Melanotan I
Also known as: Melanotan-1 · Afamelanotide · MT-1
An α-MSH analog that stimulates melanin (tanning) and is approved in some regions for a rare light-sensitivity disorder.
Melanotan I at a glance
| Name | Melanotan I |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Melanotan-1, Afamelanotide, MT-1 |
| Category | Skin & pigmentation |
| Type | Peptide |
| Sequence | Analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) |
| Typical dose | ~500 mcg – 1 mg |
| Frequency | Loading then maintenance |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection |
| Half-life | Short (hours); the approved form uses a slow-release implant. |
Overview
Melanotan I is a synthetic version of α-MSH, the hormone that triggers melanin production. It promotes skin pigmentation and is approved in some regions (as afamelanotide) for erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare light-sensitivity condition. Compared with Melanotan II it is more selective for pigmentation and less associated with libido effects.
How it’s thought to work
- Activates melanocortin-1 receptors (MC1R) to increase melanin (eumelanin).
- Provides photoprotection by darkening skin.
Researched uses
- Tanning / photoprotection
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria (approved as afamelanotide)
Commonly cited protocol
| Typical dose | ~500 mcg – 1 mg |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Loading then maintenance |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection |
| Notes | Sun exposure still drives tanning response. |
Reconstitution
Often a 10 mg vial. 10 mg with 2 mL water = 5 mg/mL, so 500 mcg = 10 units on a U-100 syringe.
Melanotan I dosage calculator
The calculator below is pre-filled with Melanotan I’s commonly cited vial size and dose. Adjust the vial amount, bacteriostatic water, or dose to match your own vial — it will show the exact insulin-syringe units to draw, the concentration, and how many doses the vial holds.
Add 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to your 10 mg vial. That gives you about 20 doses of 500 mcg. For each dose, draw 10 units into a 100-unit insulin syringe.
See the full Melanotan I dosing chart (units for every dose & water amount), or open the full peptide calculator →
Cautions
- Injectable research forms are unregulated and unapproved.
- Can darken moles/freckles — skin checks advised.
- Nausea and flushing are common.
Melanotan I FAQ
What is Melanotan I?
An α-MSH analog that stimulates melanin (tanning) and is approved in some regions for a rare light-sensitivity disorder.
How does Melanotan I work?
Activates melanocortin-1 receptors (MC1R) to increase melanin (eumelanin). Provides photoprotection by darkening skin.
What is Melanotan I used for?
Tanning / photoprotection; Erythropoietic protoporphyria (approved as afamelanotide).
What is a typical Melanotan I dose?
~500 mcg – 1 mg, Loading then maintenance, Subcutaneous injection. This is a commonly cited figure for context only, not medical advice.
How do you reconstitute Melanotan I?
Often a 10 mg vial. 10 mg with 2 mL water = 5 mg/mL, so 500 mcg = 10 units on a U-100 syringe.
What is the half-life of Melanotan I?
Short (hours); the approved form uses a slow-release implant.