Peptide lexicon
Melanotan I (Afamelanotid)
Linear α-MSH analogue ([Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH), the active substance of the approved product afamelanotide.
| Substance class | Peptide |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Ac-SYS-Nle-EH-D-Phe-RWGKPV-NH2 |
| CAS number | 75921-69-6 |
| Molecular formula | C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉ |
| Molar mass | 1,646.8 g/mol |
| Synonyms | Afamelanotid, [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH, MT-I |
| PubChem | CID 16197727 |
Structure
Melanotan I consists of 13 amino acids. Replacing methionine with norleucine and L- with D-phenylalanine makes it resistant to oxidation and proteases and increases affinity for the melanocortin-1 receptor.
State of research
Research covers MC1R signalling, eumelanin synthesis in melanocytes and protection against UV-induced damage in skin models.
Status
Afamelanotide is approved as an implant for a rare light-sensitivity disorder. The material offered here is a research reagent.
Literature
- Vitiligo: Pathogenesis and New and Emerging TreatmentsInt J Mol Sci, 2023 · PMID 38139134 · DOI 10.3390/ijms242417306
- Phototherapy for VitiligoDermatol Clin, 2020 · PMID 31753192 · DOI 10.1016/j.det.2019.08.005
- X-Linked Protoporphyria1993 · PMID 23409301
- From pathogenesis of acne vulgaris to anti-acne agentsArch Dermatol Res, 2019 · PMID 30859308 · DOI 10.1007/s00403-019-01908-x
- Treatment Advances in Vitiligo: An Updated ReviewDermatol Pract Concept, 2025 · PMID 40117616 · DOI 10.5826/dpc.1501a4600
