Research Chemical Designation & Liability
Compounds indexed in the MinMaxMuscle archive are strictly for laboratory research and development. They are NOT approved for human consumption. Theoretical dosing data is aggregated from clinical literature and must not be construed as medical instruction. Professional medical consultation is mandatory prior to any research application.
Melanotan I
Aesthetic / Tanning
Molecular Dossier
- Rank Index: 28
- Status: FDA Approved
- What does this mean?
- Molecular Structure: Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
About Melanotan I
A linear 13-amino acid analog of alpha-MSH; highly selective for the MC1 receptor and used for photoprotection and EPP research.
Clinical Focus
Photoprotection & Pigmentation
Archival Aliases
Afamelanotide, Scenesse, MT1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proper storage protocol for lyophilized peptides?
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides should be stored in a cool, dark place, ideally a freezer at -20°C for long-term stability. Exposure to light, heat, and moisture can lead to degradation. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the peptide must be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C and typically used within 30 days to ensure potency and prevent bacterial growth.
What is the role of bacteriostatic water in peptide research?
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which acts as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria. In research settings, it is the standard solvent for reconstituting peptides. Unlike sterile water, which is for single use, bacteriostatic water allows for multiple withdrawals from a vial over several weeks while maintaining a sterile environment.
What are the strict legal and safety limitations for research-grade peptides?
All products listed in this research database are intended solely for laboratory research purposes and are not for human or animal consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. As a researcher, it is your responsibility to ensure that all experimental protocols comply with local and federal regulations. These compounds are provided in lyophilized form to maintain chemical stability and must be handled by qualified professionals in a controlled environment. Any use outside of a supervised laboratory setting is strictly prohibited and violates the intended research application of these materials.
What are the potential risks of improper peptide handling in a research environment?
Improper handling of peptides can lead to rapid degradation, loss of potency, or chemical contamination. Exposure to high temperatures, direct sunlight, or physical agitation (shaking the vial) can break the delicate peptide bonds, rendering the research sample useless for data collection. Furthermore, using non-sterile solvents or failing to maintain a cold chain during transport can introduce bacterial pathogens. Researchers must prioritize aseptic techniques and precise reconstituting protocols to ensure the integrity of the experimental results and the longevity of the research material.
What is the difference between Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) and Melanotan II?
Melanotan I is a linear, 13-amino acid peptide that is highly selective for the MC1 receptor (responsible for skin pigmentation). It is FDA-approved (Scenesse) for photoprotection. Melanotan II is a cyclic, shorter 7-amino acid analog that is non-selective, also binding to MC3 and MC4 receptors. This lack of selectivity is why MT2 causes side effects like appetite suppression and increased libido, which are not typically observed with MT1.
Clinical Data Matrix
| Parameter | Clinical Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2 |
| Primary Pathway | Aesthetic / Tanning |
| Research Phase | FDA Approved |
Clinical Pros
- Highly selective receptor modulation
- Documented efficacy in Phase II trials
- Minimal systemic cross-reactivity
Research Limitations
- Limited long-term human data
- Strict storage and reconstitution requirements
- Potential for acute homeostatic feedback loops
Community Discussion
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Data Verified: 2026-04-10