Melanotan 1 UK — MT-1 Melanocortin Research Guide
Also known as MT-1 / Afamelanotide
Melanotan 1 (MT-1, also known as afamelanotide) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It is the more receptor-selective of the two Melanotan peptides, acting principally at the MC1 receptor.
This page explains melanocortin receptor selectivity, how MT-1 differs from MT-2, and how the vial is handled.
For in vitro research use only — not for human or animal consumption. Not a licensed medicine in the UK. Nothing on this page is medical advice.
What is Melanotan 1?
Alpha-MSH is a short endogenous peptide that signals through the melanocortin receptor family. Native alpha-MSH is degraded within minutes; MT-1 is a stabilised analogue with a substantially longer half-life.
MT-1 is a linear peptide, whereas MT-2 is a shortened cyclic analogue — the structural difference that drives their different receptor profiles.
MT-1 vs MT-2 — receptor selectivity
MT-1 is comparatively selective for MC1R, the receptor associated in research with melanogenesis. MT-2 is less selective and also engages MC3R and MC4R, which is why the two are studied differently despite the similar names.
Greater selectivity is the reason MT-1 is generally described in the literature as the narrower research tool of the two.
- MT-1 — principally MC1R
- MT-2 — MC1R plus MC3R/MC4R activity
- PT-141 — MC3R/MC4R focused, derived from MT-2
Handling and storage
Supplied lyophilised in a 10mg vial. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water added slowly down the vial wall, swirl gently until clear and never shake. Protect from light, store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days.
Buying this peptide in the UK
- UK-held stock — same working day dispatch on orders before 2pm, Mon–Fri.
- Royal Mail Tracked 24 with photo confirmation on every parcel.
- Independent HPLC and mass-spec testing with a batch-matched Certificate of Analysis.
- Discreet plain packaging and normal UK card checkout — no crypto required.
- Free 4 needles + 4 alcohol swabs with every vial — opt in at checkout.
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View full shopFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between MT-1 and MT-2?
MT-1 is a linear alpha-MSH analogue that acts principally at MC1R. MT-2 is a shortened cyclic analogue that is less selective and also engages MC3R and MC4R. They are related but distinct research compounds.
Is Melanotan 1 legal in the UK?
Melanotan 1 is legal to buy and possess in the UK for laboratory research purposes. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK, is not prescribed by the NHS, and is supplied strictly for in vitro research use only — not for human or animal consumption.
How is Melanotan 1 reconstituted?
Melanotan 1 is supplied lyophilised. Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial and swirl gently — never shake, as agitation can damage the peptide chain. Once dissolved, store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Use our free peptide calculator for exact volumes rather than following generic charts.
Do you supply a Certificate of Analysis for Melanotan 1?
Yes. Every batch is independently HPLC and mass-spec tested and the batch number on the vial matches a published Certificate of Analysis, so purity can be verified before use.
How fast is UK delivery?
Stock is held in the UK. Orders placed before 2pm Monday–Friday are dispatched the same working day by Royal Mail Tracked 24 with photo confirmation, in discreet plain packaging with no product names on the outside.
Disclaimer: All products sold by Peptides UK 4U are for laboratory and research purposes only. They are not intended for human or animal consumption, diagnosis, treatment or prevention of any disease.