Melanotan-1 (MT-1) — Compound Overview
A researcher-focused overview of Melanotan-1: its chemistry as a linear α-MSH analogue, how it differs from Melanotan-2, and how each batch is documented.
Last updated: 2026-08-21 · By: Index Peptides technical team
Key facts about Melanotan-1
| Compound | Melanotan-1 |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 75921-69-6 |
| Molecular formula | C78H111N21O19 |
| Molecular weight | 1646.8 g/mol |
| Sequence | Ac-SYS-[Nle]-EH-[D-Phe]-RWGKPV-NH₂ |
| Listed formats | 10mg per vial |
| Intended use | In-vitro laboratory research only |
What is Melanotan-1?
Melanotan-1 (MT-1), known by the International Nonproprietary Name afamelanotide, is a linear synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in which norleucine replaces methionine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine replaces L-phenylalanine at position 7 ([Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH). These substitutions increase the peptide's stability and receptor affinity relative to native α-MSH.
Chemistry and structure
Melanotan-1 carries CAS registry number 75921-69-6, molecular formula C78H111N21O19 and a molecular weight of approximately 1646.8 g/mol. It is a linear tridecapeptide with an acetylated N-terminus and amidated C-terminus.
Supply status
Index Peptides supplies Melanotan-1 strictly as a research chemical for in-vitro laboratory research. Products are sold exclusively to qualified researchers and licensed laboratories. It is not for human or veterinary use.
Melanotan-1 in the research literature
As a stabilised α-MSH analogue, Melanotan-1 is a standard tool compound in melanocortin-receptor research, including receptor-binding assays and melanocyte cell-culture studies.
Form, handling and storage
Supplied as a lyophilised powder in a sealed vial. Store at -20°C, desiccated and protected from light, per the batch record.
Batch documentation at Index Peptides
Where a laboratory report is published for the lot, review it for the laboratory, report date and analytical results actually reported. HPLC purity alone does not confirm LC-MS identity. Contact us before ordering if a required result is not published.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Melanotan-1 supplied to?
Index Peptides supplies Melanotan-1 exclusively to qualified researchers and licensed laboratories, for in-vitro research only. It is not for human or veterinary use.
How does Melanotan-1 differ from Melanotan-2?
Melanotan-1 is a linear tridecapeptide; Melanotan-2 is a shorter, cyclic heptapeptide analogue. They have different CAS numbers, masses and receptor-selectivity profiles.
What is the shelf life of Melanotan-1?
As supplied (lyophilised powder in a sealed vial), Melanotan-1 is stored at -20C, desiccated and protected from light. Long-term stability is documented per batch on the certificate of analysis; treat the batch record as the authoritative shelf-life reference for that lot.
What is the difference between the sizes?
The difference is the nominal peptide content per vial. Melanotan-1 is supplied as 10mg vials. Every format carries the same batch documentation and purity testing.
What does the certificate of analysis show?
Where a laboratory report is published for the lot, review it for the laboratory, report date and analytical results actually reported. HPLC purity alone does not confirm LC-MS identity. Contact us before ordering if a required result is not published.
How does Melanotan-1 compare with Melanotan-2?
See our comparison of Melanotan-1 vs Melanotan-2: https://indexpeptides.uk/guides/melanotan-1-vs-melanotan-2
References
Research use only. Not for human or animal consumption.