Melanotan 1 5mg — Vial Spec, Reconstitution Math & COA

Product Specification & Laboratory Availability Overview

A 5mg unit of Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide / [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH) represents a standardized mass of synthetic peptide synthesized via solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and purified to exceed 99.0% purity. Laboratory researchers commonly select a 5mg format when designing controlled assay series that require fresh reconstitution to eliminate potential degradation from extended cold-storage cycles.

Please note: PX1 Research supplies high-purity melanocortin research standards manufactured under strict quality controls. While research protocols frequently reference 5mg formulations, PX1 currently stocks the standardized Melanotan 1 10mg vial as our primary analytical unit to maximize shelf stability and cost efficiency for active laboratories. Researchers seeking lower working masses can review our complete peptide catalog or utilize micro-aliquot protocols detailed below to achieve exact dosage equivalents in experimental systems.

Chemical Structure, Molecular Properties, and Mechanism of Action

Melanotan 1 is a synthetic peptide analog of naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Chemically designated as Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2, it features two distinct amino acid substitutions relative to native α-MSH: a norleucine (Nle) substitution at position 4 and a D-phenylalanine (D-Phe) substitution at position 7. These chemical modifications confer enhanced resistance to enzymatic cleavage by serum endopeptidases, significantly extending its biological half-life in laboratory models.

In preclinical research models, Melanotan 1 acts as a non-selective agonist across the melanocortin receptor family, displaying particularly high affinity for the Melanocortin-1 Receptor (MC1R). MC1R is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly expressed on the surface of epidermal melanocytes. Binding to MC1R activates intracellular adenylate cyclase, initiating an influx of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). This upregulation triggers the downstream activation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), ultimately driving the synthesis of eumelanin—the dark brown/black photoprotective pigment—over baseline pheomelanin.

Preclinical Applications in Skin Pigmentation & Melanocortin Signaling

In vitro assays utilizing primary human melanocyte cultures demonstrate that exposure to Melanotan 1 induces concentration-dependent elevations in tyrosinase activity—the rate-limiting enzyme in melanogenesis. Because the D-Phe7 modification slows down metabolic degradation, researchers observe sustained intracellular cAMP signaling compared to baseline stimulation with endogenous α-MSH.

Preclinical rodent models and ex vivo skin tissue explants have been utilized to map the downstream physiological cascading of MC1R activation. In these research models, administration of melanocortin analogs allows investigators to quantify pigment distribution, cellular DNA repair response after ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, and the maintenance of genomic stability in epidermal tissues. Additional exploratory research examines secondary melanocortin receptor cross-reactivity, including MC3R and MC4R pathway activation in central nervous system tissue preparations.

Reconstitution Mathematics for a 5mg Lyophilized Mass

Accurate reconstitution is crucial for maintaining consistent concentrations across experimental runs. Lyophilized peptides exist as a dry powder cake; adding a precise volume of sterile diluent (typically Bacteriostatic Water with 0.9% Benzyl Alcohol or Sterile Normal Saline) establishes a known mass-per-volume ratio.

To calculate the final concentration (C) of a 5mg (5,000 mcg) vial, divide the total peptide mass by the volume of diluent added (V): C = Mass / Volume. Below are standard reconstitution references for a 5mg lyophilized mass:

1.0 mL Diluent Addition: 5,000 mcg / 1.0 mL = 5,000 mcg/mL (5.0 mcg/µL or 5.0 mg/mL). A 10 µL laboratory pipette draw yields exactly 50 mcg of active peptide.

2.0 mL Diluent Addition: 5,000 mcg / 2.0 mL = 2,500 mcg/mL (2.5 mcg/µL or 2.5 mg/mL). A 10 µL laboratory pipette draw yields exactly 25 mcg of active peptide.

3.0 mL Diluent Addition: 5,000 mcg / 3.0 mL = 1,666.67 mcg/mL (1.67 mcg/µL or 1.67 mg/mL). A 10 µL laboratory pipette draw yields approximately 16.67 mcg of active peptide.

For custom volumes or non-standard laboratory target concentrations, researchers can access our automated reconstitution calculator to quickly calculate aliquot parameters and diluent volumes.

Aliquot Planning and Solution Stability Protocols

Peptides in aqueous solution are susceptible to hydrolysis, oxidation, and aggregation over time. To preserve structural integrity following reconstitution, primary stocks should not undergo repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which physically shear delicate peptide bonds.

