---
title: "Melanotan I: Dosing & Vendor Prices | BodyHackGuide"
url: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/melanotan-i
description: "Melanotan I: dosing protocols, mechanism & side effects. Compare 2 current vendor prices."
lang: en
---

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# Melanotan I

Other (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/wiki#cat-other)FDA Approved

Also known as: Afamelanotide, CUV1647, Scenesse, alpha-MSH analog, [Nle4,D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH (linear)

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with the substitution of norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7. Unlike Melanotan II (which is cyclic), Melanotan I is a linear peptide that is significantly more selective for MC1R over MC4R — making it a tanning/photoprotective agent with substantially less sexual and appetite-stimulating side effects.

IP

Lowest price per mg

$3.50/mg $35.00 for 10mg

at Ion Peptide · · median $3.50/mg

Buy at Ion Peptide: https://ionpeptide.com/product/melanotan-i/?ref=reddit15

Half-life: Controlled-release subcutaneous implant (Scenesse): high inte… Route: Subcutaneous, Intramuscular MW: 1646.85 g/mol (average

Last reviewed: Oct 21, 2026

## Overview

### At A Glance

Mechanism

Melanotan I is afamelanotide, i.e. [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH ('NDP-alpha-MSH'), a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions make it resistant to enzymatic breakdown and roughly 10-100x more potent than native alpha-MS…

Half-Life

Controlled-release subcutaneous implant (Scenesse): high inter-subject variability; median Tmax ~36 h, mean Cmax ~3.7 ng/mL, apparent terminal half-life ~15 h, with plasma levels measurable to ~96 h post-dose (FDA pharmacokinetics, n=12). Injected/bolus free peptide: peak plasma at ~1-2 h with an elimination half-life of ~30 minutes; the Nle4/D-Phe7 modifications prolong biological (melanogenic) activity well beyond plasma clearance.

Dosing

every 1 to 4 weeks

Dose Range

16 mg

Routes

Subcutaneous Intramuscular

Common Vials

5mg 10mg

Potential Benefits

Increased melanin (eumelanin) production and skin darkening via MC1R activation, with a reduced UV requirement FDA-approved photoprotection in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) as the Scenesse 16 mg subcutaneous implant [PMID:26132941] Reduced phototoxic pain and improved quality of life in EPP patients in randomized controlled trials [PMID:26132941] Tends to produce fewer MC4R-type effects (spontaneous erections, strong libido, marked nausea) than the cyclic Melanotan II - attributable to Melanotan II's greater potency and metabolic stability, not to true MC1R selectivity of Melanotan I Investigated in research settings for photoprotection in UV-sensitive populations

Safety Notes

Common

Nausea (typically milder and less frequent than with Melanotan II) Facial flushing Headache Fatigue Skin hyperpigmentation; darkening of existing moles, freckles and nevi

Serious

Darkening or change in appearance of moles/nevi - requires baseline and periodic full-skin dermatologic monitoring Long-term safety of chronic melanocortin stimulation, including any effect on melanoma risk, is not established In the pivotal EPP implant trials serious adverse events were not considered drug-related [PMID:26132941]

### Overview

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with the substitution of norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7. Unlike Melanotan II (which is cyclic), Melanotan I is a linear peptide that is significantly more selective for MC1R over MC4R — making it a tanning/photoprotective agent with substantially less sexual and appetite-stimulating side effects. Afamelanotide was FDA-approved in October 2019 under the brand name Scenesse as an implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare photosensitivity disorder. Melanotan I is meaningfully different from Melanotan II in structure, selectivity, and side-effect profile and should not be confused with it.

## Chemical Information

IUPAC Name

Not yet available

CAS Number

Not yet available

Molecular Formula

Not yet available

Molecular Mass

1646.85 Da (C78H111N21O19; PubChem CID 16197727)

Amino Acid Sequence

Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2 ([Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH / NDP-alpha-MSH; 13-residue analog of alpha-MSH, N-acetylated with a C-terminal amide)

## Dosing & Protocols

### Unlock the Dosing tab

Enter your email to keep reading. It is free, and it opens these tabs on every compound page in this browser.

