All peptides offered by 1stPharma are produced through the lyophilization (freeze-drying) process, a method that preserves molecular stability during handling and transport for approximately 3–4 months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the solution must be stored under refrigeration to maintain integrity, where it generally remains viable for up to 30 days. Lyophilization, also referred to as cryodesiccation, is a specialized dehydration technique in which the compound is frozen and then placed under reduced pressure. This causes the frozen water content to sublimate directly from solid ice to vapor, leaving behind a stable, crystalline peptide powder. The resulting white, porous material can be kept at room temperature until reconstitution is required. After delivery, peptides should be safeguarded from light exposure and stored in a cool environment. For short-term use spanning several days to weeks, refrigeration at or below 4°C (39°F) is recommended. While lyophilized peptides may remain structurally intact at room temperature for weeks, cold storage provides added assurance of stability for ongoing research. For extended preservation lasting months or years, ultra-low freezing is preferred. Storage at –80°C (–112°F) offers the most reliable option for maintaining peptide quality and consistency over long durations. For detailed guidance on peptide handling and storage protocols, please refer to: Peptide Storage Information – 1stPharma.com For extended preservation, particularly for storage spanning multiple months to years, peptides are best kept in ultra-low freezers at approximately –80°C (–112°F). Under these long-term conditions, structural stability is maximized, ensuring peptides retain their quality and suitability for future research applications.
Overview
Melanotan 1 is a synthetic peptide similar to the endogenous α‑melanocyte‑stimulating hormone (α‑MSH). It comprises 13 amino acids and differs by two residues from α‑MSH. These substitutions—methionine→norleucine (position 4) and L‑phenylalanine→D‑phenylalanine (position 7)—are proposed to increase receptor affinity and extend half‑life. Melanotan 1 mimics α‑MSH by binding melanocortin receptors to stimulate eumelanin production, which may enhance photoprotection against UV‑induced damage and increase skin pigmentation.
Chemical Makeup
Molecular Formula: C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉
Molecular Weight: 1646.87 g/mol
Other Known Titles: MT1; afamelanotide
Melanotan 1 and the Melanocortin System
Melanotan 1 is hypothesized to act via melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R): MC1R (melanocytes; melanin synthesis), MC2R (adrenal cortex; cortisol production), MC3R (brain/placenta; energy homeostasis), MC4R (CNS; energy balance and sexual behavior), and MC5R (widely expressed; roles in exocrine function). Melanotan 1 appears most specific for MC1R, enhancing melanin production and visible pigmentation even with minimal sunlight exposure.
Melanotan 1 and MC1R
MC1R is a Gs protein‑coupled receptor on melanocytes. Activation elevates cAMP via adenylyl cyclase, which can upregulate MITF and enzymes for eumelanin synthesis. This signaling is linked to pigmentation, increased UV resistance, and support for nucleotide excision repair (NER) of UV‑induced DNA lesions. Melanotan 1 may increase cAMP and thereby promote melanogenesis and DNA repair. MC1R loss‑of‑function polymorphisms correlate with lighter skin, higher UV sensitivity, and less efficient melanization, underscoring the pathway’s relevance.
Melanotan 1 and Inflammation
α‑MSH analog studies suggest anti‑inflammatory and anti‑fibrogenic potential. In murine models of liver fibrosis, analogs appeared to reverse established fibrosis and mitigate pro‑inflammatory/fibrogenic gene expression. Proposed mechanisms include increasing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, reducing tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), and downregulating α‑SMA, COX‑2, TGF‑β1, collagen α1, and select adhesion molecules. These data point to modulation of extracellular matrix turnover and inflammatory signaling.
Melanotan 1 and Erythropoietic Porphyria
Across three clinical trials, bi‑monthly exposure over 180 days was associated with increased sunlight tolerance: peptide‑exposed cohorts reported substantially longer pain‑free sun‑exposure times versus placebo. These findings align with a photoprotective role consistent with enhanced eumelanin production.
Melanotan 1 and UV Radiation
Phase 1 trials pairing peptide exposure with controlled UV‑B irradiation reported a positive correlation between Melanotan 1 and melanin production—observed both at cellular readouts and in visible tanning grades. Results suggest Melanotan 1 augments tanning responses and melanin synthesis under UV stimulus.
| Packing |
10mg |
|---|
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.