Melanotan 1 Injectable
Melanotan 1 5 mg contains afamelanotide, a synthetic 13-amino-acid analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Its sequence incorporates norleucine and D-phenylalanine substitutions that confer resistance to enzymatic degradation and increase receptor binding affinity. Afamelanotide acts as a potent agonist at the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), stimulating eumelanin production in melanocytes and increasing skin pigmentation.
In medical practice, afamelanotide is FDA-approved as **SCENESSE**, a 16 mg subcutaneous implant administered every 60 days for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). EPP is a rare genetic disorder causing severe phototoxic pain upon light exposure; afamelanotide increases pain-free sun exposure time and improves quality of life. The approved formulation is a controlled-release implant, **not** a lyophilized powder for reconstitution and injection.
In bodybuilding and cosmetic tanning contexts, Melanotan 1 is referenced anecdotally for skin darkening. However, the FDA has explicitly warned against unapproved injectable tanning peptides, citing risks including nausea, flushing, mole darkening that can obscure melanoma detection, and unknown long-term safety. The Dragon Pharma product is a research-grade lyophilized powder, not a pharmaceutical implant, and **no human safety or efficacy data exists for this formulation**. Such use falls outside approved indications.
Research Properties of Melanotan 1 5 mg
- Synthetic α-MSH analogue with norleucine and D-phenylalanine substitutions
- Potent MC1R agonist stimulating eumelanin synthesis
- FDA-approved as SCENESSE implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria
- Demonstrated photoprotective effects in Phase 3 clinical trials
- Lyophilized powder format for research applications
MC1R Agonist Peptide
Melanotan 1 belongs to the melanocortin peptide family, which includes α-MSH, ACTH, and synthetic analogues. Afamelanotide is a linear 13-amino-acid peptide with the sequence Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2. The norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7 confer resistance to proteolytic degradation and enhance MC1R binding compared to native α-MSH.
The peptide's mechanism is photoprotective rather than disease-modifying. By activating MC1R on melanocytes, afamelanotide drives eumelanin synthesis in the epidermis. Eumelanin absorbs and scatters UV and visible light, reducing photon penetration to dermal layers where protoporphyrin IX accumulates in EPP patients. This increases the threshold of light exposure before phototoxic pain begins.
Pharmacokinetic studies show that afamelanotide has a short terminal half-life of approximately 1.3 hours after subcutaneous injection, with predominant renal elimination. The approved SCENESSE implant provides sustained release over 60 days, with plasma levels undetectable by day 14 post-implantation while pharmacodynamic effects persist for weeks to months. The Dragon Pharma lyophilized powder does not replicate this controlled-release profile.
Defining Characteristic
Selective MC1R Activation
Unlike Melanotan 2, which binds multiple melanocortin receptors, Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) has preferential MC1R activity. This selectivity underlies its better tolerability profile compared to Melanotan 2.
Melanotan 1 5 mg vs Other Dragon Pharma Preparations
Dragon Pharma offers several peptides referenced in pigmentation and photoprotection research. Melanotan 2 is a cyclic α-MSH analogue with broader melanocortin receptor activity, including MC3R and MC4R, which contributes to its increased side effect profile. Melanotan 1's linear structure and MC1R selectivity distinguish it from Melanotan 2. These compounds are sometimes referenced together in tanning research contexts but have different receptor selectivity and safety profiles.
