--- title: "MT-1 (Melanotan I) | PepTracker Pro" description: "A melanocortin receptor agonist FDA-approved (in Europe) for preventing phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com", "logo": "https://peptrackerpro.com/favicon.png", "description": "Evidence-based educational resource dedicated to improving peptide research literacy.", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "email": "hello@peptrackerpro.com", "contactType": "customer support" }, "sameAs": [] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalWebPage", "name": "MT-1 (Melanotan I)", "description": "A melanocortin receptor agonist FDA-approved (in Europe) for preventing phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria.", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/mt-1", "lastReviewed": "2026-06-26", "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro Research Team", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Peptides", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "MT-1 (Melanotan I)", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/mt-1" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "People researching melanocortin receptor pharmacology?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "MT-1 (Melanotan I) is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A melanocortin receptor agonist FDA-approved (in Europe) for preventing phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Those with EPP exploring treatment options?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "MT-1 (Melanotan I) is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A melanocortin receptor agonist FDA-approved (in Europe) for preventing phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Individuals comparing tanning peptides?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "MT-1 (Melanotan I) is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A melanocortin receptor agonist FDA-approved (in Europe) for preventing phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria." } } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main) **Educational information only.** This site does not provide medical advice. [Read full disclaimer](/disclaimer) [PepTracker Pro](/) [Home](/)[Peptides](/peptides)[Compare](/compare)[Glossary](/glossary)[Blog](/blog)[Calculators](/calculators)[Start Here](/start) [Open the App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com) [Peptides](/peptides)/ MT-1 (Melanotan I) **Research-only content.** This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. [Read full disclaimer →](/research-disclaimer) # MT-1 (Melanotan I) High Evidence A melanocortin receptor agonist FDA-approved (in Europe) for preventing phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria. Aliases Melanotan I +2 more Evidence High Evidence Last Updated 2026-06-26 Reading Time 2 min ## Table of Contents 1. [What It Is](#what-it-is) 2. [Why Researchers Study It](#why-researchers-study) 3. [Proposed Mechanisms](#proposed-mechanisms) 4. [Evidence Snapshot](#evidence-snapshot) 5. [Commonly Discussed Benefits](#benefits) 6. [Safety & Cautions](#safety) 7. [Comparisons](#comparisons) 8. [Calculator Tools](#calculator) 9. [Citations](#citations) ## What It Is Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic 13-amino acid analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that selectively targets the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) to stimulate melanogenesis. Unlike Melanotan II (which is non-selective across MC1R–MC5R), MT-1's selectivity for MC1R provides a tanning effect without the sexual side effects, appetite changes, or broader hormonal disruption associated with MC4R activation. Afamelanotide is the only melanocortin peptide to achieve regulatory approval: it is FDA-approved (brand name Scenesse) for the prevention of phototoxicity in adult patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic condition causing severe pain upon sun exposure. The drug is administered as a subcutaneous implant that releases afamelanotide over approximately 60 days. In Phase III trials for EPP, afamelanotide significantly increased the duration of sun exposure patients could tolerate without pain compared to placebo. Research is exploring additional applications including photoprotection for vitiligo patients, prevention of UV-related skin damage, and potential use in polymorphous light eruption (PMLE). A 2024 pilot study examined afamelanotide combined with narrowband UVB phototherapy for vitiligo repigmentation, with promising preliminary results. MT-1/afamelanotide is a prescription medication for EPP and is not available for cosmetic tanning purposes. Also known as: Melanotan I, Afamelanotide, Scenesse ## Why Researchers Study It MT-1 (afamelanotide) is one of the few melanocortin peptides to reach regulatory approval, providing a validated proof-of-concept for melanocortin receptor-targeted therapeutics. Its selectivity for MC1R over other melanocortin receptors makes it a cleaner pharmacological tool than MT-2, with fewer off-target effects. ## Proposed Mechanisms - Selective agonist of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes - Stimulates eumelanin synthesis, providing photoprotection independent of UV exposure - Longer half-life than endogenous α-MSH due to amino acid substitutions - Photoprotective mechanism distinct from sunscreens — increases intrinsic skin defense ## Evidence Snapshot High Evidence Low Medium High ## Commonly Discussed Benefits [Pigmentation](/benefits/pigmentation)[Skin](/benefits/skin) Researching MT-1 (Melanotan I) ? Track it, set reminders, and keep notes in the free app. [Track in App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=mt-1) ## Safety & Cautions - Approved in Europe for EPP; not FDA-approved in the US for any indication - May cause nausea, facial flushing, and headache - Unregulated versions carry quality and safety risks - Should only be used under medical supervision ## Comparisons See how MT-1 (Melanotan I) compares to related peptides: [MT-1 (Melanotan I) vs MT-2 (Melanotan II)](/compare/mt-1-vs-mt-2) [MT-1 (Melanotan I) vs PT-141](/compare/mt-1-vs-pt-141) [MT-1 (Melanotan I) vs Setmelanotide](/compare/mt-1-vs-setmelanotide) ## Calculator Tools Use our research tools to explore dosing and reconstitution data: [Reconstitution Calculator](/calculators) ## Citations 1. \[1\] Langendonk JG. et al. — Afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyria. N Engl J Med. 2015 [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) ### Keep researching in the app - Log MT-1 (Melanotan I) to your private tracker - Set a dosing reminder - Compare it side-by-side with your stack [Open PepTracker Pro Free](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=mt-1) [Browse more peptides](/peptides) ## Related Peptides ### MT-2 (Melanotan II) Medium Evidence A melanocortin receptor agonist studied for tanning, sexual function, and appetite suppression. [Pigmentation](/benefits/pigmentation)[Sexual Health](/benefits/sexual-health)[Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss) [View Details](/peptides/mt-2) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=mt-2)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=mt-2) ### PT-141 High Evidence A melanocortin receptor agonist FDA-approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. [Sexual Health](/benefits/sexual-health) [View Details](/peptides/pt-141) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=pt-141)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=pt-141) ### Setmelanotide High Evidence A once-daily subcutaneous cyclic octapeptide melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist, FDA-approved for several rare genetic and acquired forms of obesity that act through the leptin-melanocortin pathway. [rare genetic obesity]()[appetite regulation]()[weight management]() [View Details](/peptides/setmelanotide) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=setmelanotide)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=setmelanotide) [PepTracker Pro](/) Educational peptide information and research tracking tools. 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