Technical Data Sheet
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
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| Evidence Tier | Approved Drug |
|---|---|
| Category | Skin, Hair & Cosmetics |
| 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 |
| Sequence | Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2 |
| Molecular Weight | ~1647 Da |
| CAS | 75921-69-6 |
| Parent | alpha-MSH analog |
| Mechanism | 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 |
| Administration Route | Injection Only |
| Form | subcutaneous implant (clinical); lyophilized (research) |
| Diluent | n/a for implant |
| Storage Temperature | refrigerate 36-46°F |
| Light Sensitive | Yes |
| Freeze / Thaw | avoid |
| Reconstituted Shelf Life | 14 Days |
| Handling Notes | Clinical form is an implant, not an injection. |
| Regulatory | FDA (2019) and EMA (2014) approved for EPP. |
| Sources |