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. Store sealed vials refrigerated at 2–8°C and protected from light.
Buying this peptide in the UK
- UK-held stock — Same-day Royal Mail Tracked 24 dispatch on orders by 1pm, Monday to Friday.
- Royal Mail tracked 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.
- buy melanotan 2 UK — stock, pricing and vial sizes
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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 as a sealed lyophilised vial. We do not provide preparation or usage guidance; it is sold for in vitro research use only.
Do you supply a Certificate of Analysis for Melanotan 1?
Yes. Our batches are 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 are shipped the same day when ordered by 1pm, Monday to Friday, via Royal Mail tracked 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.