23/09/2026 · Blog

Melanotan I (MT-1) Research Peptide: Understanding MC1R Research, Identity and Quality

Melanotan I MT-1 peptide 10mg vial for research use

Search for Melanotan I (MT-1) and several terms quickly appear together: alpha-MSH, MC1R, melanogenesis, pigmentation research and afamelanotide.

They are related — but they are not interchangeable.

For laboratories and biotechnology buyers, understanding those distinctions is important before evaluating a Melanotan I research peptide.

What Is Melanotan I (MT-1)?

Melanotan I is a synthetic peptide associated with research into the melanocortin signaling system.

Common identifiers for research sourcing include:

  • Product: Melanotan I (MT-1)
  • CAS: 75921-69-6
  • Molecular formula: C78H111N21O19
  • Molecular weight: 1646.9 g/mol
  • Research category: Alpha-MSH / melanocortin-related peptide
  • Typical research form: Lyophilized powder

Melanocortin research is particularly associated with the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), which is expressed by melanocytes and plays an important role in pigmentation biology.

This explains why search terms such as MC1R agonist research, alpha-MSH analog, melanogenesis research and pigmentation peptide research frequently appear alongside Melanotan I.

Melanotan I and Afamelanotide: Why the Distinction Matters

One of the most common sources of confusion in online search results is the relationship between Melanotan I and afamelanotide.

Afamelanotide is an alpha-MSH analogue used as the active ingredient in the approved pharmaceutical product SCENESSE.

That regulatory status should not be transferred to research materials sold under the name Melanotan I.

A research-grade MT-1 peptide and an authorized finished pharmaceutical product differ in regulatory status, formulation, manufacturing controls, intended use and clinical authorization.

For research buyers, keeping those categories separate is essential.

Why Is MC1R Important in Melanotan I Research?

MC1R is part of the melanocortin receptor family.

Scientific research has linked MC1R signaling with melanocyte biology, melanin synthesis and other cellular responses associated with the melanocortin system.

That makes Melanotan I peptide research relevant to experimental areas including:

  • melanocortin receptor biology;
  • MC1R signaling;
  • melanocyte research;
  • peptide–receptor interactions;
  • pigmentation pathway research;
  • alpha-MSH analogue research.

These research areas should not be interpreted as claims that an unapproved research peptide is suitable for cosmetic or therapeutic use.

What Should Buyers Check in a Melanotan I Supplier?

The peptide name alone does not establish research-material quality.

Professional buyers evaluating an MT-1 peptide supplier should consider several analytical and documentation factors.

HPLC Purity

Melanotan I HPLC testing can provide information about peptide purity and related components.

Whenever possible, the reported result should relate to the actual production batch rather than a generic website specification.

Peptide Identity

Purity does not automatically prove molecular identity.

Research laboratories may therefore consider identity-related analytical information alongside the HPLC result.

Batch-Specific COA

A Melanotan I COA should ideally identify the relevant batch and its applicable test results.

Traceable documentation helps connect the physical research material with the analytical data supplied by the manufacturer.

Storage and Handling

Lyophilized research peptides should be handled according to the applicable product specification and Safety Data Sheet.

Sunone lists its Melanotan I research material for storage at 2–8°C, protected from light.

Sunone Melanotan I Research Peptide

Sunone (Hong Kong) Biopharmaceutical International Technology Co., Limited supplies Melanotan I (MT-1) for qualified laboratory, analytical and manufacturing research applications.

Current product information includes:

  • CAS 75921-69-6
  • ≥99% HPLC specification
  • Lyophilized peptide format
  • 5 mg and 10 mg research formats
  • Certificate of Analysis availability
  • Safety Data Sheet
  • Product specification documentation
  • B2B quotation support

View the complete Sunone Melanotan I (MT-1) research peptide specifications.

For biotechnology organizations comparing a Melanotan I supplier or peptide manufacturer, identity, purity, batch documentation and traceability should be considered alongside commercial factors such as quantity, lead time and manufacturing capacity.

Final Perspective

Melanotan I sits at the intersection of alpha-MSH analogue research, MC1R biology and peptide analytical science.

The large amount of consumer-oriented information online can make the subject confusing, especially when Melanotan I, Melanotan II and afamelanotide are discussed as though they were identical products.

For professional research sourcing, a more useful set of questions is straightforward:

What is the molecular identity?
Is purity supported by analytical data?
Does the COA correspond to the supplied batch?
Is the material clearly designated for research use?

Those questions provide a stronger basis for laboratory procurement than consumer claims or online anecdotes.


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For research and manufacturing use only. Products are supplied to qualified businesses in compliance with the laws and regulations of the destination country. Not intended for personal, diagnostic, or therapeutic use unless duly registered and authorized.