Peptide Academy · Cosmetic

MT-1

Also known as Melanotan I / Afamelanotide

Educational research summary, not medical advice. Many compounds here are not approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician before making any health decision.

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What is MT-1?

A melanocortin agonist approved in some regions for photoprotection in erythropoietic protoporphyria.

How it works

Agonizes MC1R on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production and skin pigmentation.

Published research

Approved as afamelanotide (Scenesse) for EPP in the EU and US

Cautions

Prescription-only in approved form; nausea and flushing common.

Side effects & fixes

Common side effects

—Nausea — the most common effect, usually in the first doses
—Facial flushing
—Spontaneous erections (Melanotan II)
—Darker freckles and moles, and skin tanning
—Reduced appetite and frequent yawning
—Temporary rise in blood pressure (PT-141)

Histamine reactions

Common flushing and warmth across the face and neck shortly after dosing.

Common fixes

Start with a very small dose and increase gradually; nausea fades as you adapt.
Dose a few hours after a light meal, and keep ginger or bland snacks on hand.
Avoid if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease.
Check your moles regularly and have any that change looked at by a dermatologist.
For mild itching, redness or flushing, a non-drowsy over-the-counter antihistamine (such as cetirizine or loratadine) is commonly used — check with a pharmacist first, especially if you take other medicines.

Stop and get help

A painful erection lasting more than 4 hours.
Any mole that changes shape, colour or size.
Stop and get emergency help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, widespread hives, chest pain or fainting.

Basis: Prescribing information (bremelanotide) and clinical reports for melanocortins. Educational only, not medical advice.

Medication concerns

Theoretical: no human interaction studies

Blood pressure medicines, heart disease
Melanocortin agonists can raise blood pressure and change heart rate after a dose.
Erectile dysfunction pills (sildenafil, tadalafil)
Combining with melanotan II or similar may raise the risk of prolonged, painful erections. An erection over 4 hours is an emergency.
Medicines taken by mouth
Some melanocortin drugs slow stomach emptying, which can delay absorption.
Photosensitizing medicines (doxycycline, isotretinoin) and skin cancer risk
Tanning agents darken skin and moles; have new or changing moles checked.
Everything else you take, including supplements
Bring a full list of medicines and supplements to your pharmacist or clinician before starting.

Basis: Extrapolated from bremelanotide and setmelanotide labels; no interaction studies for research melanocortin peptides. Educational only, not medical advice. Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without your prescriber.

Protocols & tracking are members-only

Members see the research protocols for MT-1, plan schedules, track every dose and vial, and ask the AI Advisor questions with cited sources. Try every Researcher feature free for 7 days, no card needed.

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