How Much Does Melanotan 1 (MT1) Cost in 2026? Complete Pricing Breakdown
Key Takeaways
- Melanotan 1 (MT1) is available for research purposes only and is not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use[1]
- Research-grade Melanotan 1 typically costs $150-$400 per 10mg vial from licensed research suppliers[2]
- No insurance coverage exists for Melanotan 1 as it lacks FDA approval for any therapeutic indication[3]
- Research consultation fees range from $200-$500 for initial assessment and protocol development[4]
- HSA/FSA funds cannot be used for research peptides without FDA-approved therapeutic indications[5]
- Legal access requires participation in approved research protocols or institutional studies only[6]
What Is Melanotan 1 (MT1)?
Melanotan 1 (MT1) is a synthetic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with a molecular weight of 1,646.88 Da and CAS number 75921-69-6.[7] The FDA has not approved Melanotan 1 for any therapeutic indication, restricting its availability to research purposes only through licensed research institutions.[8] This regulatory status significantly impacts pricing and access, as the peptide cannot be prescribed for human therapeutic use or covered by insurance plans.[9]
Melanotan 1 (MT1) Cost Overview
| Cost Category | Low End | High End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Consultation | $200 | $500 | Initial protocol development |
| 10mg Research Vial | $150 | $400 | From licensed suppliers |
| Purity Testing | $75 | $150 | Certificate of analysis |
| Storage Solutions | $25 | $50 | Proper refrigeration |
| Research Monitoring | $100 | $300 | Per assessment |
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Research-Grade Melanotan 1 Cost
Research-grade Melanotan 1 (MT1) typically costs $150-$400 per 10mg vial from licensed research chemical suppliers, with pricing varying based on purity levels (95-99%) and batch size.[10] Higher purity grades (≥98%) command premium pricing of $300-$400 per vial, while research-grade material at 95-97% purity ranges from $150-$250 per 10mg.[11] Bulk orders of 5+ vials often receive 10-15% volume discounts from established suppliers.[12]
The peptide sequence contains 13 amino acids (Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2) and requires specialized synthesis, contributing to higher manufacturing costs compared to shorter peptides.[13] Research suppliers typically offer 1mg, 5mg, and 10mg vial sizes, with per-milligram costs decreasing significantly in larger quantities.[14]
Consultation and Protocol Development Fees
Research institutions and qualified investigators charge $200-$500 for initial consultation and protocol development services related to Melanotan 1 research.[15] These fees cover regulatory compliance assessment, study design consultation, and safety protocol establishment required for legal research use.[16] Follow-up consultations for protocol modifications or safety assessments typically cost $100-$200 per session.[17]
Academic research institutions may waive consultation fees for collaborative studies or graduate student research projects, while private research organizations typically charge full consultation rates.[18] Protocol development includes dosing calculations, administration schedules, and safety monitoring requirements specific to melanocortin receptor research.[19]
Laboratory Testing and Analysis
Certificate of analysis (COA) testing for research-grade Melanotan 1 costs $75-$150 per batch, covering purity verification, peptide content analysis, and contaminant screening.[20] High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis represents the standard testing method, with mass spectrometry confirmation available for an additional $50-$100.[21] Research protocols often require batch testing every 6-12 months to verify peptide stability and purity maintenance.[22]
Biological activity assays using melanocortin receptor binding studies cost $200-$400 per sample, though these specialized tests are typically reserved for pharmaceutical development rather than basic research applications.[23] Endotoxin testing, required for cell culture applications, adds $25-$50 per batch to overall testing costs.[24]
Insurance Coverage Analysis
No insurance coverage exists for Melanotan 1 (MT1) as the FDA has not approved the peptide for any therapeutic indication.[25] Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans categorically exclude coverage for research-only compounds lacking FDA approval.[26] The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) explicitly prohibits reimbursement for investigational drugs outside approved clinical trial frameworks.[27]
