Melanotan 1

Skin & Hair

aka Afamelanotide · SCENESSE · [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH

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Formula

MW (Da)

Half-life

~30 min (plasma); ~10 days (slow-release implant)

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Overview

Melanotan 1 is best understood clinically as afamelanotide — the active ingredient in SCENESSE, an FDA-approved implant for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). It is not approved as a cosmetic tanning aid.

Mechanism

Afamelanotide is a synthetic analog of α-MSH that acts predominantly as a melanocortin-1 receptor agonist, increasing eumelanin production and thereby improving tolerance to light exposure in EPP. In the pivotal studies summarized in the label, treated patients accumulated substantially more pain-free sunlight exposure than controls.

Reported benefits

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In plain terms

Melanotan 1 = afamelanotide = SCENESSE. The FDA approved it for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) — a rare disease where sunlight causes severe pain. Trials showed significantly more pain-free sunlight time vs control. It is not approved as a tanning shortcut.

FDA-approved for EPP: substantially more pain-free sunlight

In pivotal studies summarized in the SCENESSE label, treated EPP patients accumulated substantially more pain-free sunlight exposure than controls — the basis for FDA approval.

[mt1-scenesse-label]

clinical

MC1R agonism increases eumelanin production

Afamelanotide acts predominantly as an MC1R agonist, increasing eumelanin and improving light tolerance in EPP.

[mt1-scenesse-label]

clinical

Reported side effects

Common adverse reactions in trials
clinical
Common adverse reactions included implant-site reactions, nausea, oropharyngeal pain, cough, fatigue, skin hyperpigmentation, dizziness, melanocytic nevus, respiratory tract infection, somnolence, and skin irritation.
Postmarketing hypersensitivity: urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis
clinical
Postmarketing hypersensitivity has been reported, including urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis.
Skin monitoring recommended for melanocytic lesion darkening
clinical
The label recommends regular skin monitoring because darkening of pre-existing lesions can occur.

Dosing notes

Approved dose: one 16 mg subcutaneous implant every 2 months, inserted by a trained healthcare professional. No approved tanning or cosmetic regimen exists.

Research use only. Information on this page is editorial reference, not medical or dosing advice. Always consult qualified medical guidance before use.

Storage

Labeled storage: refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C, with protection from light.

Vendors carrying Melanotan 1

No approved vendors are listing this peptide yet. Check back later or browse the full vendor directory.

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References

[mt1-scenesse-label]
SCENESSE (afamelanotide) US prescribing information
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals / U.S. FDA · SCENESSE prescribing information
Source

FDA-approved for EPP: substantially more pain-free sunlight

MC1R agonism increases eumelanin production

Common adverse reactions in trials

Postmarketing hypersensitivity: urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis

Skin monitoring recommended for melanocytic lesion darkening

Discussion