
High Purity Melanotan Peptide is a synthetic structural analog of endogenous α-MSH, mainly applied to laboratory research targeting melanogenesis and MC1R signaling pathways. This peptide carries N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation modifications, plus critical amino acid substitutions of norleucine (Nle) and D-phenylalanine. These structural tweaks greatly improve its biochemical stability, rendering it ideal for in vitro testing as well as pigment pathway investigations using cell cultures and animal study models.
This peptide is manufactured using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and is available as either bulk raw powder or custom lyophilized vials. We can also arrange additional analytical testing on request, including purity, peptide assay/content, endotoxin, and residual solvent evaluation.
As a professional Chinese manufacturer specializing in melanotan peptides, Medibridge Biotech accepts large-volume bulk orders with competitive wholesale rates. We also provide flexible customization for vial specifications and maintain sufficient in-stock goods for fast delivery.Should you require information on our latest preferential offers, or intend to procure factory-direct raw materials manufactured in China, feel free to reach out to us for full details.
COA
|
Item |
Standard |
Results |
|
Purity |
≥98% |
99.37% |
|
Peptide Assay |
≥80% |
89.50% |
|
Mass Spectrum |
1646.85 |
1646.85 |
|
Solubility |
Soluble in water |
Complies |
|
Clarity and color of solution |
Clear and colorless |
Complies |
|
salt |
<5.0% |
1.89% |
|
Water |
≤7.0% |
3.25% |
|
Residual Solvent: |
|
|
|
Methanol |
≤0.3% |
0.02% |
|
Acetonitrile |
≤0.041% |
0.032% |
|
Methylene Chloride |
≤0.06% |
0.033% |
|
N,N-Dimethylformamide |
≤0.088% |
N.D. |
|
Triethylamine |
≤0.032% |
N.D. |
|
Tert-butyl methyl ether |
≤0.5% |
0.32% |
|
Endotoxin |
≤0.5 EU/mg |
Complies |
|
Microbial Limit |
Total aerobic bacteria <100 CFU/g |
<50 CFU/g |
|
Total yeast & mold <50 CFU/g |
<10 CFU/g |
|
|
Storage |
Keep in dark and cool dry place (-20 to 8°C) |
|
|
Conclusion |
The batch conforms to the IN-HOUSE standard |
|
|
|
||
Specifications (for research use only)
| Form | Sample Order | Specification |
| Raw powder | 1 g | Purity is NLT 99% |
| Vials | 10 vials | 3ml/5ml/7ml/15ml vials etc. |
Mechanism of action of Melanotan

High Purity Melanotan Peptide(afamelanotide, NDP-α-MSH) is an α‑MSH analog used as a probe of melanocortin receptor signaling, with pigment biology driven mainly by MC1R on melanocytes. MC1R is a GPCR that couples primarily to Gs, activating adenylate cyclase and increasing intracellular cAMP. Elevated cAMP activates PKA/CREB signaling and supports a MITF‑centered transcriptional program, upregulating melanogenic enzymes (e.g., TYR, DCT/TYRP2, and related pathway components), promoting melanosome maturation and increasing melanin output-often shifting toward a more photoprotective eumelanin phenotype. Functionally, this pathway underpins experimental readouts such as cAMP accumulation, MITF/TYR/DCT expression (qPCR/Western), and melanin quantification, and it provides a mechanistic basis for studying photoprotection and light‑tolerance biology. Because melanocortin peptides can show cross‑subtype activity, receptor profiling commonly includes MC3R/MC4R panels to separate pigment effects from potential neuroendocrine/metabolic signaling.
Melanotan is an α-MSH analog that primarily acts by binding to melanocortin receptors, especially MC1R on melanocytes. This interaction activates the cAMP signaling pathway, promotes melanin synthesis, and supports a shift toward a more photoprotective pigmentation response. In research, it is commonly used in studies of melanogenesis, pigment regulation, and melanocortin receptor signaling.
Typical scenarios
Melanotan peptide, particularly Melanotan I / Afamelanotide (NDP-α-MSH), is a synthetic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that acts primarily through activation of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes. Upon receptor binding, MC1R couples to the Gs–adenylate cyclase pathway, leading to increased intracellular cAMP levels, activation of PKA/CREB signaling, and upregulation of melanogenesis-related transcriptional programs centered on MITF, with downstream induction of enzymes such as TYR, TYRP1, and DCT. This signaling cascade promotes melanin synthesis, melanosome maturation, and a shift toward a more photoprotective eumelanin-dominant phenotype. Because of this mechanism, Melanotan peptide is classically used in research on melanogenesis, MC1R signaling, photoprotection biology, and pigment-related skin disorders. Typical application scenarios include in vitro melanocyte assays, cell-based cAMP and gene-expression studies, UV-response and oxidative-stress models, vitiligo-related repigmentation research, and photodermatosis studies such as those involving light tolerance and pigment-mediated skin protection. In experimental settings, it is also used as a pharmacological tool to investigate how melanocortin signaling influences pigment production, skin adaptation to UV exposure, and broader melanocortin receptor biology.
Application Areas
Photodermatoses (EPP, polymorphic light eruption)
Afamelanotide has been clinically evaluated as a photoprotective approach in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), where the primary functional endpoint is pain‑free sunlight exposure recorded prospectively (patient diaries) together with phototoxicity event metrics. In a randomized, placebo‑controlled phase 3 study in EPP (afamelanotide implant; Langendonk et al., NEJM 2015), treatment was associated with a significant increase in pain‑free sun exposure and an acceptable safety profile.


