Melanotan I

FDA ApprovedStrong Evidence

Afamelanotide (Melanotan I)

FDA-approved synthetic α-MSH analog for erythropoietic protoporphyria — produces skin tanning via selective MC1R agonism without the sexual side effects of Melanotan II.

Half-Life

~2 hours

Molecular Weight

1646.9 g/mol

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) FDA-approved as Scenesse (2019) for the prevention of phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) — a rare disorder causing extreme pain upon light exposure. Unlike Melanotan II (a cyclic analog), Melanotan I is more selective for MC1R over MC3R/MC4R, producing skin tanning without significant sexual arousal effects. It is administered as a subcutaneous implant for the EPP indication. In research contexts, injectable Melanotan I has been studied as a tanning agent and for photoprotection. Its receptor selectivity profile makes it meaningfully safer than Melanotan II for long-term tanning use, though risks around nevi activation remain.

Also Known As

AfamelanotideScenesseMT-1CUV1647

Amino Acid Sequence

Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2

Reconstitution

FDA-approved Scenesse is a subcutaneous implant. Research injectable: reconstitute with bacteriostatic water.

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