A synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that stimulates melanin production; approved for photoprotection in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and studied in other photosensitivity disorders.
FDA approved (Oct 2019) as Scenesse — a controlled-release implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria. The injectable 'Melanotan I' sold as a research chemical is the same molecule but unregulated.
Also known as: Afamelanotide, Scenesse, NDP-MSH, CUV1647
Afamelanotide is a potent agonist of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, and is comparatively selective for MC1R over the centrally-acting MC3R and MC4R. MC1R activation raises intracellular cAMP, upregulating tyrosinase and shifting melanin synthesis toward eumelanin — the darker, more photoprotective pigment. The accumulated eumelanin absorbs and scatters ultraviolet and visible light and adds antioxidant activity. Substitutions at positions 4 and 7 make it far more potent and metabolically stable than natural alpha-MSH.
Scenesse was FDA-approved in October 2019 to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with EPP, delivered as a subcutaneous controlled-release implant. Pivotal trials showed substantially more pain-free time in sunlight versus placebo, attributed to increased photoprotective eumelanin. It has also been studied in polymorphous light eruption and vitiligo.
We report both positive and negative trial results. For exact study protocols, read the sources — we cite them rather than repackage them.
Bars reflect the strength & volume of research evidence for each use — not a guarantee of results.
Commonly reported: generalised skin darkening, nausea, headache and fatigue; implant-site reactions with the approved product. Because it increases pigmentation, monitoring of moles is advised. Unregulated injectable versions carry additional risk from unknown purity.
Melanotan II — the non-selective sibling, which adds MC3R/MC4R activity and therefore libido and appetite effects. PT-141 — a related melanocortin peptide targeting MC4R for sexual function rather than pigmentation.
Mechanistic context only — we don't publish combinations, amounts or protocols.
Closest to Melanotan II. The key difference is receptor selectivity: Melanotan I is comparatively MC1R-selective, giving pigmentation and photoprotection with minimal central effects, while Melanotan II is non-selective and also affects libido and appetite.
Chemically yes. The approved product is a regulated implant (Scenesse); the injectable sold as a research chemical is unregulated.
Yes — as Scenesse, October 2019, to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria.
By activating MC1R on melanocytes, raising cAMP and tyrosinase, which shifts melanin synthesis toward photoprotective eumelanin.
No reviews yet. If you've used Melanotan I, be the first to share what it helped with and any side effects.
⚠️ Educational research information only — not medical advice. Many peptides are sold strictly for laboratory research and are not approved treatments. The evidence scores reflect research interest and strength, not efficacy or safety for any individual. Always consult a qualified professional.