Melanotan
Melanotan — A synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) studied for its interaction with melanocortin receptors in skin pigmentation research.
What Is Melanotan?
Melanotan refers to synthetic analogs of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) developed as melanocortin receptor agonists. Melanotan I (afamelanotide, Nle⁴-D-Phe⁷-alpha-MSH) is FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Melanotan II is a non-selective MC1R/MC3R/MC4R agonist studied for tanning, sexual dysfunction, and appetite.
Variants
- MT-I (afamelanotide): Linear 13-mer. MC1R-selective. Approved as Scenesse implant for EPP
- MT-II: Cyclic heptapeptide (Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2). Non-selective MCR agonist
- PT-141 (bremelanotide): MT-II metabolite. MC4R agonist. FDA-approved (Vyleesi) for HSDD
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Melanotan?
A synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) studied for its interaction with melanocortin receptors in skin pigmentation research.
Why is Melanotan important in peptide research?
Melanotan is a fundamental concept in compound as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.