Melanotan 1

What is Melanotan 1?

Melanotan 1 is afamelanotide (also written melanotan I or MT-1), a synthetic 13-amino-acid analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Its sequence is Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2, with molecular formula C78H111N21O19 and a molecular weight of 1646.8 g/mol. Kovalabs supplies it as a lyophilised solid for laboratory research only.

It is identified by CAS number 75921-69-6 and PubChem CID 16197727. It belongs to the melanocortin family of peptides and is supplied strictly as a reference material for in-vitro and pre-clinical study. It is not a medicine, a cosmetic or a consumer product, and Kovalabs does not supply it for human or veterinary use.

Is Melanotan 1 the same as the licensed medicine?

No. The afamelanotide name also appears as the active ingredient in a separately licensed medicine. The research material sold here is a distinct laboratory reference chemical: it is not that medicine, not a generic, alternative, substitute or equivalent, and it is not offered to diagnose, treat or prevent any condition. Anyone requiring a licensed medicine should consult a qualified healthcare professional.

How does Melanotan 1 differ from Melanotan 2?

They are different molecules. Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a linear 13-residue analogue of alpha-MSH; Melanotan 2 is a shorter cyclic peptide with a different sequence, formula and CAS number. The two are frequently confused under the shared "melanotan" name, but they are not interchangeable and each is supplied separately as its own characterised reference compound. Both are stocked only as research materials.

Is Melanotan 1 legal to buy in the UK?

Melanotan 1 is not a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and Kovalabs supplies it lawfully within the UK as a research chemical. It is sold for laboratory research use only and is not authorised, labelled or supplied for human or veterinary consumption, cosmetic use or any in-body application. Purchasers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws governing possession, handling and use in their jurisdiction. See our research disclaimer for full terms.

How is identity and quality assured?

Every batch is released only after independent analytical testing. Purity is assessed by HPLC to a specification of at least 99%, and identity is confirmed against the expected mass and the verified identifiers above (CAS 75921-69-6, PubChem CID 16197727, formula C78H111N21O19). A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis documents these results. View current certificates on our CoA library so that what you receive is the characterised compound, consistently from batch to batch.

What does the research on Melanotan 1 investigate?

In the published literature, afamelanotide is studied as an agonist at melanocortin receptors, principally the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), within in-vitro systems and pre-clinical models. This is mechanistic and receptor-level research only. None of it establishes a benefit, effect or outcome in humans, and Kovalabs makes no such claim. To explore the receptor biology of this peptide class further, see the melanocortins category.

Synthesis and supply

Melanotan 1 is supplied as a white to off-white lyophilised powder. For laboratory handling it is typically reconstituted with a suitable solvent such as bacteriostatic water; store the lyophilised solid at -20C, dry and protected from light, and hold any reconstituted solution at 2-8C. Related research materials include the sibling melanocortin peptides Melanotan 2 and PT-141; browse the full range in the melanocortins category. For laboratory research use only; not for human or veterinary use.