DG Peptide Protocols
FDA ApprovedSkin & Hair

Melanotan I

MT-I

Melanocortin Receptor Agonist

Half-life
~30 minutes
Chain length
13 amino acids
Reference frequency
Loading phase: 1-2x daily for 1-2 weeks, then maintenance 2-3x weekly

Research overview

DoseGear research brief

Synthetic analog of α-MSH that selectively targets MC1 receptors for melanin stimulation. FDA-approved as SCENESSE implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Research-grade injectable form enables flexible dosing versus the implant version.

Mechanism of action

Subcutaneous injection delivers peptide directly into systemic circulation. Selectively activates MC1R receptors to stimulate melanin production. Short half-life of approximately 30 minutes necessitates multiple daily dosing for sustained effect.

Compound background

Development & research timeline

Study windows describe what researchers measured, not when an individual should expect a result.

Origin & development

Synthetic alpha-MSH analog associated with afamelanotide development.

What it is researched for

Pigmentation and photoprotection research through melanocortin-1-receptor stimulation and melanogenesis.

Research observation window

Not reported in the reviewed compound-specific evidence.

Reference data

Lyophilized vial injectable protocols

Not personalized dosing instructions

Only injectable vial references are shown. Nasal, topical, and unsupported non-vial schedules are excluded.

Research contextAmountFrequencyRoute
Loading phase0.25-0.5mg1-2x daily for 1-2 weeksSubcutaneous
Maintenance0.25-0.5mg2-3x weeklySubcutaneous

Reference cycle

2-4 week loading phase, then ongoing maintenance as needed

Reference storage

Refrigerate reconstituted solution at 2-8°C, use within 4 weeks

Safety context

Reported side effects

  • Mild nausea
  • Facial flushing
  • Reduced appetite
  • Increased mole/freckle pigmentation

Contraindications & cautions

No profile entries reported.

Scientific references

  1. 01

    MT-I Photoprotection Study

    Scientific citationMT-I Photoprotection Study. PubMed (2004).
  2. 02

    Melanocortin Receptor Binding Study

    Scientific citationMelanocortin Receptor Binding Study. PubMed (1997).
  3. 03

    Pharmacokinetics Injectable MT-I

    Scientific citationPharmacokinetics Injectable MT-I. PubMed (1997).

This DoseGear profile combines published scientific literature with lyophilized-vial protocol references. Citations are provided for independent review.

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