Typical Dosage Ranges
No validated human dosing protocol exists for the lyophilized powder formulation. The FDA-approved SCENESSE implant delivers 16 mg over 60 days via subcutaneous implantation. Clinical trials used 16 mg implants every 60 days for 180-270 days. Community protocols for reconstituted Melanotan 1 reference subcutaneous injections of 0.5-2 mg every other day during loading phases, but these are anecdotal, not derived from controlled trials, and not comparable to the approved implant pharmacokinetics.
| Use Case |
Common Reference Range |
Frequency |
| FDA-approved implant (SCENESSE) |
16 mg implant |
Every 60 days |
| Clinical trial protocol |
16 mg implant |
Every 60 days for 180-270 days |
| Community protocol (unverified) |
0.5-2 mg |
Every other day during loading |
Reconstitution & Handling
Melanotan 1 5 mg is supplied as a lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution. Bacteriostatic Water is commonly referenced for reconstituting research peptides. A 5 mg vial reconstituted with 1 mL yields a concentration of 5 mg/mL; with 2 mL yields 2.5 mg/mL. Afamelanotide is freely soluble in water. Add solvent slowly along the vial wall and swirl gently. Do not shake. Store reconstituted solution at 2-8°C and protect from light.
Stacking & Research Considerations
In community tanning contexts, Melanotan 1 is sometimes referenced alongside Melanotan 2 or other pigmentation agents. However, no controlled studies have examined the safety or efficacy of these combinations. The FDA has explicitly warned against unapproved injectable tanning peptides due to risks of contamination, incorrect dosing, and unknown long-term effects.
Important
Individual Response Varies
The information above is for educational reference and does not constitute medical advice. The Dragon Pharma lyophilized powder is not FDA-approved for human use.
Important Safety Information
The approved SCENESSE implant has a favorable safety profile in EPP patients, with the most common adverse reactions being implant site reactions (21% vs 10% vehicle) and nausea. Real-world studies confirm sustained efficacy and safety over multiple years of treatment. However, these data apply to the pharmaceutical-grade implant, not to unregulated lyophilized powder products.
Important
FDA Warning on Unapproved Tanning Peptides
The FDA has warned that unapproved injectable tanning peptides (including Melanotan 1 and 2 sold online) are not evaluated for safety, efficacy, or purity. Risks include injection site reactions, nausea, flushing, mole darkening that can obscure melanoma detection, and potential blood-borne virus transmission from needle sharing.
Potential Adverse Effects
Reported effects of unregulated Melanotan use include nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, facial flushing, increased blood pressure, and spontaneous erections (more common with Melanotan 2). Darkening of existing moles and new pigmentation can occur, which may complicate melanoma detection. Because unregulated products bypass quality controls, vials may contain contaminants, incorrect peptide concentrations, or degradation products.
Conditions Requiring Medical Evaluation
Individuals with a history of melanoma or atypical nevi, or those with multiple risk factors for skin cancer, should exercise particular caution. The FDA label for SCENESSE recommends periodic skin examinations during treatment. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications due to lack of safety data.
Monitoring Considerations
The SCENESSE risk management plan includes full-body skin exams every 6 months to monitor for melanocytic changes. If any tanning peptide is used outside approved settings, monitoring of moles and pigmented lesions may be prudent, though no standardized protocol exists for unapproved products.
Product Care
Storage & Handling
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C for long-term storage, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution, store at 2-8°C and use within a reasonable timeframe. Do not freeze reconstituted solution. Discard if solution becomes cloudy or develops particulate matter.
Keep all research peptides and injectable products out of the reach of children.
Further Safety Information
USA Domestic 3–5 business days
International 10–15 business days
Order Processing 24–48 business hours
Tracking Provided after dispatch
Direct Supply
Discreet Delivery & Original Packaging
The outer shipping package remains discreet, with no external product details. Products are supplied through the official Dragon Pharma distribution chain.
What to Expect
- Orders are processed after payment confirmation
- USA Domestic shipping is typically faster when local stock is available
- International orders include tracking, though update frequency may vary by destination
- Multiple warehouses may result in separate shipments when applicable
Authenticity Verification
To verify your Melanotan 1 5 mg product, use the security code on the vial label and cross-check it on the official Dragon Pharma site. A credible certificate of analysis should show HPLC purity above 95 percent and mass spectrometry confirmation of the correct molecular weight (approximately 1646.85 Da for afamelanotide free base). Original packaging and batch documentation help reinforce product legitimacy.
