Melanotan 1 50mg — Vial Spec, Reconstitution Math & COA
A 50mg vial of Melanotan 1 provides a high-mass lyophilized cake of synthetic alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) derivative designed for high-throughput preclinical research. This bulk unit format is typically selected by academic institutions and pharmaceutical research laboratories executing large-scale, long-term in vitro assays or multi-cohort animal models requiring absolute lot uniformity.
Quick answer
A 50mg vial of Melanotan 1 provides a high-mass lyophilized cake of synthetic alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) derivative designed for high-throughput preclinical research. This bulk unit format is typically selected by academic institutions and pharmaceutical research laboratories executing large-scale, long-term in vitro assays or multi-cohort animal models requiring absolute lot uniformity.
Key takeaways
- A 50mg vial of [Melanotan](/research-peptides/melanotan-2) 1 contains fifty milligrams of highly purified, vacuum-sealed lyophilized peptide powder synthesized as a synthetic analog of endogenous alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH).
- [Melanotan](/research-peptides/melanotan-2) 1 (also known in scientific literature as Afamelanotide or [Nle4-D-Phe7]-α-MSH) is a linear peptide sequence consisting of 13 amino acids: Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2.
- Accurate reconstitution of a 50mg peptide vial requires precise liquid volumetric calculations to achieve desired working concentrations.
- Reconstituting a single 50mg vial creates a significant volume of liquid peptide solution that must be carefully managed to maintain chemical stability.
Melanotan 1 50mg Vial Specification & Research Overview
A 50mg vial of Melanotan 1 contains fifty milligrams of highly purified, vacuum-sealed lyophilized peptide powder synthesized as a synthetic analog of endogenous alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). In laboratory settings, this high-mass vial architecture allows investigators to prepare standardized stock solutions for expansive experimental protocols without introducing inter-vial variance across separate analytical runs.
Primary investigators purchasing 50mg formats generally conduct high-throughput cell culture screens, receptor binding assays, or multi-week preclinical animal studies. While PX1 Research specializes in ultra-pure research peptides, please note that our catalog standardly supplies Melanotan 1 in individually aliquoted 10mg vials to optimize shelf-life and reduce freeze-thaw degradation for standard laboratory workflows. Investigators seeking the standard packaging format can review the Melanotan 1 10mg product listing. For high-volume or custom 50mg enterprise requirements, laboratories can explore our wholesale research portal or browse our complete catalog of research peptides.
Molecular Profile and Melanocortin Receptor Binding Mechanism
Melanotan 1 (also known in scientific literature as Afamelanotide or [Nle4-D-Phe7]-α-MSH) is a linear peptide sequence consisting of 13 amino acids: Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2. It was structurally engineered to replace the native Met4 and Phe7 residues of natural α-MSH with Norleucine (Nle) and D-Phenylalanine (D-Phe), respectively. Preclinical studies suggest that these structural substitutions dramatically increase resistance to enzymatic cleavage by serum endopeptidases while enhancing binding affinity at target melanocortin receptors.
In vitro data indicate that Melanotan 1 acts primarily as a potent agonist at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), which is heavily expressed on epidermal melanocytes. In laboratory cellular models, activation of MC1R by Melanotan 1 stimulates adenylate cyclase, raising intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. This cascade upregulates tyrosinase expression, driving the biochemical pathway responsible for eumelanin synthesis. Researchers evaluate these melanocortin activity pathways to better understand non-damage-induced skin pigmentation responses, photoprotective mechanisms, and receptor signaling dynamics.
Reconstitution Mathematics for 50mg Melanotan 1 Vials
Accurate reconstitution of a 50mg peptide vial requires precise liquid volumetric calculations to achieve desired working concentrations. Because 50mg represents a substantially higher mass than standard 2mg or 10mg research vials, liquid diluent volume must be chosen based on target pipetting volumes and final concentration requirements.
When adding 1.0 mL of sterile diluent (such as bacteriostatic water or sterile 0.9% sodium chloride) to a 50mg cake, the resulting concentration is 50 mg/mL (or 50 µg per microliter). Adding 2.0 mL yields a stock concentration of 25 mg/mL (25 µg/µL), while 3.0 mL yields approximately 16.67 mg/mL (16.67 µg/µL). For ultra-low working concentrations in cell culture, serial volumetric dilutions from this primary stock are mandatory. Investigators calculating precise micro-doses for assay plates can utilize our interactive peptide reconstitution calculator to eliminate mathematical error during bench top stock preparation.
Aliquot Planning and Degradation Mitigation Protocols
Reconstituting a single 50mg vial creates a significant volume of liquid peptide solution that must be carefully managed to maintain chemical stability. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles subject the peptide backbone to thermal mechanical stress, accelerating peptide bond cleavage, aggregation, and oxidation of sensitive amino acid residues like tryptophan and histidine.
To prevent degradation, laboratories should establish an immediate sub-aliquoting workflow following complete dissolution. The primary stock solution should be divided into single-use, sterile, polypropylene microcentrifuge tubes or cryogenic vials sized precisely for daily experimental workloads. Once aliquoted, working samples must be rapidly frozen at -20°C or -80°C until needed, ensuring that each assay aliquot experiences only a single thaw event immediately prior to execution.