- Dose, route and how often
- Common vial sizes

You also get the free peptide cheat sheet by email. Unsubscribe anytime.

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## Research

### Unlock the research summary

- A summary of the key research
- Safety and side effects
- A link to the PubMed results

## Interactions

Interaction and contraindication data is being compiled for Melanotan I. Check back soon.

General Safety Note

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before combining research compounds. Interactions may exist that are not yet documented.

Best Price

$35.00

up to $54.99

Best $/mg

$3.5000

Vendors

2

Listings

4

vial, nasal

Dosage

Form

Sort

| Vendor | Product | Form | Qty | Price | $/mg | Coupon | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Image: Disguised Alpha logo (https://disguisedalpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/disguised-logo-3x.webp) Disguised Alpha (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/disguised-alpha) 50: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendor-trust-scorecard 🇺🇸 US 🇪🇺 EU 🇬🇧 UK | Melanotan 1 | vial | 1 vial ● In Stock | $39.99 | — | — | Buy: https://disguisedalpha.com/product/melanotan-1/?coupon=reddit |
| Image: Disguised Alpha logo (https://disguisedalpha.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/disguised-logo-3x.webp) Disguised Alpha (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/disguised-alpha) 50: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendor-trust-scorecard 🇺🇸 US 🇪🇺 EU 🇬🇧 UK | MT-1 Aerosol Kit | nasal | aerosol kit ● In Stock | $54.99 | — | — | Buy: https://disguisedalpha.com/product/mt-1-aerosol-kit/?coupon=reddit |
| ⚗️ Ion Peptide (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/ion-peptide) 70: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendor-trust-scorecard 🇺🇸 US 🌍 International | Melanotan I 5mg | vial | 1 vial ● Out of Stock | $19.00 | $3.80 | — | View: https://ionpeptide.com/product/melanotan-i/?ref=reddit15 |
| ⚗️ Ion Peptide (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/ion-peptide) 70: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendor-trust-scorecard 🇺🇸 US 🌍 International | Melanotan I 10mg | vial | 1 vial ● In Stock | $35.00 BEST | $3.50 | — | Buy: https://ionpeptide.com/product/melanotan-i/?ref=reddit15 |

### Sign in to leave a review

Reviews on BodyHackGuide are tied to verified user accounts and moderated before publishing. Sign in (free, no spam) to share your experience with Melanotan I.

Current low

$35.00

current listings

7-day low

—

not enough history yet

30-day low

—

not enough history yet

30-day change

—

not enough history yet

Tracking since Apr 22, 2026 · 4 data points

## Price History

2 data points

### Vendors Selling Melanotan I

⚗️

#### Ion Peptide

4.5

2 listings · from $19.00
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/ion-peptide

#### Disguised Alpha

2 listings · from $39.99
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/disguised-alpha

How we score these vendors

Every supplier above is graded 0 to 100 on COA verification, payment transparency, shipping, reviews, and active listings. Methodology published, no pay-to-rank.

View Scorecard (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/scorecard)

### Related Compounds

View All (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/wiki)

### Aminotadalafil

Other Preclinical

Aminotadalafil is an unapproved research analog of tadalafil, the PDE5 inhibitor marketed under the brand name Cialis for erectile dysfunction and under Adcirca for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

2.5 mg - 20 mg (oral)

9 PubMed View Profile
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/aminotadalafil

### B7-33

Other Preclinical

B7-33 is a single-chain, 26-amino-acid peptide engineered as a functionally selective agonist of the relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), designed to recapitulate the therapeutic activity of human H2 relaxin — the endogenous peptide hormone that is naturally elevated during pregnancy and has broad cardioprotective, vasodilatory, and anti-fibrotic effects.

t½ In vitro serum-stability half-life is approximately 6 minutes; B7-33 is rapidly degraded (a lipidated analog extended this to ~60 minutes in the same assay). Human in vivo pharmacokinetics are unpublished, and rapid clearance is expected for a small linear peptide (Praveen et al. 2023, PMID 37047588). 500-4000 mcg subcutaneous per injection (community/self-report research doses; most commonly ~1000 mcg / 1 mg once daily). No validated human dose exists - all figures are empirical extrapolations from rodent pharmacology.