Research institutions may cover Melanotan 1 costs through grant funding or research budgets, but individual researchers typically bear direct costs for independent studies.[28] Clinical trial sponsors cover all peptide costs for participants in FDA-approved investigational new drug (IND) studies, though no active Melanotan 1 trials are currently recruiting.[29]
Private health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) cannot reimburse Melanotan 1 costs without qualifying medical necessity documentation from FDA-approved indications.[30] The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires prescription medication status or qualified medical expense classification for HSA/FSA eligibility.[31]
Research Access and Legal Considerations
Legal Melanotan 1 access requires participation in approved research protocols through licensed institutions or qualified research organizations.[32] The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) does not schedule Melanotan 1, but FDA regulations restrict human use to approved research contexts only.[33] Individual purchase for personal research or self-experimentation violates FDA regulations and may result in legal consequences.[34]
Research institutions must maintain proper documentation, storage protocols, and disposal procedures for Melanotan 1 in compliance with institutional review board (IRB) requirements.[35] International shipping of research peptides requires proper import/export documentation and may incur additional fees of $50-$150 per shipment.[36]
Cost Compared to Alternative Research Peptides
| Peptide | Monthly Research Cost | Regulatory Status | Primary Research Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melanotan 1 (MT1) | $150-$400/10mg | Research Only | Melanocortin receptor studies |
| Melanotan 2 (MT2) | $100-$300/10mg | Research Only | Receptor pharmacology |
| α-MSH | $200-$500/5mg | Research Only | Hormone signaling research |
| PT-141 | $250-$600/10mg | Research Only | Melanocortin pathway studies |
Research-grade Melanotan 1 pricing falls within the mid-range compared to related melanocortin peptides, with costs reflecting synthesis complexity and purity requirements.[37] Melanotan 2 typically costs 20-30% less due to simpler synthesis and higher commercial availability, while natural α-MSH commands premium pricing due to extraction and purification requirements.[38]
Research Institution Pricing Models
Academic research institutions typically negotiate volume discounts of 15-25% for bulk peptide purchases exceeding $5,000 annually.[39] Government research facilities may access special pricing through GSA contracts, reducing costs by 10-20% compared to commercial rates.[40] Private research organizations generally pay standard commercial rates without institutional discounts.[41]
Collaborative research agreements between institutions can reduce individual costs through shared procurement and bulk ordering arrangements.[42] Multi-year research contracts often include price protection clauses limiting annual increases to 3-5% regardless of market fluctuations.[43]
Storage and Handling Costs
Proper Melanotan 1 storage requires refrigeration at 2-8°C for short-term storage and -20°C for long-term preservation, adding $25-$50 monthly in specialized storage costs.[44] Lyophilized peptide powder remains stable for 12-24 months when stored properly, while reconstituted solutions require use within 30 days.[45] Research-grade storage solutions and buffer systems add $15-$30 per month to total research costs.[46]
Temperature monitoring systems required for compliance with good laboratory practices (GLP) cost $200-$500 initially, with ongoing monitoring service fees of $25-$50 monthly.[47] Specialized peptide storage containers and desiccant systems add $50-$100 to initial setup costs.[48]
What to Ask Research Suppliers About Cost
When evaluating Melanotan 1 research suppliers, researchers should inquire about specific cost factors affecting total project expenses.[49] Key questions include: "What purity level is included in your standard pricing, and what additional costs apply for higher purity grades?" This information helps determine whether 95% purity at $150 per vial or 99% purity at $350 per vial better fits research requirements.[50]
"Do you provide certificates of analysis with each batch, or are these charged separately?" COA documentation costs $75-$150 but may be included with premium-priced peptides.[51] "What volume discounts are available for multi-vial orders?" Bulk pricing can reduce per-vial costs by 10-20% for orders exceeding 5 vials.[52]
"What shipping and handling fees apply, and do you offer expedited delivery options?" Standard shipping typically costs $25-$50, while overnight delivery with temperature control may cost $100-$200.[53] "Do you provide technical support for reconstitution and storage protocols?" Some suppliers include consultation services, while others charge $100-$200 for technical support.[54]
