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FDA approved Skin and Hair

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)

Also called Afamelanotide; Scenesse; MT-I

A synthetic alpha-MSH analogue. As the Scenesse implant (afamelanotide), it is FDA approved for a rare light-sensitivity disorder, not for cosmetic tanning.

Overview

What it is

A linear 13-amino-acid analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, more selective than Melanotan II.

How it works

It activates the melanocortin-1 receptor on pigment cells, increasing eumelanin (dark pigment) in the skin.

What the research shows

Clinical trials of the 16 mg afamelanotide implant in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) increased pain-free time in sunlight. Earlier research looked at injected Melanotan I for pigmentation.

Studied for

  • Erythropoietic protoporphyriaapproved implant
  • Skin pigmentationearly studies

Safety and regulatory status

Safety and side effects

Approved-product side effects include implant-site reactions, nausea, headache and darkening of moles and freckles; regular skin checks are recommended. Research vials are not the approved implant.

Regulatory status

Scenesse (afamelanotide implant) is FDA approved for adults with EPP and a history of phototoxic reactions. Research "Melanotan I" vials are not approved.

Mixing and dosing reference

Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Reference information only. Not instructions. These mixing and dosing figures summarize published studies and third-party protocols so you can understand the research. They are not medical advice, not a recommendation that anyone use any substance, and not a treatment plan. They do not apply to Research Products, which are for laboratory research only and must never be used in humans or animals. Never self-administer any compound. Only a licensed healthcare professional who has evaluated you can decide whether a medication is appropriate and how it should be used.

Melanotan I (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol

Vial
10 mg Melanotan I
Add diluent
1 mL
Concentration
10 mg/mL
1 unit (U-100)
100 mcg in 0.01 mL
Route
Subcutaneous

Lowest Published Subcutaneous Amount: 154.3 lb (70 kg) Worked Example

Research PeriodAmount per AdministrationU-100 Units (mL)
5 consecutive days per week for 2 weeks (10 administrations)5.6 mg at 154.3 lb (70 kg) (0.0363 mg/lb (0.08 mg/kg))56 units (0.56 mL)

How to mix

  1. Clean the vial stopper and diluent stopper with alcohol; allow both to dry.
  2. Draw exactly 1.0 mL of bacteriostatic water with a new sterile syringe, then inject it slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
  3. Gently swirl or roll until dissolved. Do not shake.
  4. Label the vial with the compound, concentration, and reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F) and protect from light.

Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com

Common questions

Is Melanotan I the same as Melanotan II?

No. They are different molecules with different safety profiles.

Is it approved for tanning?

No. Its approval is for EPP only.

Does it replace sunscreen?

No. Keep using sun protection.

Related in Skin and Hair

AHK-CuLab / animal only FinasterideFDA approved GHK-CuEarly human data GLOW blendUntested combination Melanotan IIEarly human data Melanotan II + PT-141 (stack)Untested combination
Sources and further reading (3)
  1. DailyMed. Scenesse (afamelanotide) prescribing information.
  2. Langendonk JG, et al. Afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyria. NEJM, 2015.
  3. Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).

Laboratory research material: Melanotan I (MT1) Research Use Only

Educational information only. This content summarizes published research for general education. It is not medical advice, not a recommendation to use any substance, and not an instruction for human or animal use. It does not describe any Research Product sold on this site.