11 PubMed View Profile
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/b7-33

### Diisopropylamine dichloroacetate (DADA)

Other Approved (Japan)

DADA is the abbreviation the research chemical market uses for diisopropylamine dichloroacetate, the diisopropylamine salt of dichloroacetic acid, CAS 660-27-5.

Preclinical View Profile
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/dada

### Indole-3-propionamide (IPAM)

Other Preclinical

IPAM is the market abbreviation for indole-3-propionamide, the amide of indole-3-propionic acid and a close structural relative of melatonin.

t½ Not established in humans; after intraperitoneal administration of 0.5 mg/kg to one-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats, brain concentrations were 691 pg indole per mg protein at 2 h, 562 at 4 h and 361 at 8 h, which the authors described as a long half-life relative to melatonin (PMID: 20421998)

Preclinical View Profile
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/indole-3-propionamide

### Kisspeptin-10 (KSPTN)

Other Clinical (investigational)

KSPTN is the vendor shorthand for kisspeptin, a naturally occurring peptide encoded by the KISS1 gene and the master upstream regulator of the reproductive (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal) hormone axis.

t½ Kisspeptin-10: very short, reported on the order of ~4 minutes (rapid plasma clearance). Kisspeptin-54 is longer-acting (tens of minutes). The brief half-life is why human studies dose it intravenously by bolus or continuous infusion. 20-100 mcg

Preclinical View Profile
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/ksptn

### PNC-27

Other Preclinical

PNC-27 is a p53-derived peptide that selectively induces membranolysis in cancer cells.

t½ Unknown (no published PK data)

Preclinical View Profile
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/pnc-27

### Side-by-Side Comparisons

All Comparisons (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare)

Melanotan I vs Melanotan II: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare/melanotan-i-vs-melanotan-ii

View Full Dosage Guide →

Protocols, calculator & safety for Melanotan I
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/guides/dosage/melanotan-i

### Related Articles

All Posts (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/blog)

#### The Best Peptide Nasal Sprays of 2026, Ranked by Evidence

An evidence-tiered review of 10 peptide nasal sprays. S tier: Semax, Selank, oxytocin. A tier: PT-141, DSIP, Epithalon. B tier: Noopept, NAD+, 5-Amino-1MQ. C tier: Melanotan-II. It covers human-trial counts, PMID citations, safety, and pre-made vs DIY tradeoffs.

4/21/2026
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/blog/best-peptide-nasal-sprays-2026

#### How to Make a Peptide Nasal Spray at Home: The Complete DIY Guide (2026)

A full DIY protocol for turning peptides into nasal sprays, with Semax, Selank, oxytocin, DSIP, and BPC-157 as worked examples. It covers reconstitution math, sterile technique, storage, pH and tonicity, and safety in 11 steps.

4/21/2026
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/blog/how-to-make-peptide-nasal-spray-at-home

#### The Complete Peptide Reconstitution Guide (2026): Ratios, Math, and Common Mistakes

The master reconstitution reference for 17 peptides. BAC vs SWFI vs acetic acid, mg/mL targets, IU math on U100 syringes, storage and stability by peptide class, sterile technique, and the mistakes that destroy $60 vials. Includes worked examples for BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu, semaglutide, tirzepatide, CJC-1295, ipamorelin, sermorelin, GHRPs, Melanotan II, PT-141, oxytocin, Semax, Selank, DSIP, and epithalon.