Analytical Quality Verification: ISO 17025 COA & Endotoxin Testing
High-mass research peptides demand rigorous analytical control to verify that mass claims align with actual peptide content and purity standards. At PX1 Research, every production batch undergoes independent analysis in an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory prior to release. Every unit is paired with a verifiable, lot-matched Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Purity is quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), ensuring target peptide purity exceeds 98.0%. Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) confirms exact molecular weight matching the theoretical mass of 1646.85 Da. Furthermore, because cell culture protocols and animal models are sensitive to bacterial contamination, all lots undergo Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing to confirm bacterial endotoxin levels remain strictly below <0.01 EU/mg. This guarantees that observed cellular responses are driven entirely by melanocortin receptor activation rather than lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory signaling.
Melanocortin Class Comparison: MT-1, MT-2, PT-141, and ACTH
When designing melanocortin receptor research projects, investigators frequently compare Melanotan 1 against other structurally related peptides within the melanocortin family to evaluate receptor selectivity profiles and off-target signaling activities.
Melanotan 1 is a linear peptide exhibiting high selectivity for the MC1R subtype, making it the preferred candidate for isolated melanogenesis and skin pigmentation studies. In contrast, Melanotan 2 is a cyclic heptapeptide derivative that exhibits broader receptor cross-reactivity across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, frequently inducing central nervous system and metabolic responses in rodent models. Similarly, PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a cyclic metabolite optimized specifically for central MC3R and MC4R agonism in sexual behavior research. Finally, native pituitary peptide fragments such as ACTH 1-39 engage MC2R to drive adrenal steroidogenesis in addition to peripheral melanocortin pathways. Selecting Melanotan 1 isolates MC1R activity while reducing non-target melanocortin receptor signaling.
Selecting Optimal Formats: Standard 10mg vs. High-Volume 50mg Vials
Choosing between a standard 10mg vial format and a high-mass 50mg vial depends on protocol duration, pipeline throughput, and storage capabilities. Standard Melanotan 1 10mg vials offer maximum operational flexibility for smaller exploratory studies, minimizing waste if a stock solution is accidentally contaminated or compromised during bench work.
Conversely, a 50mg format offers operational efficiencies for long-term, high-volume automated screening where identical lot consistency across hundreds of microplate wells is vital. However, if a lab lacks dedicated -80°C cryogenic storage or immediate sub-aliquoting equipment, ordering multiple 10mg units is often recommended to isolate risk and maximize shelf-life stability. Laboratories evaluating high-mass requirements can review compound specifications across our complete research peptide index.
Lyophilized and Solution Thermal Stability Protocols
To preserve structural integrity, lyophilized Melanotan 1 powder must be stored in a controlled environment protected from direct light, heat, and moisture exposure. Upon arrival, unopened vials stored at -20°C remain stable for up to 24 months, while short-term storage at 2°C to 8°C maintains integrity for several weeks during active study phases.
Once reconstituted with sterile bacteriostatic water (containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol), liquid solutions maintain biochemical stability at 2°C to 8°C for up to 28 days. Reconstitution with plain unpreserved sterile water or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) requires immediate use or prompt freezing at -20°C or -80°C in single-use aliquots. For deeper insights into thermal stability profiles and solution chemistry, explore the PX1 Research Library.
Supply Chain Rigor and USA Manufacturing Excellence
PX1 Research operates strictly as a USA-based research peptide manufacturer, providing academic, institutional, and clinical research facilities with fully verified compounds synthesized under cGMP-compliant operating standards. Our facilities in California and Arizona maintain strict environmental controls, cleanroom packaging, and rigorous lot tracing.
Every batch of Melanotan 1 undergoes multi-stage quality control from crude synthesis to final lyophilization and vial capping. Orders placed before daily cutoff thresholds dispatch same-day from our CA and AZ logistics hubs, ensuring fast, temperature-controlled transit to laboratory loading docks nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact chemical mass contained in a 50mg Melanotan 1 vial?
A 50mg vial contains 50 milligrams of active lyophilized Melanotan 1 peptide powder (purity ≥98.0% verified via HPLC), packaged under inert atmosphere in a sterile glass vial.
Does PX1 Research regularly stock Melanotan 1 in a 50mg vial size?
Our standard catalog supplies Melanotan 1 in individual 10mg vials to maximize laboratory stability and prevent wasteful degradation. High-mass 50mg formats or bulk production runs are available upon request through our wholesale and institutional supply division.
How do I calculate concentration when reconstituting a 50mg vial with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water?
Dividing 50 mg by 2.0 mL yields a final stock concentration of 25 mg/mL (or 25 µg/µL). You can verify dilutions using the PX1 online reconstitution calculator.
How should a reconstituted 50mg Melanotan 1 stock solution be stored?
Following reconstitution, the stock solution should be divided into single-use micro-aliquots using sterile polypropylene tubes and frozen immediately at -20°C or -80°C to prevent freeze-thaw degradation.
What testing is performed to ensure the purity of PX1 Melanotan 1?
Each lot undergoes HPLC analysis for purity (>98.0%), ESI-MS for molecular weight verification, and LAL assays to confirm endotoxin levels remain below <0.01 EU/mg, verified via an ISO 17025 COA.
What is the principal melanocortin receptor target of Melanotan 1?
Preclinical studies demonstrate that Melanotan 1 functions primarily as a selective agonist at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), which mediates intracellular cAMP signaling and downstream eumelanin synthesis.
How does Melanotan 1 differ structurally from Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 1 is a 13-amino-acid linear peptide selective for MC1R, whereas Melanotan 2 is a shorter, cyclic heptapeptide that non-selectively activates MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R.
Are PX1 peptides intended for human clinical or veterinary use?
No. All products supplied by PX1 Research are strictly intended for laboratory research, in vitro diagnostic assays, and preclinical animal studies. They are never for human, clinical, or veterinary use.
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All products are sold strictly for laboratory and research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment or consumption. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.