Melanotan I
Afamelanotide (NDP-α-MSH) analog
Mechanism of Action
Synthetic tridecapeptide analog of alpha-MSH (identical sequence to afamelanotide/NDP-alpha-MSH). Binds and activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes with high selectivity relative to other MC receptor subtypes, driving cAMP-mediated eumelanin synthesis independent of UV exposure.
Key Benefits
- UV-independent skin pigmentation/tanning
- Reduced phototoxicity and increased pain-free sun tolerance in porphyria patients (approved indication)
- More selective MC1R activity than Melanotan II — fewer off-target (libido/appetite/nausea) effects
- Photoprotection research interest for vitiligo and polymorphic light eruption
Dosing Protocol
The only melanocortin tanning analog with an approved drug (Scenesse) behind it — real human trial data exists (EPP photoprovocation studies). Vendor RUO vials are unapproved synthetic peptide, not the approved implant.
Ideal Candidates
Research contexts modeling UV-independent pigmentation, photoprotection, or MC1R pharmacology. The approved implant (Scenesse) is indicated for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Side Effects & Safety
Nausea (dose-dependent, less common than with Melanotan II), flushing, mild darkening of existing nevi. Generally milder than Melanotan II due to MC1R selectivity.
Regulatory Status
FDA-ApprovedApproved by FDA in 2019 as Scenesse (afamelanotide) implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria; EMA-approved since 2014. Compounded/vendor MT-1 vials are unapproved synthetic analogs of the same peptide — RUO only, not the approved implant formulation.
Evidence & Citations
- Levine N, et al. Induction of skin tanning by subcutaneous administration of a potent synthetic melanotropin. JAMA. 1991;266(19):2730-6.
- Harms JH, et al. Mitigating photosensitivity of erythropoietic protoporphyria patients by an agonistic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone. Photochem Photobiol. 2009;85(6):1434-9.
- Minder EI, Schneider-Yin X. Afamelanotide (CUV1647) in dermal phototoxicity of erythropoietic protoporphyria. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2014;8(1):43-53.
- Balwani M. Erythropoietic Protoporphyria and X-Linked Protoporphyria: pathophysiology, genetics, clinical manifestations, and management. Mol Genet Metab. 2019;128(3):298-303.
Frequently asked
What is Melanotan I?+
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide (NDP-α-MSH) analog) is a peptide studied for selective mc1r agonist and uv-independent pigmentation. Synthetic tridecapeptide analog of alpha-MSH (identical sequence to afamelanotide/NDP-alpha-MSH). Binds and activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes with high selectivity relative to other MC receptor subtypes, driving cAMP-mediated eumelanin synthesis independent of UV exposure.
What is the dosing protocol for Melanotan I?+
Literature commonly references 0.5 mg/day (loading) (low) to 1 mg 2–3x/wk (maintenance) (maintenance) via SubQ, on a 10–20 day loading phase, then ongoing maintenance cycle. Educational reference only — a licensed Stackhaus Health provider sets any personalized protocol.
What is the regulatory status of Melanotan I?+
Approved by FDA in 2019 as Scenesse (afamelanotide) implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria; EMA-approved since 2014. Compounded/vendor MT-1 vials are unapproved synthetic analogs of the same peptide — RUO only, not the approved implant formulation.
Where can I access Melanotan I?+
Research-grade Melanotan I is available through Stackhaus Research. For a personalized, provider-reviewed protocol, consult a licensed clinician through Stackhaus Health.