4/21/2026
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/blog/complete-peptide-reconstitution-guide-2026

### Lowest Price per mg

⚗️

Ion Peptide

$35.00($3.50/mg)

2 vendors · 4 listings

### Research Score

45

0 PubMed results

### Quality Indicators

Data Completeness

63%

Description

Mechanism of Action

Chemical Data

Dosing Protocols

Safety Profile

PubMed Results

Interactions

Vendor Listings

COA Verification

0

Verified COAs

1

Vendors w/ COA

Latest test: 9/16/2026

### Quick Facts

Half-Life

Molecular Weight

Administration

Subcutaneous, Intramuscular

Trial Phase

FDA Approved

### Safety Profile

Common Side Effects

- • Nausea (typically milder and less frequent than with Melanotan II)
- • Facial flushing
- • Headache
- • Fatigue
- • Skin hyperpigmentation; darkening of existing moles, freckles and nevi

Research Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use.

## Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melanotan I used for in research?

What forms does Melanotan I come in?

Melanotan I is available in vial, nasal forms.

How do I compare Melanotan I vendors?

Compare prices, payment methods, shipping, and COA scores across 2 vendors.

How many vendors sell Melanotan I, and what does it cost per mg?

2 of the vendors BodyHackGuide tracks list Melanotan I (4 listings). Among BodyHackGuide's Melanotan I listings recorded as in stock with a milligram count, the lowest price per milligram is $3.50/mg at Ion Peptide and the median is $3.50/mg. The Melanotan I prices on BodyHackGuide are vendors' listed prices as BodyHackGuide last recorded them, not transactions; the most recent recorded change to a Melanotan I listing is dated 7 September 2026.

Which vendors have third-party COAs for Melanotan I on file at BodyHackGuide?

BodyHackGuide holds 59 third-party certificate records for Melanotan I, from. No editor has read any of BodyHackGuide's 59 certificate records for Melanotan I. The laboratory named on BodyHackGuide's Melanotan I certificate records is Freedom Diagnostics Testing, and the newest test date on them is 2 October 2026. Each vendor page on BodyHackGuide shows how many certificate records BodyHackGuide holds for that vendor and links to each record that has its own page.

## Research Tools

### Peptide Calculator

Reconstitution & syringe units
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/reconstitution

### Reconstitution Guide

How to mix, step by step
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/guides/how-to-reconstitute-peptides

### Nasal Spray Calc

mL per actuation
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/intranasal

### Half-Life Visualizer

Decay curves
https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/halflife

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## Related Compounds

### Aminotadalafil

Other Preclinical

2.5 mg - 20 mg (oral)

### B7-33

Other Preclinical

Other Approved (Japan)

### Indole-3-propionamide (IPAM)

Other Preclinical

### Kisspeptin-10 (KSPTN)

Other Clinical (investigational)

### PNC-27

Other Preclinical

t½ Unknown (no published PK data)

## Side-by-Side Comparisons

Compare Melanotan I head-to-head: mechanism, half-life, dosing, safety, and vendor prices.

Free 2026 Peptide Cheat Sheet (PDF)

38 compounds and blends: vial sizes, BAC water volumes, dosing ranges and bloodwork markers.

Download Free (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/guides/peptide-cheat-sheet-download)

### Need bloodwork before starting?

Full hormone + metabolic panels from Anabolic Insights. Code CHONCH for first-order discount.

Image: BodyHackGuide (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/assets/bodyhackguide-logo-DOzZNUyh.webp)

### BodyHackGuide

Your biohacking research hub: compound pricing, brain health protocols, dosing tools, and vendor reviews.

support@bodyhackguide.co

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Mhq5UdRYBA
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#### Tools

