MT-1
Also Known As: Afamelanotide, Scenesse, NDP-MSH, Melanotan I, Melanotan 1, MT1, [Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH, Norleucine 4 D-phenylalanine 7 alpha-MSH analog, Photoprotective peptide, Tanning peptide, EPP treatment peptide, MC1R agonist peptide, Melanocortin 1 agonist, tanning peptide
MT-1 is a research-grade Synthetic alpha-MSH analog with [Nle4 targeting MC1R studied in Skin, Hair & Cosmetics research. It is supplied strictly for in vitro laboratory research use only - not for human or animal consumption, and not FDA-approved.
Evidence Tier: Approved Drug - FDA and/or EMA approved with robust human trial data.
An approved melanocortin drug for a rare light-sensitivity disease; needs skin monitoring.
At A Glance
| Category | Skin, Hair & Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| Compound Class | Synthetic alpha-MSH analog with [Nle4,D-Phe7] substitutions; MC1R-selective agonist |
| Molecular Target | MC1R (melanocortin-1 receptor) on melanocytes; stimulates eumelanin synthesis and photoprotection |
| Molecular Weight | 1646.86 Da |
| Amino Acid Sequence | Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2 |
| CAS Number | 75921-69-6 |
| Half-Life | ~30 minutes |
| WADA Status | not_listed |
| Evidence Tier | Approved Drug |
Mechanism Of Action
It binds to the melanocortin 1 receptor on skin cells, stimulating the production of melanin (the dark pigment) while remaining very safe and not crossing into the brain to cause side effects.
Studied For
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) (FDA/EMA approved)
- Photodermatoses research
- Solar urticaria
- Polymorphous light eruption (PLE)
- UV light protection
- Melanin production stimulation
- Skin darkening / tanning research
- Squamous cell carcinoma prevention research
- Libido research (MC4R pathway)
- Melanocortin system research
- Vitiligo models
- Inflammatory skin disease models
- skin pigmentation
- sunless tan
- phototoxicity prevention
- vitiligo
- erythropoietic protoporphyria
Reported Research Findings
Phase 3 trials in erythropoietic protoporphyria showed increased pain-free sun exposure, the basis for FDA and EMA approval as a controlled-release implant.
Safety And Handling Notes
Implant-site reactions, headache, nausea, and darkening of moles, which warrants periodic skin monitoring.
An approved orphan drug delivered as a physician-administered implant; distinct from unregulated melanotan products. Requires skin-lesion surveillance.
Regulatory Status
FDA (2019) and EMA (2014) approved for EPP.
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