/yellow)

**Photoprotection:**
- Increases melanin density in skin
- Enhances UV absorption capacity
- Reduces DNA damage from UV exposure
- Decreases reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation

## COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
**MT-1 vs. MT-2:**
- **Selectivity:** MT-1 more MC1R-selective; MT-2 broad MC1R/3R/4R/5R
- **Side effects:** MT-1 fewer CNS/sexual effects (no MC4R activation)
- **Pigmentation:** Similar efficacy
- **Pharmaceutical development:** MT-1 approved (Scenesse); MT-2 not approved

**MT-1 vs. α-MSH (Native):**
- Enhanced stability (D-Phe, Nle substitutions)
- Longer half-life (~30 min vs. seconds)
- Increased potency at MC1R

## PHARMACEUTICAL CONTEXT
**Scenesse® (Afamelanotide Implant):**
- Approved: EU (2014), USA (2019), Australia
- Indication: Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) photoprotection
- Formulation: 16 mg subcutaneous implant (2-month release)
- Clinical efficacy: Increases pain-free sun exposure in EPP patients

This research product is laboratory-grade, not pharmaceutical implant.

## RECONSTITUTION PROTOCOL
1. Allow vial to reach room temperature
2. Use bacteriostatic water or sterile saline
3. Typical concentration: 1-2 mg/mL
4. Add diluent slowly down vial wall
5. Swirl gently (avoid shaking)
6. Solution should be clear, colorless to pale yellow
7. pH approximately 6-7

## STABILITY DATA
- **Lyophilized:** 36+ months at -20°C
- **Reconstituted:** 30 days at 2-8°C
- **Light sensitivity:** Photosensitive; protect from light
- **pH stability:** Stable pH 5-8

## RESEARCH DOSING CONTEXT
**Animal studies:**
- Mice: 0.01-1.0 mg/kg (SC, IP)
- UV protection studies: Single or repeated doses

**Human clinical studies (Scenesse):**
- 16 mg implant every 2 months
- Steady-state plasma levels achieved

## FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY
Intended strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory animal studies. Not for human consumption. Not a pharmaceutical product or tanning agent.

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**DISCLAIMER:** By purchasing, you certify you are a qualified researcher conducting legitimate scientific investigation. Purchaser assumes all responsibility for compliance with institutional protocols and applicable laws.