Melanocortin-system peptides
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)
Also known as afamelanotide · MT-I · Scenesse · [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH
A linear α-MSH analogue that selectively activates MC1R, approved (as an implant) to prevent phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria.
In 60 seconds
Approved in the EU (2014) and US (2019) as a subcutaneous implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). In the EPP trials the implant was well tolerated; dermatology reviews warn about unregulated use of melanotan products and the need for mole surveillance.
- Randomised trials measured pain-free sunlight exposure and safety with afamelanotide implants in EPP.
- Reviews afamelanotide as the first-in-class MC1R agonist approved in the EU for EPP phototoxicity.
- Reviews afamelanotide’s eumelanin effect and its exploration in other skin diseases.
Mechanism
Afamelanotide binds the melanocortin-1 receptor on melanocytes, increasing eumelanin production. It is more stable and potent than natural α-MSH and, unlike melanotan II, is relatively selective for MC1R.
Research status
Approved in the EU (2014) and US (2019) as a subcutaneous implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Unregulated injectable "melanotan" products are a separate, unapproved market.
Key studies
Randomised trials measured pain-free sunlight exposure and safety with afamelanotide implants in EPP.
Afamelanotide for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria — N Engl J Med, 2015 · PMID 26132941
Reviews afamelanotide as the first-in-class MC1R agonist approved in the EU for EPP phototoxicity.
Afamelanotide: A Review in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria — Am J Clin Dermatol, 2016 · PMID 26979527
Reviews afamelanotide’s eumelanin effect and its exploration in other skin diseases.
Afamelanotide in protoporphyria and other skin diseases: a review — Postepy Dermatol Alergol, 2024 · PMID 38784937
Reviews the risks of unregulated melanotan I and II use, primarily for tanning.
Risks of unregulated use of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogues: a review — Int J Dermatol, 2017 · PMID 28266027
Safety signals in the literature
In the EPP trials the implant was well tolerated; dermatology reviews warn about unregulated use of melanotan products and the need for mole surveillance.
Legal status (South Africa)
Melanocortin-agonist peptides such as melanotan are named in SAHPRA warnings; registered melanocortin medicines are prescription-only. Research use only.
Related compounds we stock
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Comparisons
Questions
What is Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)?
A linear α-MSH analogue that selectively activates MC1R, approved (as an implant) to prevent phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria. Afamelanotide binds the melanocortin-1 receptor on melanocytes, increasing eumelanin production. It is more stable and potent than natural α-MSH and, unlike melanotan II, is relatively selective for MC1R.
What is the research status of Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)?
Approved in the EU (2014) and US (2019) as a subcutaneous implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Unregulated injectable "melanotan" products are a separate, unapproved market.
What safety signals are reported for Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)?
In the EPP trials the implant was well tolerated; dermatology reviews warn about unregulated use of melanotan products and the need for mole surveillance.
Does Living Water Labs stock Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)?
Not at present. Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. You can ask to be notified if we add it. Melanocortin-agonist peptides such as melanotan are named in SAHPRA warnings; registered melanocortin medicines are prescription-only. Research use only.
More in Melanocortin
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.
