Melanotan 1 (10mg)

Melanotan 1 Peptide

Melanotan 1 is a synthetic peptide similar to the endogenous alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH).⁽³⁾ Melanotan 1 is composed of 13 amino acids, same as α-MSH, but differs by only two amino acids from the endogenous peptide hormone. This structural difference is likely why the synthetic peptide exhibits potential for bioactivity, as it may exert higher affinity towards the target cells with a longer half-life.⁽³⁾

Melanotan 1 peptide has been widely researched, particularly for its potential action in erythropoietic protoporphyria, an inherited condition which is considered by scientists to occur in abnormally elevated levels of certain chemicals (called the porphyrins). These high levels of chemicals are likely present due to the absence of certain enzymes which are vital for the synthesis of hemoglobin.^(1)(2)(3)

Overview

Melanotan I appears to mimic the function of the endogenous α-MSH and may possibly bind to the melanocortin receptors.⁽³⁾ Subjects with erythropoietic porphyria reportedly do not possess the enzyme ferrochelatase. This enzyme is typically required to add iron into protoporphyrin to synthesize heme.⁽⁹⁾ As a result of the enzyme deficiency, an organism may accumulate excessive protoporphyrin chemicals. When exposed to UV rays, protoporphyrin, which is photodynamic in nature, may produce reactive oxygen, which can damage internal tissues.⁽³⁾

Melanotan I, similar to endogenous α-MSH, may bind to the melanocortin receptors and possibly stimulate the production of eumelanin, which is a photoprotective compound. This eumelanin may protect tissues from any damage induced by UV exposure.⁽³⁾ Moreover, eumelanin production also reportedly contributes to increases in skin pigmentation.
 

Research and Clinical Studies

Melanotan 1 Peptide and Erythropoietic Porphyria

Three clinical trials⁽⁶⁾ were conducted to examine Melanotan's action on erythropoietic porphyria. The subjects in each of the three trials were divided into two groups, one presented with the peptide and the other with a placebo. Subjects received either the peptide or placebo every two months and were monitored for 180 days. The subjects reported the number of hours they were exposed to direct sunlight and if they experienced any pain during sunlight exposure. The outcome of this study was that the subjects who received the peptide reportedly were able to spend more time in sunlight with no pain (approximately 64 hours) compared to subjects who were presented with a placebo (approximately 40 hours).

Melanotan 1 Peptide and UV Radiation

The main aim of this clinical study⁽⁷⁾ was to study the mechanism of action of the peptide when used in combination with UV-B light or sunlight. The study was divided into three phases 1 clinical trials. In the first study, four subjects were presented the peptide, and four subjects were presented a placebo for 10 days. In the second study, 12 subjects were presented the peptide for 10 days. Seven subjects were exposed to UV irradiation, and five subjects were exposed to UV radiation. The final study was conducted in eight subjects where some half of the subjects were presented the peptide and the other a placebo. All subjects were then exposed to sunlight on their backs for 3 to 5 days per week. Researchers reported that the results across all three trials indicated that the peptide may have a positive correlation with exposure and melanin production as witnessed on a cellular level and in the subjects' relative tanning gradation.

Melanotan 1 peptide is available for research and laboratory purposes only. Please review and adhere to our Terms and Conditions before ordering.

References:

1. Rare Disease Database. National Organization for Rare Disorders. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/erythropoietic-protoporphyria/
2. Lecha, M., Puy, H., & Deybach, J. C. (2009). Erythropoietic protoporphyria. Orphanet journal of rare diseases, 4, 19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2747912/
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "PubChem Compound Summary for CID 16197727, Afamelanotide" https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Afamelanotide
4. The Role of Melanin-Concentrating Hormone in Color Change. B. Baker. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Vol 680, Issue 1. p.279-289. May 1993. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1993.tb19690.x
5. EpiTan focuses on Melanotan, a potential blockbuster. 2004 newsletter. https://www.thepharmaletter.com/article/epitan-focuses-on-melanotan-a-potential-blockbuster
6. Drug Trials Snapshots: Scenesse. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trials-snapshots-scenesse
7. Dorr RT, Ertl G, Levine N, Brooks C, Bangert JL, Powell MB, Humphrey S, Alberts DS. Effects of a superpotent melanotropic peptide in combination with solar UV radiation on tanning of the skin in human volunteers. Arch Dermatol. 2004 Jul. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15262693/
8. Van Hout MC, Brennan R. An in-depth case examination of an exotic dancer's experience of melanotan. Int J Drug Policy. 2014 May;25(3):444-50. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24280586/
9. Hooda, J., Shah, A., & Zhang, L. (2014). Heme, an essential nutrient from dietary proteins, critically impacts diverse physiological and pathological processes. Nutrients, 6(3), 1080–1102. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3967179/