Melanotan I
An FDA-approved selective MC1R agonist for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Stimulates protective eumelanin production without the broad side effects of Melanotan II.
What is Melanotan I?
Melanotan I (afamelanotide, brand name Scenesse) is a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It is FDA-approved (2019) and EMA-approved (2014) for the prevention of phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic condition that causes severe pain upon sun exposure. Unlike Melanotan II, afamelanotide is highly selective for the MC1R receptor, meaning it primarily stimulates skin pigmentation with minimal effects on sexual function, appetite, or cardiovascular parameters. It is administered as a subcutaneous implant by a healthcare provider every 60 days.
Why People Talk About It
Photoprotection for erythropoietic protoporphyria (FDA-approved)
StrongVitiligo repigmentation (combined with phototherapy)
ModerateUV-free tanning and photoprotection
EmergingDNA repair enhancement in skin
EmergingNeuroprotection in acute stroke
PreliminaryHow It Works
Melanotan I mimics the body's natural tanning hormone (alpha-MSH) but is much more potent and longer-lasting. It activates the MC1R receptor on melanocytes, stimulating them to produce eumelanin — the dark, protective pigment that shields DNA from UV damage. Unlike Melanotan II, it is highly selective for this one receptor, so it primarily affects pigmentation without significant effects on sexual function or appetite.
Common Questions
Safety Information
Common Side Effects
Cautions
- • Only available as a healthcare-provider-administered implant
- • Not approved for cosmetic tanning
- • Darkening of existing moles has been reported in a small number of patients
- • Should be used under medical supervision for approved indications
What We Don't Know
Very long-term effects beyond 8 years of use are still being characterized. Effects on melanoma risk require ongoing surveillance, though no signal has emerged in post-marketing data. Optimal treatment duration and long-term discontinuation effects are being studied.
Published Research
12 studiesAfamelanotide for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria
German Cohort Observational Study to Investigate the Short- and Long-Term Safety and Clinical Effectiveness of Afamelanotide 16 mg (SCENESSE) in Patients With Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP)
Afamelanotide for Treatment of the Protoporphyrias: Impact on Quality of Life and Laboratory Parameters in a US Cohort
Afamelanotide in protoporphyria and other skin diseases: a review
A feasibility and safety study of afamelanotide in acute stroke patients — an open label, proof of concept, phase IIa clinical trial
Afamelanotide Is Associated with Dose-Dependent Protective Effect from Liver Damage Related to Erythropoietic Protoporphyria
Into the Light: Afamelanotide and the Treatment of Erythropoietic Protoporphyria in the United States
Afamelanotide: An Orphan Drug with Potential for Broad Dermatologic Applications
Afamelanotide for prevention of phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria
Association of Afamelanotide With Improved Outcomes in Patients With Erythropoietic Protoporphyria in Clinical Practice
Increased phototoxic burn tolerance time and quality of life in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria treated with afamelanotide — a three years observational study
Afamelanotide and narrowband UV-B phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligo: a randomized multicenter trial
Related Peptides
Melanotan II
EmergingA synthetic melanocortin peptide studied for tanning, sexual function, and appetite suppression. Not FDA-approved; the FDA has issued public warnings against its use.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
StrongBeginnerAn FDA-approved melanocortin receptor agonist for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women, also studied for broader sexual dysfunction.
Quick Facts
- Class
- Melanocortin Agonist
- Evidence
- Strong
- Safety
- Well-Studied
- Updated
- Apr 2026
- Citations
- 12PubMed
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Clinical Trials
View Clinical TrialsLinks to ClinicalTrials.gov for reference. Listing does not imply endorsement.