Skin photoprotection and cancer‑risk research
As a translational model of "sunless tanning," afamelanotide is used to study how melanin density and distribution alter UV/visible‑light tolerance and photodamage biology. Mechanistically, the hypothesis is that increased eumelanin can reduce oxidative stress and DNA photolesions; however, direct clinical evidence for reduced actinic keratoses or non‑melanoma skin cancer incidence is not established from large outcome trials, so this area remains largely mechanism‑driven and biomarker‑driven.
Pigmentary loss disorders
In vitiligo research, afamelanotide has been explored as an adjunct to light‑based therapy (commonly narrowband UVB) to test whether MC1R activation can accelerate or deepen repigmentation in responsive lesions. Typical endpoints include repigmented area (%) by standardized photography and investigator global assessment, plus time‑to‑onset of repigmentation in treated body sites .


Receptor signaling mechanism
At the molecular level, afamelanotide is an α‑MSH analog used to probe MC1R‑biased melanocytic signaling, typically quantified by cAMP accumulation assays and downstream melanogenic gene/protein readouts (TYR, DCT, MITF) in melanocytes or MC1R‑expressing cell lines. Because melanocortin peptides can show cross‑subtype activity, receptor profiling experiments often include MC3R/MC4R panels to separate pigment biology from potential neuroendocrine/metabolic signaling effects.
Research Boundary
For laboratory research use only (RUO): permitted for in‑vitro assays, analytical method development, receptor pharmacology (e.g., MC1R/cAMP), and preclinical exploratory studies conducted under approved institutional protocols.
Not for human use: not intended for diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, or prevention of any disease; no clinical administration and no patient-specific recommendations.
No animal use without approvals: any in‑vivo work must follow local regulations and ethics review (IACUC/ethics committee), with appropriate safety monitoring and endpoints.
No performance claims beyond data: do not market or label as "therapeutic," "safe," or "effective"; avoid implying reduced cancer incidence or clinical benefit without qualified clinical outcome evidence.
Quality scope: "high purity" refers to analytical purity/identity (e.g., HPLC, MS) of the material supplied; it does not imply GMP drug substance suitability unless explicitly contracted and documented.
Worry-free After-sales Service
Shaanxi Medibridge is committed to supplying consistently high-quality, high-purity Melanotan peptide for research use. For every order-whether from new or returning clients-we provide batch-specific testing support, and each lot is accompanied by a laboratory-issued Certificate of Analysis (COA). If a batch does not meet the stated specifications, Shaanxi Medibridge will take responsibility for the associated costs, including shipping, product replacement, and reasonable third-party testing fees.
In addition, we accept custom manufacturing requests for kilogram-scale raw powder and can tailor vial presentations for research-use-only applications.
FAQ
Does melanotan cause fat loss?
Melanotan has shown fat-loss effects in animal studies, but human evidence remains limited.
Does Melanotan darken your hair?
Yes, Melanotan can affect eye color.
Is melanotan permanent?
Melanotan is not permanent, but its skin-darkening effects can last for months or even up to a year.
How long does it take to see melanotan 1 results?
Melanotan 1 results are usually noticeable within 2 to 4 weeks, with fuller tanning often appearing by weeks 4 to 8.
How long is Melanotan good for?
Melanotan's tanning effects usually last about 4 to 8 weeks after stopping use, fading gradually over time.
Vehicle control, α‑MSH reference, and an inactive/scrambled peptide where applicable; include baseline pigmentation controls
Do I have to keep Melanotan in the fridge?
Yes, reconstituted Melanotan should be refrigerated and is best used within 1 to 2 weeks.
Vehicle control, α‑MSH reference, and an inactive/scrambled peptide where applicable; include baseline pigmentation control
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