Research Budget Planning
Research projects involving Melanotan 1 should budget $500-$1,500 for initial setup costs including peptide purchase, storage equipment, and protocol development.[55] Ongoing monthly costs typically range from $200-$600 depending on research scope and peptide consumption rates.[56] Long-term studies spanning 6-12 months should allocate 15-20% additional budget for unexpected costs and protocol modifications.[57]
Grant applications should specify detailed cost breakdowns including peptide procurement, testing, storage, and personnel time for regulatory compliance.[58] National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) grants may cover Melanotan 1 research costs when properly justified within approved research protocols.[59]
International Research Pricing
International Melanotan 1 pricing varies significantly based on local regulations and import requirements, with European suppliers typically charging 20-30% more than US sources due to stricter regulatory oversight.[60] Canadian research suppliers offer pricing comparable to US sources, ranging from $140-$380 per 10mg vial for research-grade material.[61]
Import duties and customs fees add 5-15% to international orders, while specialized shipping requirements for temperature-sensitive peptides increase costs by $50-$150 per shipment.[62] Some countries restrict peptide imports to licensed research institutions only, limiting access and potentially increasing costs through institutional markup.[63]
Future Cost Projections
Melanotan 1 research costs are expected to remain stable through 2026-2027, with potential 3-5% annual increases reflecting general inflation and manufacturing cost pressures.[64] Increased research interest in melanocortin pathways may drive demand higher, potentially increasing prices by 10-15% if supply constraints develop.[65]
Development of improved synthesis methods could reduce manufacturing costs by 15-25% over the next 3-5 years, though regulatory compliance costs are likely to increase as oversight of research peptides tightens.[66] Academic institutions may benefit from improved bulk purchasing arrangements as research volume increases.[67]
FAQ
How much does Melanotan 1 (MT1) cost per month for research?
Research-grade Melanotan 1 costs $150-$400 per 10mg vial, with monthly costs depending on research protocol requirements and usage rates.[68] Most research projects consume 1-3mg monthly, making a single 10mg vial sufficient for 3-10 months of typical research applications.[69]
Is Melanotan 1 covered by insurance?
No, insurance does not cover Melanotan 1 as it lacks FDA approval for any therapeutic indication.[70] Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans exclude coverage for research-only compounds.[71]
Can I use HSA/FSA funds for Melanotan 1 research?
HSA and FSA funds cannot reimburse Melanotan 1 costs without qualifying medical necessity from FDA-approved indications.[72] Research applications do not meet IRS requirements for qualified medical expenses.[73]
Where can I legally obtain Melanotan 1 for research?
Legal Melanotan 1 access requires participation in approved research protocols through licensed institutions or qualified research organizations.[74] Individual purchase for personal use violates FDA regulations.[75]
Why is research-grade Melanotan 1 expensive?
High costs reflect specialized synthesis requirements for the 13-amino acid sequence, purity testing, regulatory compliance, and limited commercial production volume.[76] Research-grade standards require extensive quality control and documentation.[77]
Do research institutions get better pricing?
Academic institutions typically receive 15-25% volume discounts for bulk purchases and may access special government contract pricing.[78] Private researchers generally pay standard commercial rates without institutional discounts.[79]
How long does Melanotan 1 remain stable for research?
Lyophilized Melanotan 1 remains stable for 12-24 months when stored at -20°C, while reconstituted solutions require use within 30 days at 2-8°C.[80] Proper storage extends usable life and reduces waste-related costs.[81]
Are there cheaper alternatives to Melanotan 1 for melanocortin research?
Melanotan 2 typically costs 20-30% less than Melanotan 1 while offering similar melanocortin receptor activity for many research applications.[82] However, specific research requirements may necessitate Melanotan 1's unique pharmacological profile.[83]
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Melanotan 1 is available for research purposes only and is not approved for human therapeutic use. Consult qualified research institutions and regulatory authorities before initiating any research protocols.
