MT-1 Research Peptide (Melanotan I / Afamelanotide)
Lyophilized Format • ≥99% HPLC Purity • Ships in 1–2 Business Days • U.S. Warehouses
MT-1 (Melanotan I, Afamelanotide, CAS 75921-69-6) is a synthetic linear tridecapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with two targeted amino acid substitutions — norleucine at position 4 replacing methionine and D-phenylalanine at position 7 replacing L-phenylalanine — supplied by Nextday Peptides in lyophilized format for laboratory and analytical research applications. Developed in the 1980s at the University of Arizona, MT-1 is studied as a selective MC1R agonist probe for investigating melanocortin receptor signaling, cAMP/PKA second messenger cascades, and melanogenesis pathway biology in controlled in-vitro and preclinical research systems. Each vial is independently verified to ≥99% HPLC purity with a Certificate of Analysis available on request. For scientific research use only.
Compound Specifications
| Compound Name | MT-1 / Melanotan I / Afamelanotide / CUV1657 |
| Peptide Sequence | Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val |
| Amino Acids | 13 (Tridecapeptide) — linear structure |
| Receptor Target | MC1R (primary), MC3R, MC4R, MC5R |
| Modifications vs α-MSH | Nle⁴ (norleucine replacing methionine) + D-Phe⁷ (D-phenylalanine replacing L-phenylalanine) |
| Molecular Formula | C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉ |
| Molecular Weight | 1,646.87 g/mol |
| PubChem CID | 16154396 |
| CAS Number | 75921-69-6 |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Storage | -20°C lyophilized; 2–8°C after reconstitution (use within 7 days) |
| Synonyms | Afamelanotide, Melanotan I, MT-I, CUV1657, [Nle4-D-Phe7]-α-MSH |
Why Research Laboratories Select MT-1
MT-1 is the most selective synthetic MC1R agonist probe available for laboratory research and the only melanocortin peptide analog with an FDA-approved pharmaceutical equivalent. Its high selectivity for MC1R over other melanocortin receptor subtypes — combined with its structural modifications that enhance metabolic stability in experimental systems — makes it a precise tool compound for studying MC1R-specific signaling pathways, cAMP/PKA second messenger cascade dynamics, and melanogenesis pathway biology in controlled research settings.
- Selective MC1R agonist — primary receptor target MC1R with secondary activity at MC3R, MC4R, MC5R
- Two targeted modifications vs native α-MSH — Nle⁴ and D-Phe⁷ enhance metabolic stability in experimental systems
- Linear 13 amino acid structure — distinct from cyclic MT-2 (Melanotan II) with different receptor selectivity profile
- Activates cAMP/PKA signaling cascade via MC1R in cell-based research systems
- Studied extensively in melanogenesis, melanocortin receptor pharmacology, and comparative ligand selectivity research
- FDA-approved pharmaceutical equivalent (Scenesse/Afamelanotide) provides extensive published clinical literature for reference
- Lyophilized format ensures stability and reproducibility across experimental runs
- Batch and lot identifiers on all labeling for full laboratory documentation compliance
Research Background
MT-1 (Afamelanotide) was developed in the 1980s at the University of Arizona by Mac Hadley and Victor Hruby as part of a program investigating synthetic α-MSH analogs for melanocortin receptor research. Its pharmaceutical equivalent, Afamelanotide (Scenesse), was developed by Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals and received EMA approval in 2014 and FDA approval in 2019 for erythropoietic protoporphyria — making it the only melanocortin peptide with regulatory approval. Research-grade MT-1 supplied by Nextday Peptides is not equivalent to the approved pharmaceutical formulation. All information provided here is for educational and reference purposes only and does not constitute medical or clinical guidance.
Reference sources: PubChem — Afamelanotide (CID 16154396) | FDA — Afamelanotide Approval
⚠️ Regulatory Notice
Research-grade MT-1 supplied by Nextday Peptides is not equivalent to Scenesse (Afamelanotide) or any other approved pharmaceutical formulation. It is supplied strictly for controlled in-vitro laboratory research use only by qualified research professionals. It is not for human or veterinary use, is not a drug product, and must not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
Shipping & Fulfillment
- Ships from U.S. warehouses — Florida, North Carolina, and California
- Overnight and 2-day shipping available at checkout
- Same-day processing on orders placed before 3:30 PM ET
- Discreet packaging with full tracking provided
- Bulk research orders welcome — contact us for volume pricing
Storage & Handling
- Store lyophilized peptide at -20°C away from light and moisture
- After reconstitution store at 2–8°C and use within 7 days
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain peptide integrity
- Handle using appropriate laboratory safety protocols
- Keep containers sealed when not in use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MT-1 Melanotan I?
MT-1 (Melanotan I, Afamelanotide, CAS 75921-69-6) is a synthetic linear tridecapeptide analog of α-MSH with two targeted modifications — Nle⁴ and D-Phe⁷ — that enhance metabolic stability. It is a selective MC1R agonist probe studied in melanocortin receptor biology and melanogenesis pathway research. Supplied strictly for scientific, analytical, and in-vitro laboratory research use only.
How does MT-1 differ from MT-2 (Melanotan II)?
MT-1 (Melanotan I) is a linear 13 amino acid peptide with high selectivity for MC1R. MT-2 (Melanotan II) is a shorter cyclic 7 amino acid peptide with broader melanocortin receptor activity including MC3R and MC4R, which are associated with different downstream signaling profiles. They are distinct research tools used in different experimental contexts depending on the receptor subtype being investigated.
Is MT-1 FDA approved?
The pharmaceutical form of Afamelanotide (Scenesse, Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals) received FDA approval in October 2019 for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Research-grade MT-1 supplied by Nextday Peptides is not equivalent to any approved drug product and is supplied for laboratory research use only — not for human administration.
What receptor does MT-1 primarily target?
MT-1 primarily targets MC1R (melanocortin-1 receptor) with high selectivity. It also shows secondary activity at MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. MC1R activation triggers cAMP/PKA second messenger signaling cascades in cell-based research systems, initiating downstream transcriptional responses studied in melanogenesis and melanocortin receptor pharmacology research.
What purity is your MT-1?
Every batch is independently verified to ≥99% HPLC purity. A Certificate of Analysis is available for each lot.
How fast does Nextday Peptides ship?
We ship from U.S. warehouses in Florida, North Carolina, and California. Overnight and 2-day shipping options are available. Orders placed before 3:30 PM ET are processed same day.
Are bulk orders available?
Yes. We accommodate bulk research orders. Contact us directly for volume pricing and availability.
Is this product approved for medical use?
No. Research-grade MT-1 is not approved for human or veterinary use and is not equivalent to any approved drug product. It is for laboratory research use only and is not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical applications.
What other compounds does Nextday Peptides carry?
We stock a full range of research peptides including KPV, BPC-157, MOTS-C, and LL-37. View our full research compounds catalog.
For Research Use Only — Not for human or veterinary consumption • Not equivalent to any approved drug product • Supplied by Nextday Peptides for controlled in-vitro laboratory research use only
