MT-1 (Melanotan 1)
Also known as: Melanotan I · Afamelanotide · CUV1647 · Scenesse · NDP-alpha-MSH
MT-1 is a superpotent, prolonged-acting synthetic analog of alpha-MSH. It binds to melanocortin receptors — primarily MC1R on melanocytes — with much higher affinity and longer duration than native alpha-MSH due to the Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions which resist enzymatic...
What It Is
MT-1 is a superpotent, prolonged-acting synthetic analog of alpha-MSH. It binds to melanocortin receptors — primarily MC1R on melanocytes — with much higher affinity and longer duration than native alpha-MSH due to the Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions which resist enzymatic degradation. MC1R activation stimulates adenylyl cyclase → cAMP → PKA → MITF transcription factor activation → upregulation of tyrosinase and other melanogenic enzymes → increased eumelanin (dark/brown pigment) synthesis in melanocytes. Unlike Melanotan 2, MT-1 is selective for MC1R/MC2R and does NOT significantly activate MC4R (which mediates sexual arousal and appetite suppression). This makes MT-1 a pure tanning/photoprotection peptide without the sexual side effects of MT-2.
Supplies Needed
Reconstitution
Subcutaneous injection
Sterilization
Storage
Store at -20°C or 2–8°C; protect from light
Refrigerate at 2–8°C; protect from light; use within 30 days
This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. Not approved for human consumption by the FDA or any regulatory body. Always consult a qualified medical professional.
Dosing Protocols
Timing: Evening (to sleep through initial nausea). Darker skin tones respond faster. Load phase builds up melanin; maintenance lower doses maintain tan.
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorTiming: Evening. Combine with moderate UV exposure (tanning bed 5u201310 min or sun) to activate melanocytes during loading phase.
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorTiming: Evening. Higher dose loading for faster tan in pale skin types. Tanning without UV is possible but UV exposure accelerates results.
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorWeekly Timeline
| Week | Expected Effects |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Skin begins darkening with UV exposure; nausea most prominent in first week; moles may darken |
| Week 2 | Noticeable tan development; nausea typically reduces; skin more sun-tolerant |
| Week 3 | Significant tanning achieved; reduced UV sensitivity; photoprotective benefits active |
| Week 4 | Peak tan; maintain with reduced dose 2u20133x per week; tan persists weeks after stopping |
Reconstitution Calculator
1 unit on U-100 syringe = 0.01 mL · Always label your vial after reconstitution
Injection Technique & Reconstitution
- Remove cap and wipe rubber stopper with alcohol swab
- Draw 2 mL bacteriostatic water
- Inject slowly along vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved
- Store at 2u20138u00b0C; protect from light
Use our free peptide reconstitution calculator to get the exact syringe units for your vial size and dose.
Mechanism of Action
MT-1 is a superpotent, prolonged-acting synthetic analog of alpha-MSH. It binds to melanocortin receptors — primarily MC1R on melanocytes — with much higher affinity and longer duration than native alpha-MSH due to the Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions which resist enzymatic degradation. MC1R activation stimulates adenylyl cyclase → cAMP → PKA → MITF transcription factor activation → upregulation of tyrosinase and other melanogenic enzymes → increased eumelanin (dark/brown pigment) synthesis in melanocytes. Unlike Melanotan 2, MT-1 is selective for MC1R/MC2R and does NOT significantly activate MC4R (which mediates sexual arousal and appetite suppression). This makes MT-1 a pure tanning/photoprotection peptide without the sexual side effects of MT-2.
Key Research Papers
Phase III trial demonstrating Afamelanotide (MT-1 implant) significantly increased painless sun exposure time in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria compared to placebo, leading to FDA approval.
View on PubMed →Review of MT-1 pharmacology, receptor selectivity, and clinical applications for photoprotection and skin tanning.
View on PubMed →Stacks Well With
MT-1 provides clean tanning without sexual effects; MT-2 adds tanning plus sexual/appetite effects u2014 stacked for dose-sparing tanning with some MT-2 benefits
GHK-Cu topically improves skin quality and collagen; MT-1 improves pigmentation u2014 comprehensive skin health stack
Frequently Asked Questions
MT-1 (Afamelanotide) is selective for MC1R and primarily causes skin tanning and photoprotection without significant MC4R activation. MT-2 activates MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R u2014 causing tanning, sexual arousal, spontaneous erections, and appetite suppression. MT-1 is safer for users who only want the tanning effect.
Yes u2014 as Afamelanotide (Scenesse), it is FDA approved (2019) for preventing phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). It is delivered via subcutaneous implant.
Yes, MT-1 can produce tanning without UV, but results are enhanced and faster with moderate UV exposure. Pale skin types (Fitzpatrick I-II) may see less tanning without any UV.
Legal Status by Region
This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. Not approved for human consumption by the FDA or any regulatory body. Always consult a qualified medical professional.