Following initial reconstitution under a laminar flow hood, the liquid solution should be divided immediately into single-use polypropylene micro-centrifuge aliquots. Sub-aliquoting into working volumes (e.g., 50 µL to 200 µL) ensures that only the required quantity is thawed for a specific assay day.

Short-Term Storage (Reconstituted): Maintain reconstituted liquid aliquots at 2°C to 8°C for no longer than 14 to 21 days.

Long-Term Storage (Reconstituted): Freeze liquid aliquots at -20°C or -80°C for up to 3–6 months. Ensure frost-free freezers are avoided, as temperature fluctuations during auto-defrost cycles compromise peptide stability.

Long-Term Storage (Lyophilized): Store un-reconstituted dry vials at -20°C in a desiccated environment protected from direct light exposure.

Analytical Quality Assurance: Lot-Matched COA Verification

PX1 Research mandates strict analytical testing for every production batch. Prior to release, representative samples from each lot undergo rigorous testing to verify purity, identity, and safety parameters.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Confirms chemical purity by separating potential synthesis side-products, truncated sequences, and atmospheric degradation products. PX1 guarantees a minimum HPLC purity of ≥99.0% for all catalog peptides.

Mass Spectrometry (MS): Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) or MALDI-TOF verifies the exact molecular weight of the peptide chain against its theoretical mass, ensuring sequence correctness.

Endotoxin Testing (LAL Assay): Essential for cellular and preclinical assays sensitive to lipopolysaccharide contamination. Endotoxin levels are strictly held below <0.01 EU/mg.

Investigators can download and review the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis corresponding to their order to ensure data reproducibility across experimental setups.

Comparative Evaluation of Melanocortin Class Peptides

When designing melanocortin system experiments, researchers must select the appropriate peptide standard based on receptor subtype selectivity and target pathway response. Within this research class, three principal analogs are frequently evaluated in laboratory literature:

Melanotan 1 (Melanotan 1 10mg) is a linear peptide exhibiting high selectivity for MC1R over secondary melanocortin receptors, making it the primary standard for isolated melanogenesis and skin photoprotection research.

Melanotan II (Melanotan 2 10mg) is a cyclic lactam analog of α-MSH that exhibits enhanced central nervous system permeability and non-selective binding across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. In preclinical rodent assays, Melanotan II induces both melanogenic upregulation and metabolic/appetite modulation through central MC4R pathways.

PT-141 (PT-141 10mg), a metabolite of Melanotan II structurally known as Bremelanotide, lacks the C-terminal group found in earlier analogs and acts primarily as a central MC3R and MC4R agonist, utilized in assays targeting neurobehavioral and vascular signaling rather than peripheral melanogenesis.

For broader comparative studies involving metabolic pathways or hormonal axes, researchers may also evaluate complementary peptide categories, such as growth hormone secretagogues, within structured multi-target protocols.

Selecting Optimal Format Sizes: 5mg vs. 10mg Vials

Determining whether to order a 5mg format or a larger 10mg vial depends on assay design, reagent throughput, and budget constraints. High-volume laboratories managing parallel cell culture runs or extended animal study blocks often prefer the 10mg format, as it reduces unit cost and minimizes vial-to-vial reconstitution variance across a single trial series.

Conversely, specialized pilot studies, microfluidic cell assays, or novel binding affinity screens benefit from smaller 5mg fill sizes. A 5mg mass ensures that reconstituted solution is consumed rapidly within its peak stability window, minimizing waste associated with long-term liquid storage.

For custom academic projects or commercial lab procurement needing large-scale quantities, research teams can establish dedicated purchasing parameters through our wholesale research accounts program.

Laboratory Handling, Reconstitution Equipment, and Safety Standards

All handling of lyophilized Melanotan 1 must occur within a certified biosafety cabinet or laminar flow hood utilizing aseptic technique. Reagents should be allowed to acclimate to room temperature prior to reconstitution to minimize osmotic stress on the lyophilized matrix.

When introducing diluent into the vial, direct the stream along the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized cake. Gently swirl the vial in a circular motion until completely dissolved; do not vortex or shake vigorously, as mechanical agitation causes surface-induced denaturation and foam formation.

This material is manufactured and sold strictly for laboratory research use only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, clinical administration, cosmetic application, or diagnostic procedures.