MT-1 (MELANOTAN 1)

MT-1 (Melanotan 1)

MT-1 (Melanotan 1) is [Nle⁴, D-Phe⁷]-α-MSH, a synthetic 13-amino-acid linear analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone first reported in 1980. Two substitutions set it apart from the natural hormone: norleucine replaces methionine at position 4, removing an oxidation-prone residue, and D-phenylalanine replaces L-phenylalanine at position 7, which raised potency and resistance to enzymatic breakdown in the original studies. The same molecule is known by the nonproprietary name afamelanotide.

Product Specifications

• Product: MT-1 (Melanotan 1)
• Amount: See available options above
• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Purity: Third-party tested by an ISO 17025 U.S. laboratory. See the batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) on this page.
• Storage: Keep sealed and refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F), protected from light.
• Ships from: United States, 2-day UPS

Chemical Profile

• Compound class: Synthetic 13-amino-acid peptide (α-MSH analog)
• Sequence: Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂ (13 residues; Nle = norleucine)
• Molecular formula: C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉
• Molecular weight: 1646.8 g/mol
• CAS number: 75921-69-6

What researchers study

• Melanocortin receptor pharmacology: MT-1 is a potent agonist at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), a G_s-coupled receptor on melanocytes, and is used in binding and cAMP assays alongside native α-MSH.
• Melanocyte biology: eumelanin synthesis, tyrosinase activity and MC1R signaling in cultured melanocytes and melanoma cell lines.
• Structure–activity history: MT-1 was a starting point for later melanocortin peptides, including cyclic analogs, and is a standard comparator in that literature.
• Analytical methods: HPLC and mass-spectrometry assays for the peptide in biological matrices.

Regulatory status

Afamelanotide is the active ingredient of Scenesse, a subcutaneous implant approved by the FDA in October 2019 for preventing phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria, and also authorized in the European Union. The lyophilized MT-1 sold here is a research reagent, not Scenesse or any approved drug product, and it is not approved for human use. Health agencies in several countries have issued warnings about unlicensed melanotan products.

Quality & Documentation

Every batch of MT-1 is made in small runs for Rogue Compounds and tested by an independent U.S. laboratory for identity (mass spectrometry) and purity (HPLC). Each vial is labeled with its batch number and a QR code that opens the testing lab’s own report for that batch. The same batch Certificate of Analysis is posted on this page and in our COA Library, so you can check one against the other.

Research overview

For a longer look at MT-1 (Melanotan 1), covering where it came from, what cell and animal studies have measured, and what the evidence does not show, read our MT-1 (Melanotan 1) research overview. It is written as background reading, and every study it cites is linked to PubMed.

Selected literature

• Sawyer TK, et al. 4-Norleucine, 7-D-phenylalanine-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone: a highly potent alpha-melanotropin with ultralong biological activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1980;77(10):5754-5758. PMID 6777774
• Hadley ME, Dorr RT. Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization. Peptides. 2006;27(4):921-930. PMID 16412534
• Wensink D, Wagenmakers MAEM, Langendonk JG. Afamelanotide for prevention of phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2021;14(2):151-160. PMID 33507118
• Langan EA, Nie Z, Rhodes LE. Melanotropic peptides: more than just ‘Barbie drugs’ and ‘sun-tan jabs’? Br J Dermatol. 2010;163(3):451-455. PMID 20545686

Research Use Only

This product is sold strictly as a research chemical for in-vitro laboratory and analytical use by qualified professionals. It is not a drug, dietary supplement, food, or cosmetic, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not for human or veterinary use. Rogue Compounds does not provide dosing, preparation, or usage instructions. The literature on this page is listed for scientific background only and does not describe this product or any use of it.