CG Labz
Peptide Library / Skin & Hair / Cosmetic

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)

α-MSH analog (NDP-MSH)

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) Research Protocol

Complete Research Guide 4 min read1 peer-reviewed references

Quickstart Overview

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear α-MSH analog that selectively activates the MC1R melanocortin receptor to stimulate melanogenesis (tanning). Unlike Melanotan II it is MC1R-selective, so it drives pigmentation without the libido and nausea effects of the non-selective analog.

Reconstitution
Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to a 10 mg vial → 5 mg/mL
Literature Range
250–500 mcg per administration
Measuring Reference
At 5 mg/mL: 250 mcg = 0.05 mL = 5 units
Frequency
Daily (loading) → 2×/week
Route (studies)
Subcutaneous
Target
MC1R selective

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
—
Molecular Weight
1646.8 Da
Sequence
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
Sequence Length
44
CAS
Research compound
Peptide Family
Melanocortin agonist
Half-life
Refer to published literature
Solubility
Bacteriostatic water, sterile saline
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 2–4 weeks.
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Standard: 10 mg vial · 2 mL diluent

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Interactive Reconstitution
Adjust vial size, diluent and target dose. Results update live.
Full Precision Calculator →
Concentration
5.00 mg/mL
Draw Volume
0.100 mL
Syringe Units
10.0 U
Doses / Vial
20

Units assume a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). MC1R-selective — tans without MT-II's libido/appetite effects.

Frequency: Daily then 2×/week

Reconstitution Steps

  1. 1Allow the lyophilized vial and bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature (~15 min).
  2. 2Swab both vial stoppers with a fresh 70% isopropyl alcohol pad and let them dry.
  3. 3Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a mixing syringe.
  4. 4Insert at an angle and let the water run slowly down the glass wall — never directly onto the powder.
  5. 5Gently swirl (do not shake) until the solution is completely clear.
  6. 6Label with date and concentration (mg/mL) and refrigerate at 2–8 °C immediately.

Supplies Needed

Planning example for a 8-week protocol at approximately 500 mcg per day.

Peptide (10 mg vials)
Estimate vials from total mass: 500 mcg/day × 56 days.
Bacteriostatic Water
One 10–30 mL vial typically covers a full cycle.
Insulin Syringes (U-100)
One per administration (29–31 G, 0.3–0.5 mL).
Alcohol Swabs
Two per administration (vial + site).
Sharps Container
Required for safe disposal.

Protocol Overview

Goal
Model MC1R-driven photoprotective melanogenesis.
Schedule
Daily loading, then maintenance.
Dose Range
250–500 mcg/dose.

Dosing Protocol

Loading
250–500 mcg daily until desired pigmentation
Maintenance
250–500 mcg 2×/week
Frequency
Daily loading then 2×/week
Cycle Length
Until target tan, then maintain
Timing
Evening; some UV exposure accelerates tanning
Route
Subcutaneous

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized
−20 °C long term (18–24 months); stable at room temperature for short transit.
Reconstituted
2–8 °C refrigerated; use within 4 weeks.
Light
Protect from direct light; keep in the original carton.
Freeze/Thaw
Avoid repeat freeze–thaw cycles after reconstitution.

Important Notes

  • Monitor moles and pigmented lesions — melanocortin agonists darken them.
  • Pigmentation is UV-independent but UV can accelerate it.

How This Works

Melanotan I binds MC1R on melanocytes, raising cAMP and stimulating production of eumelanin — the photoprotective pigment. The resulting tan is UV-independent and offers some protection against UV damage, which is why afamelanotide is clinically approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Its MC1R selectivity avoids the MC4R-mediated sexual and appetite effects of Melanotan II.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Reported in research
  • UV-independent melanogenesis (tanning)
  • Photoprotection against UV damage
  • MC1R-selective — fewer off-target effects than MT-II
  • Clinically approved (as afamelanotide) for EPP
Possible considerations
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Transient nausea or flushing (less than MT-II)
  • Darkening of existing moles/freckles
  • Monitor pigmented lesions over time

Lifestyle Factors

  • Adequate hydration and 7–9 h of sleep are standard controls in most research protocols.
  • Consistent dose timing improves the reliability of any self-tracked endpoints.
  • Maintain a clean, sterile workflow for every draw to avoid contamination.

Injection Technique

  1. 1Wash hands, then prep the vial top and the target site with separate alcohol swabs.
  2. 2Pinch a subcutaneous skin fold (abdomen, ~2 inches from the navel) and insert at 45–90°.
  3. 3Depress the plunger slowly over 3–5 seconds, hold 5 seconds, then withdraw.
  4. 4Rotate sites each administration and dispose of the syringe in a sharps container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party HPLC testing

CG Labz Verified Batches

No published batches yet.

Research Disclaimer

All compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research. Dosing figures below summarize ranges reported in published preclinical and clinical literature for reference purposes only. CG Labz does not provide medical advice or individualized dosing recommendations.

Peer-reviewed literature

References

  1. [1] New England Journal of Medicine
    Langendonk J.G. et al. Afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
    View Source