- Reconstitution: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/reconstitution
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      "description": "Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with the substitution of norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7. Unlike Melanotan II (which is cyclic), Melanotan I is a linear peptide that is significantly more selective for MC1R over MC4R — making it a tanning/photoprotective agent with substantially less sexual and appetite-stimulating side effects. Afamelanotide was FDA-approved in October 2019 under the brand name Scenesse as an implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare photosensitivity disorder. Melanotan I is meaningfully different from Melanotan II in structure, selectivity, and side-effect profile and should not be confused with it.",
      "activeIngredient": "Melanotan I",
      "administrationRoute": "Subcutaneous, Intramuscular",
      "mechanismOfAction": "Melanotan I is afamelanotide, i.e. [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH ('NDP-alpha-MSH'), a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions make it resistant to enzymatic breakdown and roughly 10-100x more potent than native alpha-MSH. It agonizes the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes; MC1R activation stimulates adenylyl cyclase, raising intracellular cAMP and activating protein kinase A (PKA), which in turn upregulates MITF and tyrosinase - the rate-limiting enzyme of melanogenesis - shifting pigment synthesis toward eumelanin (brown/black pigment) with or without UV exposure. This is the basis of its skin-darkening and photoprotective effects. Importantly, contrary to a widely repeated claim, Melanotan I is NOT MC1R-selective: NDP-alpha-MSH is a non-selective, superpotent agonist with nanomolar efficacy at every melanocortin receptor subtype except MC2R, meaning it also activates MC3R, MC4R and MC5R [PMID:9216831]. In practice it tends to cause fewer MC4R-mediated effects (spontaneous erections, heightened libido, pronounced nausea) than the cyclic analog Melanotan II - but this reflects Melanotan II's greater potency, metabolic stability and receptor residence rather than any true receptor selectivity of Melanotan I.",
      "dosageForm": "vial, nasal",
      "legalStatus": "FDA Approved"
    }
  },
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    "mainEntity": [
      {
        "@type": "Question",
        "name": "What is Melanotan I used for in research?",
        "acceptedAnswer": {
          "@type": "Answer",
          "text": "Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with the substitution of norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7. Unlike Melanotan II (which is cyclic), Melanotan I is a linear peptide that is significantly more selective for MC1R over MC4R — making it a tanning/photoprotective agent with substantially less sexual and appetite-stimulating side effects. Afamelanotide was FDA-approved in October 2019 under the brand name Scenesse as an implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare photosensitivity disorder. Melanotan I is meaningfully different from Melanotan II in structure, selectivity, and side-effect profile and should not be confused with it."
        }
      },
      {
        "@type": "Question",
        "name": "What forms does Melanotan I come in?",
        "acceptedAnswer": {
          "@type": "Answer",
          "text": "Melanotan I is available in vial, nasal forms."
        }
      },
      {
        "@type": "Question",
        "name": "How do I compare Melanotan I vendors?",
        "acceptedAnswer": {
          "@type": "Answer",
          "text": "Compare prices, payment methods, shipping, and COA scores across 2 vendors."
        }
      },
      {
        "@type": "Question",
        "name": "How many vendors sell Melanotan I, and what does it cost per mg?",
        "acceptedAnswer": {
          "@type": "Answer",
          "text": "2 of the vendors BodyHackGuide tracks list Melanotan I (4 listings). Among BodyHackGuide's Melanotan I listings recorded as in stock with a milligram count, the lowest price per milligram is $3.50/mg at Ion Peptide and the median is $3.50/mg. The Melanotan I prices on BodyHackGuide are vendors' listed prices as BodyHackGuide last recorded them, not transactions; the most recent recorded change to a Melanotan I listing is dated 7 September 2026."
        }
      },
      {
        "@type": "Question",
        "name": "Which vendors have third-party COAs for Melanotan I on file at BodyHackGuide?",
        "acceptedAnswer": {
          "@type": "Answer",
          "text": "BodyHackGuide holds 59 third-party certificate records for Melanotan I, from . No editor has read any of BodyHackGuide's 59 certificate records for Melanotan I. The laboratory named on BodyHackGuide's Melanotan I certificate records is Freedom Diagnostics Testing, and the newest test date on them is 2 October 2026. Each vendor page on BodyHackGuide shows how many certificate records BodyHackGuide holds for that vendor and links to each record that has its own page."
        }
      }
    ]
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```