MELANOTAN 1

Description

Melanotan 1 Peptide
Melanotan 1 is a synthetic peptide similar to the endogenous alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH).(1) Melanotan 1 comprises 13 amino acids, the same as α-MSH, but differs by only two amino acids from the endogenous peptide hormone. This structural difference is why researchers suggest the synthetic peptide may exert a higher affinity towards the target cells and boast a longer half-life. According to research, the two notable modifications include the substitution of methionine and L-phenylalanine at the fourth and seventh positions with norleucine and D-phenylalanine, respectively.(1)
Overview
Melanotan 1 appears to mimic the function of the endogenous α-MSH and may bind to the melanocortin receptors to stimulate the production of eumelanin, a photoprotective compound. This eumelanin may protect tissues from any damage induced by UV exposure.(1) Moreover, eumelanin production also reportedly contributes to increasing levels of pigmentation in skin cells.