Peptide
Reference library
Educational peptide reference — research use only.
Research & educational use only
For laboratory and educational research only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. This is not medical advice. Always follow applicable laws and consult qualified professionals.
The calculator performs unit math for research reference. It must not be used to plan or guide dosing in humans or animals. Verify all figures independently in your lab protocol.
Melanotan I (MT-1)
A melanocortin receptor agonist studied in photoprotection research.
- Half-life (approx.)
- ~50 min (approx.)
- Diluent
- Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)
- Common vials
- 10 mg
Half-life figures are literature approximations for educational reference — not pharmacokinetic advice.
Overview
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is an α-MSH analog approved in some regions for erythropoietic protoporphyria photoprotection research. It stimulates eumelanin production with a milder CNS side-effect profile than MT-II in comparative studies. Selective MC1R agonist afamelanotide — narrower receptor profile than MT-2.
Structure & identity
α-MSH analog Nle-D-Phe-α-MSH
- Sequence / structure
- α-MSH analog Nle-D-Phe-α-MSH
Status: Afamelanotide approved in EU for EPP.
Mechanism
Afamelanotide approved in EU for EPP.
Selective MC1R agonist stimulating eumelanin production for photoprotection research. Eumelanin induction for photoprotection studied in EPP and UV-damage models.
Studies & clinical programs
EPP phototoxicity trials
Published research models
- Peer-reviewed literature documents endpoints under EPP phototoxicity trials experimental designs.
Melanin density spectroscopy
Published research models
- Peer-reviewed literature documents endpoints under Melanin density spectroscopy experimental designs.
Research models in literature
- EPP phototoxicity trials
- Melanin density spectroscopy
Literature highlights
- Selective MC1R agonist (afamelanotide) studied in erythropoietic protoporphyria phototoxicity trials.
- Eumelanin density measured via spectroscopy in photoprotection research.
- Approved in EU for EPP — distinct from broader-spectrum melanocortin analogs.
Key targets & pathways
Research areas
Routes in research literature
Also known as
Stability & storage phases
| Phase | Condition | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | Sealed vial, refrigerated (2–8 °C) | Intact lyophilized cake or powder is typically stable for months to years per published stability data; protect from moisture, light, and repeated freeze-thaw of the dry vial. |
| Reconstituted | Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol), refrigerated | Most aqueous peptide solutions remain usable for approximately 2–4 weeks refrigerated; verify published stability data and label with reconstitution date. |
| Working aliquots | Pre-drawn syringes or microtubes, frozen (−20 °C) | Aliquot promptly after mixing to limit freeze-thaw cycles on the main vial; thaw once and use to reduce protease-mediated degradation. |
Stability windows are formulation-dependent — verify published data and your lab SOP.
Reconstitution reference table
| Vial (mg) | Diluent (mL) | mcg/mL | Units @ 100 mcg | Units @ 250 mcg | Units @ 500 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2 | 5000.0 | 2 | 5 | 10 |
U-100 insulin syringe scale (100 units = 1 mL). Illustrative only — not dosing guidance.
Reconstitution steps
- Allow vial to reach room temperature (15–30 min)
- Swab rubber stopper with alcohol prep pad
- Draw calculated bacteriostatic water into syringe
- Inject diluent slowly down vial wall — do not spray directly onto cake
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously
- Label with date, concentration, and diluent volume
- Refrigerate and use within your lab stability window
Reconstituted per research protocol; formulation varies by published formulation.
Laboratory record checklist
- Compound identity recorded in lab notebook (name, lot, preparation date)
- Analytical identity cross-checked against published sequence or structure
- Potency or concentration documented from analytical certificate when available
- Purity or HPLC data filed when provided with research material
- Appearance noted: intact lyophilized cake or uniform powder
- Sterility / endotoxin report archived when available
- Storage temperature applied immediately per published stability guidance