Description
MT-1 (Melanotan I), also known as afamelanotide, is a synthetic version of alpha-MSH — the body’s natural pigmentation-controlling hormone — with two structural modifications that make it bind more strongly to its receptor and last longer in the body. It works by activating melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour and provides protection against UV radiation. It is one of the most extensively studied melanocortin receptor agonists in dermatological research.
What the research has found
• Clinical studies in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria — a rare genetic condition causing severe light sensitivity — showed that afamelanotide implants significantly increased the amount of pain-free time patients could spend in sunlight compared to placebo. Skin biopsies confirmed substantially increased melanin content in the epidermis, validating the mechanism (Harms et al., 2009)
• In vitro studies demonstrated MT-1 stimulates melanin production in cultured melanocytes at concentrations approximately 100 times lower than native α-MSH, consistent with its much stronger receptor binding affinity conferred by the structural modifications (Hartmeyer et al., 1999)
• Research examining differences in melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) variants — which are common genetic variations affecting natural tanning ability — showed differential melanin production responses to MT-1 depending on the receptor variant present, making it a useful research tool for studying the functional consequences of MC1R genetics (Hadley & Dorr, 2006)
• Beyond pigmentation, MT-1 also binds MC3R and MC4R receptors, opening research directions into its effects on inflammation, energy regulation, and pain signalling (Hartmeyer et al., 1999)
For research use only. Not intended for use in humans or animals.
References
Hadley, M. E., & Dorr, R. T. (2006). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16472303/
Harms, J., et al. (2009). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19587338/
Hartmeyer, M., et al. (1999). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10384685/
















