Structure · schematic
Peptide chain of 13 amino acids · Melanocortin
Sequence
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂
Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid (shown truncated).
Research areas*
* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.
Mechanism of action
- Melanotan I is a linear analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with increased stability through the Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions.
- It binds predominantly to the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes and stimulates the formation of eumelanin.
- This enhances skin pigmentation, which is used for photoprotection in a medical context.
- Unlike Melanotan II, its affinity for other melanocortin receptors is lower.
Research status
- As afamelanotide (Scenesse), Melanotan I is approved in the EU and USA for treating erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) — a rare, painful light sensitivity.
- Controlled studies documented prolonged pain-free sunlight exposure.
- It is administered as a subcutaneous depot implant under medical supervision.
- Obtaining „Melanotan I“ as a tanning research chemical is clearly separate from this and not approved.
Evidence level
Cited studies
Known risks
- 01Nausea, flushing, headache (melanocortin class effect)
- 02Increased/atypical pigmentation of moles — dermatological monitoring needed
- 03With unapproved products: unknown purity and dosing
- 04Long-term safety of tanning use not established
Frequently asked questions
What is Melanotan I?
Melanotan I is a linear analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with increased stability through the Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions.
What type of peptide is Melanotan I?
Melanotan I belongs to the Melanocortin class.
Is Melanotan I legal in Germany?
Melanotan I is prescription-only in Germany and may only be obtained with a medical prescription.
Where can I buy Melanotan I?
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Melanotan I is "prescription-only" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
Is Melanotan I banned in sport (WADA)?
Melanotan I is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.
What are the known risks of Melanotan I?
Documented risks include: Nausea, flushing, headache (melanocortin class effect); Increased/atypical pigmentation of moles — dermatological monitoring needed. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is Melanotan I?
The evidence is classified as “clinically established”. 2 studies are cited on this page.
What is the molecular weight of Melanotan I?
Melanotan I has a molar mass of about 1646.8 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~30 minutes (peptide).
Which peptides are related to Melanotan I?
Closely related entries: PT-141, Melanotan II. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Related entries
Legal status
Germany
prescription-onlyAustria
prescription-onlySwitzerland
prescription-onlyEU
approved medicineUSA
prescription-onlyCanada
not approvedLegal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Sources & methodology
- 2 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
- Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature. PubChem CID 16197727
- Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.
Last editorially reviewed: 30 May 2026
Important notice
This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.
This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.
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