For complete delivery details, tracking policy, and reshipment terms, please see our Shipping Info page.
Recommended Conditions
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C for long-term storage, protected from light and moisture. The unopened vial should be kept under conditions that preserve the peptide's structural integrity until reconstitution.
Once reconstituted, Melanotan 1 solution should be stored at 2-8°C and used within a reasonable timeframe. Do not freeze reconstituted solution. Discard if solution becomes cloudy or develops particulate matter.
Keep out of reach of children. Follow proper handling practices for research peptides and use appropriate sterile technique during reconstitution.
Quick Reference
Do & Don't
- Do store lyophilized powder at -20°C for long-term storage
- Do protect from light and moisture
- Do use reconstituted solution within a reasonable timeframe
- Don't freeze reconstituted solution
- Don't expose to excessive heat
- Don't use if powder appears discolored
What is Melanotan 1 5 mg used for?
Melanotan 1 5 mg is a research peptide supplied as a lyophilized powder. It contains afamelanotide, an MC1R agonist that stimulates eumelanin production. In medical practice, the FDA-approved SCENESSE implant is used for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). The Dragon Pharma powder is not approved for this or any other indication.
How often should Melanotan 1 5 mg be administered?
No validated human dosing protocol exists for the lyophilized powder. The FDA-approved SCENESSE implant delivers 16 mg over 60 days via subcutaneous implantation. Clinical trials used 16 mg implants every 60 days. Community protocols for reconstituted Melanotan 1 reference 0.5-2 mg every other day, but these are anecdotal.
Does Melanotan 1 5 mg require PCT?
Melanotan 1 is not an anabolic steroid and does not suppress endogenous testosterone production. Post-cycle therapy designed for steroid cycles is not applicable. Its mechanism involves MC1R activation and melanin synthesis, not hormonal pathways.
What does Melanotan 1 do?
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) activates the MC1R receptor on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production in the skin. Eumelanin absorbs UV and visible light, providing photoprotection. In EPP, this increases pain-free sun exposure time.
How long does Melanotan 1 take to work?
In clinical trials, melanin density increased over days to weeks after implantation, reaching a plateau between Day 7 and Day 28. Pain-free sun exposure improved over 60-180 days of treatment. The reconstituted powder's onset would likely differ due to its different pharmacokinetic profile.
Is Melanotan 1 the best tanning peptide?
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is the only tanning peptide with FDA approval, albeit for EPP, not cosmetic tanning. It has greater MC1R selectivity and fewer side effects than Melanotan 2, which binds additional melanocortin receptors. However, the FDA warns against unapproved injectable tanning peptides.
What is the difference between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 1 is a linear peptide with preferential MC1R activity, while Melanotan 2 is a cyclic analogue that also binds MC3R and MC4R. This broader receptor activity contributes to Melanotan 2's increased side effect profile, including nausea, flushing, and spontaneous erections.
What is the difference between Melanotan 1 and PT-141?
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is an FDA-approved melanocortin agonist for hypoactive sexual desire disorder, primarily targeting MC4R. Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) targets MC1R for pigmentation and photoprotection. Their receptor selectivity and approved indications are distinct.
Is 5 mg of Melanotan 1 a lot?
5 mg is the total labeled content of the Melanotan 1 5 mg vial. The approved SCENESSE implant contains 16 mg afamelanotide. Community protocols reference 0.5-2 mg per injection, so a 5 mg vial provides several doses.
What strength is Melanotan 1 5 mg?
Melanotan 1 5 mg by Dragon Pharma contains 5 mg of Melanotan 1 per vial as a lyophilized powder. The vial size is 2 mL. This is a research presentation, not the approved implant formulation.
Can Melanotan 1 be stacked with other peptides?
There is no established research on combining Melanotan 1 with other peptides. In community contexts, it is sometimes referenced alongside Melanotan 2, but no controlled studies support these combinations. The FDA warns against unapproved injectable tanning peptides due to safety concerns.
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