MT1

MT1 (Melanotan 1), also known as Afamelanotide, is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Originally developed to promote skin pigmentation, MT1 stimulates melanin production by binding to melanocortin-1 receptors (MC1R) in the skin. This action enhances tanning without significant UV exposure, offering potential photoprotection for individuals with fair skin or increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Beyond cosmetic tanning, MT1 has been studied for its potential role in reducing the risk of UV-induced skin damage and skin cancer, particularly in patients with genetic disorders like erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Unlike MT2 (Melanotan 2), MT1 lacks strong aphrodisiac effects and is less associated with systemic side effects, making it a more targeted compound for pigmentation purposes.

Key Features:

• Promotes skin darkening (melanogenesis)
• Acts as a potent MC1R agonist
• Provides UV protection potential
• Does not significantly affect libido
• Often used in research related to skin disorders and photoprotection

Here’s a more detailed, expanded product description for MT1 (Melanotan 1 / Afamelanotide) — suitable for scientific, e-commerce, or professional clinical use contexts:

MT1 (Melanotan 1 / Afamelanotide) – Extended Product Description

MT1, also known by its pharmaceutical name Afamelanotide, is a synthetic peptide designed to mimic the action of the body’s natural alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It works primarily by binding to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes—specialized skin cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. This mechanism leads to an increase in eumelanin (the darker type of melanin), resulting in skin darkening or tanning with minimal to no exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Mechanism of Action:

MT1 activates MC1R receptors in the skin, promoting melanogenesis—the process by which melanin is produced. Unlike traditional tanning that requires harmful UV exposure, MT1 enhances pigmentation from within by directly stimulating melanin production, thereby helping to reduce the risk of UV-related skin damage.

Medical and Cosmetic Uses:

• Photoprotection: MT1 has been used clinically to reduce phototoxic reactions in patients with Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP)—a rare genetic condition that causes painful sensitivity to sunlight.
• Skin Pigmentation Enhancement: It is researched as a safe alternative to sun exposure, offering users the potential for a deeper, more even tan without increased risk of skin cancer.
• UV Damage Mitigation: By increasing melanin, MT1 may act as a natural UV shield, helping protect DNA in skin cells from UVB radiation.

Differences from MT2 (Melanotan 2):

• Selective Action: MT1 is selective for the MC1R receptor, meaning it mainly affects pigmentation without acting on other melanocortin receptors.
• Fewer Side Effects: It lacks the libido-enhancing and appetite-suppressing effects commonly associated with MT2.
• Longer Half-Life: MT1 has a longer-lasting effect on melanin production and is often delivered as a slow-release implant for sustained results.

Administration:

In clinical settings, MT1 is typically administered as a subcutaneous implant. In research contexts, dosage and method of administration vary depending on experimental goals, with some studies using subcutaneous injections.

Potential Benefits:

• Promotes natural-looking tan
• Reduces the need for UV tanning
• May protect against sunburn and long-term UV damage
• Especially useful for fair-skinned individuals or those prone to sun sensitivity

Possible Side Effects (Observed in Clinical Settings):

• Nausea or flushing
• Localized reaction at injection site
• Headaches (less frequent than MT2)
• Changes in pigmentation (e.g., freckles or moles may darken temporarily)

Legal & Research Status:

MT1 is approved in some countries for rare photodermatoses (e.g., EPP), but in many regions—including the U.S.—it remains classified as a research compound not approved for general cosmetic use. Its availability is typically limited to licensed researchers, healthcare providers, or clinical trials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – MT1 (Melanotan 1 / Afamelanotide)

1. What is MT1 (Melanotan 1)?
MT1, also known as Afamelanotide, is a synthetic peptide that mimics the natural hormone alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It promotes melanin production in the skin, resulting in a tanned appearance without significant sun exposure.

2. How does MT1 work?
MT1 binds to the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) on skin cells called melanocytes. This stimulates the production of eumelanin (dark pigment), which darkens the skin and provides some natural protection from UV radiation.

3. Is MT1 the same as Melanotan 2 (MT2)?
No. While both peptides increase melanin, MT1 is more selective—it targets only the MC1R receptor. MT2 affects multiple receptors, which can lead to additional effects like increased libido and appetite suppression. MT1 is also associated with fewer side effects.

4. Is MT1 legal to use?
MT1 is approved in some regions (such as Europe and Australia) under the brand name Scenesse for treating rare skin conditions like erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). However, in many countries—including the U.S.—it is classified as a research compound and is not FDA-approved for cosmetic tanning.

5. How is MT1 administered?
Clinically, MT1 is most commonly administered via a subcutaneous implant designed to release the compound gradually over time. In research, subcutaneous injections are also used.

6. What are the benefits of MT1?

• Promotes skin tanning without UV exposure
• May protect against sunburn and UV damage
• Long-lasting effects
• Fewer side effects compared to Melanotan 2
• Useful for individuals with sun sensitivity

7. Are there any side effects of MT1?
Possible side effects include:

• Nausea
• Flushing
• Headaches
• Darkening of moles or freckles
• Redness or irritation at the injection site
  Compared to MT2, these side effects are generally milder and less frequent.

8. Can MT1 be used for tanning purposes?
While MT1 is often researched for its tanning capabilities, its cosmetic use is not approved in many regions. It is primarily used under medical supervision or within clinical trials for treating photodermatoses like EPP.

9. How long does the effect of MT1 last?
Effects from a single implant can last several weeks to months, depending on the dosage and individual response. The tanning effect typically fades gradually if treatment is discontinued.

10. Is MT1 safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety studies are limited outside of specific medical applications like EPP. It is generally well-tolerated in clinical settings, but ongoing use should only be considered under professional supervision or in regulated research environmental