Melanotan 1

What it is

Melanotan 1 is the peptide developed as afamelanotide. It is a modified copy of alpha-MSH that acts mainly at the MC1 receptor on pigment cells.

How researchers think it works

Studies described MC1 receptor activation increasing eumelanin production, which papers linked to greater tolerance of light exposure.

What has research seen in people?

Late-stage trials in adults with a rare inherited light-sensitivity condition reported more pain-free time in daylight than placebo, which is why a specialist implant medicine is licensed for that condition.

Nausea and skin darkening were commonly reported in those trials.

The trials covered that rare condition only — cosmetic use was not studied, and research-grade peptide is not the licensed product.

Where this material is listed

For laboratory research use only. Not a medicine and not for human or animal use.

Research materialMelanotan 1 (10 mg)£49.99View listing ›

Veritide does not sell or supply anything. This links to a third-party UK laboratory supplier; we may earn a commission if you buy through it, at no extra cost to you. Materials are sold for laboratory research use only and are not licensed medicines.

What studies have found

• Phase 3 trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine studied adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare inherited condition causing severe pain on light exposure. Researchers reported more pain-free time in daylight than with placebo.
• On that evidence, a controlled-release implant was authorised in Europe and the United Kingdom for that condition, given under specialist supervision.
• Nausea and skin darkening were commonly reported in the trials.

What we still do not know

• The trials studied one rare condition only, in small numbers, and the findings were not extended to cosmetic use.
• The licence covers a specific implant product, not peptide material sold for laboratory use.

Sources

• PubMed — afamelanotide phase 3 trials ›