Melanotan I

Effects documented in the literature

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is an α-MSH (alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone) analog with marked selectivity for the MC1R receptor. Studies (PMID 15262693, PMID 9113347, PMC11664455) show that activation of MC1R on melanocytes stimulates adenylate cyclase, increases cAMP, and activates the MITF → tyrosinase pathway, the main rate-limiting enzyme of melanogenesis. The result is increased production of eumelanin (a photoprotective pigment) rather than pheomelanin. At the hormonal level, unlike non-selective ligands, MT-I shows reduced affinity for MC3R/MC4R, limiting effects on appetite or sexual function. Clinical work has documented a reduction in UV-induced damage in photoprotection protocols for rare skin conditions (erythropoietic protoporphyria). These data come from the scientific literature and are provided strictly for informational purposes in a research context. This product is not intended for veterinary, diagnostic or therapeutic use and is not recommended for any use outside a scientific, professional and research setting. [1][2]