Linear melanocortin MC1R agonist (parent to MT-II). FDA-approved (Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Studied for photoprotection, tanning, and skin disorder research. Lacks the sexual side effects of MT-II.
90 minutes SC; implant (Scenesse) provides sustained release for 60 days
SKUs
1
Evidence
High Evidence
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) that stimulates melanin production in the skin. It has been developed specifically for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare photosensitivity disorder, and is approved in Europe for this indication under the name Scenesse. It has also been studied for other photoprotection purposes.
Erythropoietic Protoporphyria Treatment
EPP is a rare genetic disorder where exposure to sunlight or artificial light causes severe pain due to porphyrin accumulation. Afamelanotide was studied in randomized controlled trials in EPP patients and showed significant increases in pain-free light exposure time. It is approved in Europe and Australia for EPP and has FDA approval (Scenesse) in the US for this indication.
Photoprotection Research
Beyond EPP, researchers have studied whether afamelanotide could provide photoprotection to people with fair skin or other photosensitivity conditions. The induced melanin provides some protection against UV-induced DNA damage.
Other Photosensitivity Conditions
Research has also examined afamelanotide for conditions like polymorphic light eruption and solar urticaria, where abnormal skin reactions to light cause distress.
FDA and EMA approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria under the name Scenesse.
Randomized trials showed significant increases in pain-free sun exposure in EPP patients.
Induces melanin production through MC1R activation, resulting in skin darkening.
Well-tolerated in clinical trials for the approved EPP indication.
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is distinct from Melanotan II, which is not approved for any use. The FDA-approved indication is specific to EPP, a rare condition. Use for general tanning or photoprotection in people without photosensitivity disorders is off-label and not supported by strong evidence. Melanotan II, a related but different compound with additional effects, should not be confused with Melanotan I.
When sunlight hits your skin, UV rays stimulate cells called melanocytes to produce melanin — the pigment that causes tanning. This process is driven by alpha-MSH, a hormone that activates the MC1R receptor on melanocytes. Melanotan I is a modified, longer-lasting version of alpha-MSH. Delivered as an implant that slowly releases under the skin, it continuously activates MC1R, causing melanocytes to produce more melanin over time. The induced melanin darkens the skin and provides some actual UV protection. In EPP patients, this protective melanin is particularly valuable because their condition makes even brief light exposure extremely painful.
Afamelanotide (Melanotan I as Scenesse) is FDA-approved for EPP with a characterized safety profile. Side effects include nausea, headache, fatigue, and injection site reactions from the implant. Skin darkening with nevi (mole) changes should be monitored. It is prescription-only and used under medical supervision for its approved indication. The unapproved analog Melanotan II is associated with more significant safety concerns and should be distinguished from Melanotan I.
High Evidence
This compound has been studied in multiple large randomized controlled trials with human subjects. The evidence base is strong and consistent across independent research groups.
Published Research Ranges
16mg subcutaneous implant for EPP (approved); 0.16mg/day equivalent; research doses lower
Research Context Only: These are ranges reported in published scientific studies for educational reference. They are not dosing recommendations. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Sources listed here are from the platform research library. All links open the original publication. No citations are generated by AI.
Afamelanotide (Melanotan-I/Scenesse) for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria: Pivotal Trial
Evaluation of the immunogenicity of the synthetic α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) analogue afamelanotide ([Nle4-D-Phe7]-α-MSH, Scenesse®) in erythropoietic protoporphyria patients by ELISA detecting both anti-afamelanotide and anti-α-MSH antibodies
The role and value of real-world evidence in health technology decision-making in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK: insights on external control arms
Research Education Only: This profile is for educational purposes only. All information is sourced from published scientific literature. This is not medical advice. Not for human consumption. Consult qualified medical professionals for any health decisions.
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