MT1 Dosage Guide: Protocol, Reconstitution, and Safety

Understanding the correct MT1 dosage is critical for lab researchers and subjects evaluating the photoprotective and melanogenic properties of Melanotan 1. As a selective agonist of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) stimulates eumelanin production to darken skin pigmentation.

Finding precise MT1 dosage guidance can be challenging due to confusing conversions between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2. For pure, premium-grade research compounds, visit Onyx Research Lab.

Standard Research MT1 Dosage Protocols

Research protocols structure an MT1 dosage into three distinct phases: tolerance, loading, and maintenance.

Phase	Target MT1 Dosage	Frequency	Phase Duration
Tolerance Check	0.25 mg (250 mcg)	Once Daily	Days 1–5
Loading Phase	0.5 mg to 1.0 mg	Once Daily	Days 6–21
Maintenance Phase	0.5 mg to 1.0 mg	2–3x Weekly	Ongoing

Phase 1: Initial Assessment

Always initiate a protocol with a minimal MT1 dosage of 0.25 mg (250 mcg). This initial stage helps gauge subject sensitivity and minimizes common initial side effects like transient facial flushing or mild nausea.

Phase 2: Pigment Loading

After verifying tolerance, increase the daily MT1 dosage to 0.5 mg or 1.0 mg. Continue this phase until the desired level of pigmentation is achieved. Lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick Types I and II) typically require longer loading phases than naturally darker skin types.

Phase 3: Long-Term Maintenance

Once target melanogenesis is reached, reduce administration frequency. A maintenance MT1 dosage of 0.5 mg to 1.0 mg given two to three times per week maintains stable skin pigmentation without excessive accumulation.

Reconstitution Math and Syringe Conversions

Melanotan 1 is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in 10 mg vials. Proper reconstitution using bacteriostatic water is required prior to subcutaneous administration.

Adding 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water to a standard 10 mg lyophilized vial creates a concentration of 5 mg/mL. Using a standard U-100 insulin syringe (where 100 units = 1.0 mL), use the following unit measurements:

• 0.25 mg MT1 Dosage: 5 Units (0.05 mL)
• 0.50 mg MT1 Dosage: 10 Units (0.10 mL)
• 0.75 mg MT1 Dosage: 15 Units (0.15 mL)
• 1.00 mg MT1 Dosage: 20 Units (0.20 mL)

Step-by-Step Reconstitution Process

1. Clean the rubber stoppers of both the bacteriostatic water and the MT1 vial with alcohol swabs.
2. Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
3. Aim the needle at the inner glass wall of the MT1 vial, allowing the water to drip down slowly.
4. Gently swirl the vial until the powder completely dissolves. Never shake the vial briskly, as violent agitation can degrade fragile peptide chains.
5. Store the reconstituted vial in a refrigerated environment between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

Comparing MT1 and MT2 Dosages

A common mistake in peptide research is applying Melanotan 2 (MT2) guidelines to an MT1 dosage. The two compounds possess distinct pharmacological profiles:

Melanotan 1 (MT1)

Selective for the MC1R receptor. MT1 requires higher milligram amounts (0.5 mg – 1.0 mg/day) but exhibits a significantly lower risk of systemic side effects like spontaneous erections or intense nausea.

Melanotan 2 (MT2)

A non-selective melanocortin agonist that crosses the blood-brain barrier. MT2 is much more potent by weight, typically administered at 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg, but carries a higher rate of central nervous system side effects.