Melanotan I

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It is approved in some jurisdictions as a subcutaneous implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria and is studied for skin photoprotection.

Selective agonism at MC1R stimulates eumelanin synthesis in melanocytes, darkening the skin and increasing UV resistance without the strong MC3R/MC4R effects associated with Melanotan II.

Store the sealed lyophilized vial at 2-8 °C, protected from light; brief exposure to room temperature during shipping is generally tolerated. Refrigerate after reconstitution at 2-8 °C and use within the period supported by stability data for the substance (typically 2-4 weeks). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles: each cycle increases the risk of aggregation and hydrolysis of the peptide bond. Do not shake the vial; swirl gently and direct the liquid stream against the glass wall rather than at the powder cake.

• Sealed lyophilized vial, stored as supplied
• Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) for reconstitution
• Insulin syringes (29-31G, 0.5 mL / 100 units)
• Reconstitution syringe (1-3 mL, 21-23G needle)
• 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs
• Sharps container for used needles
• Labels and a logbook for batch, date and volume

Clinical studies report increased melanin synthesis and improved photoprotection in porphyria. Side effects are generally milder than with Melanotan II and include injection site reactions, headache and nausea. Attention remains on pigment lesions and long-term pigmentation.

Wash your hands, then disinfect the vial septum and the injection site with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allow both to air dry. Draw up the intended volume, remove air bubbles and pinch a subcutaneous skin fold. Insert at a 45-90° angle depending on fat thickness, aspiration is not required for subcutaneous administration, and inject slowly. Withdraw the needle, apply light pressure and discard the needle in a sharps container. Rotate injection sites systematically (abdominal quadrants, flanks, thighs) to prevent lipohypertrophy and local irritation.

Peptide research protocols are studied against a background of adequate protein intake (approximately 1.6-2.2 g/kg/day in the training literature), consistent sleep of 7-9 hours, and controlled training load. Sleep deprivation and chronic psychological stress both dampen growth hormone pulsatility and disrupt tissue remodeling, complicating the interpretation of any observed effect. Alcohol, smoking and large caloric deficits are likewise documented modifiers of recovery outcomes.

1. Dorr R.T. et al. Evaluation of melanotan-I, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide. Life Sci, 1996.
2. Langan E.A. et al. Melanotropic peptides: more than just barbie drugs. Br J Dermatol, 2010.
3. Minder E.A. et al. Afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyria. N Engl J Med, 2015.