How do I reconstitute Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide)?

Add bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, aiming at the glass wall. Swirl gently until dissolved. Use the TheDoseGuide free dosing calculator to determine your exact concentration and syringe units.

Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide) — Dosing, Research & Reconstitution Guide

How It Works

Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a 13-amino acid synthetic peptide that activates melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) in melanocytes. This triggers increased production and distribution of eumelanin — the dark, photoprotective form of melanin. Unlike Melanotan 2, it is highly selective for MC1R, resulting in tanning effects without significant appetite suppression or sexual side effects.

Key Research Findings

FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)
Increases eumelanin production, providing natural UV photoprotection
Produces tanning without requiring UV exposure (though some UV enhances results)
Highly selective for MC1R — fewer side effects than Melanotan 2

Common Research Protocols

Research Dosing Range

Subcutaneous injection: 0.5–1 mg once daily during a loading phase (7–14 days), followed by maintenance dosing of 0.5–1 mg every 2–3 days. Brief, moderate UV exposure during use enhances melanin production. Effects may take 1–2 weeks to become visible.

Use our free dosing calculator to determine exact syringe units after reconstitution.

Reconstitution Guide

Follow these steps to properly reconstitute Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide) for research use:

Step 1: Swab the tops of both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol.
Step 2: Draw your desired amount of BAC water (commonly 1–2 mL) into an insulin syringe.
Step 3: Inject the water slowly into the peptide vial, aiming at the glass wall — not directly onto the powder.
Step 4: Swirl the vial gently until fully dissolved — never shake.
Step 5: Refrigerate at 36–46°F (2–8°C). Use within 4–6 weeks.

Use the dosing calculator to calculate your exact concentration (mcg per unit) and how many units to draw on your syringe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide) work? ▾

Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a 13-amino acid synthetic peptide that activates melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) in melanocytes. This triggers increased production and distribution of eumelanin — the dark, photoprotective form of melanin. Unlike Melanotan 2, it is highly selective for MC1R, resulting in tanning effects without significant appetite suppression or sexual side effects.

What are the key research findings? ▾

FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)
Increases eumelanin production, providing natural UV photoprotection
Produces tanning without requiring UV exposure (though some UV enhances results)
Highly selective for MC1R — fewer side effects than Melanotan 2

What is the typical dosing protocol? ▾

Subcutaneous injection: 0.5–1 mg once daily during a loading phase (7–14 days), followed by maintenance dosing of 0.5–1 mg every 2–3 days. Brief, moderate UV exposure during use enhances melanin production. Effects may take 1–2 weeks to become visible.

How should Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide) be stored? ▾

Unreconstituted powder should be stored in a freezer or refrigerator away from light and moisture. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 36–46°F (2–8°C) and use within 4–6 weeks. Never freeze reconstituted peptides.

Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide)

How It Works

Key Research Findings

Common Research Protocols

Reconstitution Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Need to Calculate Your Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide) Dose?

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Melanotan 2

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