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A stabilized α-MSH analog at the center of melanocortin and pigmentation research.
Also known as: Afamelanotide · NDP-MSH · [Nle4,D-Phe7]-α-MSH · Scenesse
Part of the Cosmetic & skin peptides cluster
Overview
Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a synthetic tridecapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that acts on the melanocortin-1 receptor. As afamelanotide (Scenesse) it is approved in some regions for a rare photosensitivity condition. It is not authorized as a tanning product in Canada.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic tridecapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone
Primary research or clinical context: Approved as afamelanotide for a rare photosensitivity disorder in some regions; not a tanning drug in Canada
Structure and stability
Melanotan-1 corresponds to [Nle4,D-Phe7]-α-MSH (NDP-MSH). Substituting norleucine and a D-phenylalanine into the natural α-MSH sequence greatly increases metabolic stability and receptor potency, which is why the analog was developed for research and, later, a specific clinical indication.
Melanocortin signaling
By agonizing the melanocortin-1 receptor on melanocytes, the peptide is studied for its influence on eumelanin synthesis. Afamelanotide is approved in some jurisdictions for erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare light-sensitivity disorder — a narrow authorized use distinct from cosmetic tanning claims.
Melanotan-1 vs Melanotan-2
A common search is melanotan-1 versus melanotan-2. They are chemically different melanocortin agonists with different receptor profiles; melanotan-2 is a smaller cyclic analog. This page compares chemistry only and does not endorse unapproved self-administration of either compound.
Sequence
One-letter sequence commonly cited for Melanotan-1 (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):
SYSXEHFRWGKPV
X = non-canonical residue (N-terminal serine is acetylated; X=Nle; phenylalanine residue at position 7 is D-Phe; C-terminal valine residue is amidated). X marks a non-canonical residue — see the structure block below. (Plotted as alanine on the wheel.)
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Source-supported reference
Reference values are taken from the cited molecular record or curated profile. A database match is not independent laboratory verification; modifications, counter-ions, and formulations can change the measured mass.
- Molecular form
- Melanotan-1 (source record; form not independently established)
- Species
- Not established by this molecular identity audit
- Termini (N / C)
- Not specified / Not specified
Average reference mass
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
- IUPHAR/BPS source snapshot · 2026-10-01
- PubChem molecular record · 2026-10-01
- Molecular formula
- C78H111N21O19
- Average reference mass
- ≈ 1,646.8
- Status
- Approved medicine in at least one jurisdiction (IUPHAR record)
N-terminal serine is acetylated; X=Nle; phenylalanine residue at position 7 is D-Phe; C-terminal valine residue is amidated
- PubChem CID: 16197727
- IUPHAR ligand: 1324
- ChEMBL: CHEMBL441738
- CAS RN: 75921-69-6
- UNII: QW68W3J66U
Chemistry values: IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology, PubChem · fetched 2026-10-01.
Melanotan-1 — reconstitution calculator
Enter how much peptide is in the vial and how much diluent (e.g. bacteriostatic water) is added. The tool returns the resulting solution concentration — and, for any amount you type, the volume it corresponds to. This is educational arithmetic, not a dosing recommendation.
Reference form: Melanotan-1 (source record; form not independently established)Average reference mass: 1,646.8 Da
Enter an amount to see the volume it corresponds to.
Educational concentration mathematics only. This tool does not recommend a dose, amount, or protocol, and nothing here is medical advice. Many peptides are not authorized by Health Canada for human use — see our reconstitution and bacteriostatic-water guides for context.
FAQ about Melanotan-1
What is Melanotan-1?+
Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a synthetic tridecapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that acts on the melanocortin-1 receptor. As afamelanotide (Scenesse) it is approved in some regions for a rare photosensitivity condition. It is not authorized as a tanning product in Canada.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Melanotan-1?+
Canadian product status for Melanotan-1 has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.
What is the typical length of Melanotan-1?+
Melanotan-1 is commonly described as approximately 13 amino acids (Synthetic α-MSH analog (melanocortin agonist)).
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Polańska et al. (2024). Afamelanotide in protoporphyria and other skin diseases: a review. Postepy Dermatol Alergol
- 2.Kim et al. (2016). Afamelanotide: A Review in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria. Am J Clin Dermatol
- 3.Langendonk et al. (2015). Afamelanotide for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria. N Engl J Med
- 4.Wensink et al. (2021). Afamelanotide for prevention of phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol
- 5.Wu et al. (2021). Afamelanotide: An Orphan Drug with Potential for Broad Dermatologic Applications. J Drugs Dermatol
- 6.Kluijver et al. (2024). The effects of cholecalciferol and afamelanotide on vitamin D levels in erythropoietic protoporphyria: a multicentre cohort study. Br J Dermatol
- 7.Minder et al. (2017). Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Afamelanotide and its Clinical Use in Treating Dermatologic Disorders. Clin Pharmacokinet
- 8.Minder (2010). Afamelanotide, an agonistic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, in dermal phototoxicity of erythropoietic protoporphyria. Expert Opin Investig Drugs
- 9.PubChem — compound summary for Afamelanotide (CID 16197727)
- 10.Wikipedia — Afamelanotide