Melanotan 1, also known as afamelanotide, is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It is a linear peptide composed of 13 amino acids with the molecular formula C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉ and a molecular weight of 1646.85 g/mol. Its CAS registry number is 75921-69-6. The “linear” designation means the amino acid chain is arranged in a straight sequence without any internal ring or bridge structures, in contrast to its cyclic counterpart Melanotan 2.

Melanotan 1 was first synthesized in the 1980s by modifying the natural alpha-MSH sequence to create a more chemically stable version with greater resistance to enzymatic degradation. It is classified as a melanocortin receptor agonist with high selectivity for the MC1R (melanocortin-1 receptor) subtype. The compound is supplied as a white to off-white lyophilized powder that dissolves readily in water.

This product is strictly for research purposes only. Not approved for human or animal use.

PubChem Reference: View compound profile on NIH PubChem