Melanotan 1

Melanotan 1 is a synthetic 13-amino acid analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with two amino acid substitutions (norleucine and D-phenylalanine) that increase receptor affinity and half-life. It selectively activates melanocortin-1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production for photoprotection. Research indicates applications in pigmentation, UV protection, inflammation, and erythropoietic porphyria.