Melanotan I
Also known as: Afamelanotide · MT-I · [Nle4-D-Phe7]-α-MSH
A more receptor-selective α-MSH analogue studied for pigmentation and photoprotection.
Overview
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear α-MSH analogue that is more selective for the MC1R pigmentation receptor than Melanotan II, and has been studied in clinical research on photoprotection.
How it’s studied to work
It preferentially agonises MC1R, the receptor most directly tied to melanin synthesis, giving a comparatively focused pigmentation-pathway profile in research.
Research areas
- ›MC1R-selective melanocortin signalling
- ›Photoprotection research
- ›Melanogenesis models
Further reading
Links open external literature databases. Citations are curated starting points, not an exhaustive or endorsing list.
For laboratory and research use only. Not a drug, supplement, or medical device. This page is educational and is not medical advice; nothing here describes a product intended for human or veterinary use.