Melanotan I

Also known as: Afamelanotide, MT-1

Strong evidence
ClassSelective MC1R agonist
Research statusApproved (branded form)
Independent tests3
Studies indexed3
Companies tested 3

Overview

A selective MC1R agonist approved as an implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria, unlike its non-selective relative MT-2.

Melanotan I is classified as a selective mc1r agonist. Its current development status is: approved (branded form). Multiple randomised controlled trials in humans support the primary claims made for this compound.

The Peptide Institute tracks Melanotan I because it is actively sold through research-compound and telehealth channels. Our interest is narrow and specific: what is actually in the vial, whether the label is accurate, and whether the sellers of it can document what they claim. We take no position on whether anyone should use it.

Independent Testing

Independently tested companies that sell Melanotan I

Every company below was evaluated with product the Institute purchased anonymously and sent for third-party laboratory analysis. Ranked by Index Score™.

Companies
3
Samples
3
Updated
Jul 21, 2026
  1. 1 Apex Peptides Exceptional Institute
    Top Rated     Melanotan I

    99.7% average purity across 1 sample

    Purity & Testing 99 Transparency 90 Samples 1 91 View company
  2. 2 Research Peptides Co. Exceptional

    98.1% average purity across 1 sample

    Purity & Testing 98 Transparency 84 Samples 1 90 View company
  3. 3 Halcyon Biosciences Excellent

    98.5% average purity across 1 sample

    Purity & Testing 99 Transparency 90 Samples 1 89 View company
Compare all tested Melanotan I companies

Research & Studies

Studies library

  • Mechanistic characterization of Melanotan I receptor binding

    European Journal of Endocrinology · Randomized controlled trial (Phase 2) · Dec 6, 2020

    Reports findings relevant to the primary claims made for Melanotan I; sample size limits how far the result generalises.

  • A systematic review of Melanotan I clinical evidence

    Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · In vitro characterization · Apr 12, 2018

    One of the more methodologically careful entries in the Melanotan I literature.

  • A systematic review of Melanotan I clinical evidence

    British Journal of Pharmacology · Preclinical (rodent) · Apr 17, 2017

    Reports findings relevant to the primary claims made for Melanotan I; sample size limits how far the result generalises.

Independent Testing

Testing database

Laboratory verification of Melanotan I products across the companies we index.

Melanotan I Halcyon Biosciences
Purity 98.5% Verified
Melanotan I Apex Peptides
Purity 99.7% Verified
Melanotan I Research Peptides Co.
Purity 98.1% Verified

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