Description

Order Melanotan 1 – Research Grade Melanocortin Peptide

Product Overview

When researchers order melanotan for laboratory applications, they are typically seeking Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide), a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). According to research published in ScienceDirect, Melanotan 1 was originally developed at the University of Arizona as part of a research program investigating melanocortin peptides and their role in skin pigmentation .

For UK laboratories looking to order melanotan for research purposes, Melanotan 1 differs significantly from Melanotan 2. As documented by the UK Parliament, injectable products containing Melanotan 1 or Melanotan 2 have been determined as medicinal products by the MHRA due to their similarity to the authorised medicine Scenesse . This regulatory classification means that anyone seeking to order melanotan for human use must understand the legal framework.

This research-grade Melanotan 1 is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory investigation of melanocortin receptor signalling and pigmentation pathways.

Important Notice: This product is supplied strictly for research purposes only and is not intended for human consumption or veterinary use. Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is approved in the EU and US as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare photosensitivity disorder, but this research peptide is not authorised for any human use in the UK . The MHRA has issued warnings about unregulated melanotan products sold online .

Product Specifications

Mechanism of Action

MC1R Receptor Agonism

Melanotan 1 functions as a melanocortin receptor agonist with preferential activity at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). As detailed by ACS Publications, synthetic derivatives of α-MSH such as Melanotan 1 enable researchers to study melanocortin receptor physiology and signalling pathways . When researchers order melanotan for receptor-level studies, they are investigating how MC1R activation stimulates melanin production.

Melanogenesis Pathway

According to product data from MedChemExpress, Melanotan 1 stimulates melanogenesis by mimicking α-MSH action at MC1R on melanocytes, inducing skin tanning through increased melanin synthesis . The eumelanin produced is incorporated into melanosomes and distributed to keratinocytes, where it provides photoprotective effects by absorbing UV radiation.

Receptor Selectivity vs Melanotan 2

A key distinction when researchers order melanotan is the selectivity profile. Melanotan 1 is a linear peptide with preferential MC1R activity, while Melanotan 2 is a cyclic analog with broader activity across MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R . This receptor non-selectivity is why Melanotan 2 produces off-target systemic effects including nausea, flushing, and spontaneous erections. For targeted pigmentation research, Melanotan 1 offers a more selective tool.

Research Applications

Photoprotection Research

Melanotan 1 has been studied for its potential to provide photoprotection in individuals with photosensitive disorders. According to pharmacokinetic data from PeptideDB, afamelanotide increases eumelanin biosynthesis independent of UV exposure, activating MC1R signalling to instigate antioxidant activity, DNA repair, and secretion of immunomodulatory proteins such as interleukin-10 . Laboratories that order melanotan for photobiology research can investigate these pathways.

Melanocortin Receptor Signalling Studies

Recent research published in RSC Publishing by Uppsala University researchers has employed thermal proteome profiling to characterise how melanocortin receptor agonists modulate metabolic and immune pathways, including the cAMP-PKA-CREB and PI3K/ERK pathways crucial for energy metabolism . When scientists order melanotan for signalling studies, they gain access to a well-characterised tool compound for probing these mechanisms.

Pigmentation and Melanocyte Biology

Melanotan 1 is used in dermatological research to study melanocyte function and pigment production. According to a risk profile document from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, Melanotan was developed at Arizona University in the 1980s as a potential protection against sunburn, with the synthetic hormone mimicking naturally occurring α-MSH . Researchers who order melanotan for melanocyte biology continue this line of investigation.

Regulatory and Pharmacological Research

For researchers studying regulatory frameworks around peptide therapeutics, Melanotan 1 offers a useful case study. The UK Parliament has documented that while tanning is not considered a medical purpose, injectable Melanotan 1 is classified as a medicinal product in the UK due to its similarity to Scenesse . Anyone seeking to order melanotan for research must understand this regulatory context.

Quality and Purity

Each batch of Cocer Peptides Melanotan 1 undergoes rigorous quality control:

• ≥99% purity verified by HPLC

• Mass spectrometry identity confirmation

• Batch/lot number matching the vial label

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) available on request

Independent testing has revealed that approximately 30% of sampled peptide products from unregulated sources may have mislabeling, dosing errors, or contamination issues. For researchers sourcing order melanotan materials, verifying COA documentation is essential for ensuring product integrity and experimental reproducibility.

As noted by WebMD, melanotan products sold online are not considered legal dietary or cosmetic ingredients by the FDA, and there are concerns about long-term safety including increased skin cancer risk . The MHRA has taken action when medicinal products without appropriate authorisations are identified .

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I order melanotan UK for research?

Cocer Peptides supplies research-grade Melanotan 1 with third-party COA documentation for laboratory applications. All products are shipped discreetly within the UK.

What is the difference between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2?

Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a linear peptide with preferential MC1R activity, approved as Scenesse for EPP. Melanotan 2 is a cyclic analog with broader receptor activity (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R) and no regulatory approval anywhere . When you order melanotan from a research supplier, it is important to specify which analog you require.

Is it legal to order melanotan UK?

Injectable Melanotan 1 is classified as a medicinal product in the UK by the MHRA due to its similarity to Scenesse . This research peptide is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory use. Purchasers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable UK regulations.

What purity level can I expect?

Our Melanotan 1 is provided at ≥99% purity, verified by HPLC with third-party testing.

How should Melanotan 1 be stored?

Store lyophilized powder at -20°C for long-term stability. Reconstituted material should be stored at 2–8°C and used promptly following standard laboratory protocols.

Is this product suitable for human use?

No. This product is supplied strictly for research purposes only and is not intended for human or veterinary use. The MHRA has warned that unregulated melanotan products have not been tested for safety, quality, or effectiveness .

Conclusion

Melanotan 1 represents a well-characterised research tool for investigating melanocortin receptor signalling, melanogenesis pathways, and photoprotection mechanisms. With its high-purity formulation and comprehensive quality documentation, this peptide enables researchers to study MC1R pharmacology in controlled laboratory settings. For UK laboratories seeking to order melanotan for research applications, this product offers documented composition, ≥99% purity, and batch-specific COA support. Those who order melanotan from Cocer Peptides receive a selective MC1R agonist designed for reproducible melanocortin research.

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