For Research Use Only. Melanotan I (MT-1) is intended strictly for in vitro and preclinical animal research. It is not approved for human use, is not a drug, and should never be administered to humans.
What Research Grade MT-1 Supply Requires
Melanotan I, also known by the pharmaceutical name afamelanotide, is a thirteen amino acid synthetic analog of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone with selective activity at the MC1R receptor. The sequence derives from the native hormone with specific substitutions that improve stability and maintain receptor selectivity. Research grade supply has to confirm the sequence identity, the purity, and the absence of the specific impurities that can arise from incomplete synthesis of the peptide.
The MC1R selectivity of MT-1 distinguishes it from Melanotan II, which has broader activity across multiple melanocortin receptors. For research that specifically wants to isolate the MC1R mediated effects, MT-1 is the appropriate tool. For research that wants broader melanocortin receptor coverage, MT-2 is more appropriate. The MT-1 versus MT-2 comparison article covers this distinction in detail.
Midwest Peptide supplies MT-1 10mg with third party certificates of analysis that confirm the sequence, purity, and mass characterization.
Sourcing Criteria for Research Grade MT-1
Third party certificate of analysis. Independent analytical verification with lot specific values for sequence, mass, and purity.
Purity specification. Research grade MT-1 is supplied at a minimum of ninety five percent HPLC purity with lot specific values.
Mass confirmation. Mass spectrometric characterization confirming the correct peptide mass.
Receptor selectivity documentation. A research grade supplier should clearly identify MT-1 as the MC1R selective compound to distinguish it from MT-2.
Lot traceability. Every vial carries a lot number that traces to the production batch.
Research use only compliance. The product is labeled strictly for research use only without health claims or implied human use. The Melanotan I research cluster covers the preclinical research applications including MC1R biology, melanogenesis research, afamelanotide EPP research, photoprotection research, and eumelanin versus pheomelanin research.
Shipping. Domestic shipping from Mission, Kansas through ShipStation and UPS.
Payment flexibility. Zelle (five percent discount), CashApp, Venmo, Azeban Pay credit and debit cards, and Coinbase Commerce cryptocurrency.
Research support. Direct support through 636-734-2390 and the contact page on the Midwest Peptide website.
Red Flags When Evaluating MT-1 Suppliers
Conflation of MT-1 and MT-2. A supplier that does not clearly distinguish between MT-1 and MT-2 is not positioned for rigorous research supply. The two are chemically and pharmacologically distinct.
No receptor selectivity information. MT-1 is the MC1R selective compound. A supplier that does not provide this information is not providing research grade documentation.
Purity below ninety five percent or unspecified. Research grade requires a defined minimum with lot specific values.
Internal certificate only. Third party verification is the research grade standard.
Health claims or implied human use. Suppliers making such claims operate outside the research use only framework.
Opaque supplier. Legitimate suppliers have known physical locations and real customer support.
What MT-1 Is Studied For in Research
The Melanotan I research cluster covers the full landscape. The short summary is that MT-1 is studied in rodent research models and in cultured melanocyte systems for effects on melanogenesis, the eumelanin versus pheomelanin balance, UV induced damage and photoprotection, and the MC1R mediated signaling that underlies these endpoints. Clinical research context in erythropoietic protoporphyria is covered in the afamelanotide EPP research article.
Comparison with MT-2 is supported by the parallel Midwest Peptide catalog offering of MT-2 10mg, which provides the broader melanocortin receptor agonist option covered in the MT-2 research cluster.
Frequently Asked Sourcing Questions
What is the catalog size? MT-1 10mg per vial, lyophilized powder format.
What is the purity specification? Minimum ninety five percent HPLC purity with lot specific values on the third party certificate.
What is the shipping timeline? Two to four business days to continental United States locations with ShipStation and UPS tracking.
What payment methods are accepted? Zelle (five percent discount), CashApp, Venmo, Azeban Pay, Coinbase Commerce.
Is MT-2 available for comparison research? Yes, the MT-2 10mg product is available.
Can I request additional documentation? Yes, through the research support line at 636-734-2390.