Melanotan 1 is often mentioned in the same breath as Melanotan 2, but it is a different molecule with its own background. In this guide we explain, research-only, what Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is, how its regulatory status works, and how it compares to Melanotan 2.
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a linear analogue of alpha-MSH, studied around the melanocortin-1 receptor. Peptide Lab's research-grade product is a different product from the brand-name approved medicine elsewhere, and is offered for research use only, ≥99% pure with a COA per batch.
What is Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide)?
Melanotan 1, also known by the generic name afamelanotide, is a synthetic, linear analogue of alpha-MSH — the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone the body produces itself. New to peptides? First read what peptides are.
Regulatory status: research-grade versus approved medicine
Under a specific brand name, afamelanotide is approved in the EU for a narrowly defined medical use in a rare condition, administered via a regulated implant under medical supervision. The research-grade Melanotan 1 Peptide Lab supplies is a different product: a lyophilised powder, intended solely for laboratory and research purposes. It is not a medicine, not medical advice, and not intended for human or animal consumption.
Melanotan 1 versus Melanotan 2
Melanotan 1 is linear and larger than Melanotan 2, which is cyclic and more compact — two different molecules, both studied within pigmentation research. Read the full comparison in what is Melanotan 2, or browse the broader skin & pigmentation category.
Purity and documentation
Reproducible pigmentation research requires material with verified purity and full traceability. Every batch of Melanotan 1 at Peptide Lab is tested by Janoshik Analytical at ≥99% purity by HPLC and mass spectrometry, with a public certificate per lot number. Read more about our approach on the science page.
This information is general and intended solely for a research context. Peptide Lab supplies Melanotan 1 for laboratory and research purposes only, separate from any approved medical use of afamelanotide elsewhere. Not for human or animal consumption, not a medicine and not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions about Melanotan 1
What is Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide)?
Melanotan 1, also known as afamelanotide, is a linear analogue of the body's own hormone alpha-MSH. It is studied within pigmentation research into the melanocortin-1 receptor.
Is afamelanotide an approved medicine?
Under a specific brand name, afamelanotide is approved in the EU for a narrowly defined medical use in a rare condition, administered via a regulated implant under medical supervision. Peptide Lab's research-grade Melanotan 1 is a different product: intended solely for laboratory and research purposes, not a medicine and not medical advice.
What is the difference between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a linear analogue of alpha-MSH; Melanotan 2 is a smaller, cyclic analogue. Both are studied within pigmentation research, but they are different molecules with their own research profile.
Is Melanotan 1 from Peptide Lab pure?
Yes, Melanotan 1 is lab-verified at ≥99% purity by HPLC and mass spectrometry, with a public Janoshik certificate per batch. For research purposes only.
