Melanotan 1
Afamelanotide — alpha-MSH analog
FDA-approved melanin-stimulating peptide (for EPP).
Half-life
Slow-release implant (~2 months)
Mol. weight
~1,647 Da
Sequence
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val (13-mer, α-MSH analog)
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Overview
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a 13-amino-acid linear analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that stimulates melanin production. Uniquely among peptides discussed in this community, it is an actual FDA-approved drug — marketed as Scenesse — approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare condition causing severe light sensitivity. It is administered as a slow-release subcutaneous implant, not a typical reconstituted vial.
Mechanism of action
Afamelanotide is a potent agonist of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating melanin (eumelanin) production and increasing skin pigmentation. In EPP patients, the increased melanin provides photoprotection, reducing the painful phototoxic reactions caused by accumulated protoporphyrins. Unlike Melanotan 2, afamelanotide is selective for MC1R and lacks the significant aphrodisiac and metabolic effects seen with MT-2, reflecting its linear (vs cyclic) structure and receptor selectivity. The FDA-approved form (Scenesse) is a 16mg subcutaneous implant releasing the peptide over ~2 months.
Researched benefits
- FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)
- Stimulates protective eumelanin production
- Clinically validated for photoprotection in EPP patients
Considerations
- Approved only for EPP — not approved for cosmetic tanning
- Administered as a subcutaneous implant, not a reconstituted vial
- Side effects include hyperpigmentation, nausea, and mole darkening
Key Academic Literature & Studies
Search more in PubMedPeer-reviewed citations and clinical trials evaluating Melanotan 1 in scientific literature.
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View Melanotan 1 index on PubMed (NCBI)