Melanotan I

A synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that stimulates melanogenesis, producing a natural-looking tan without UV exposure. Afamelanotide is FDA-approved (as Scenesse) for the prevention of phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), making it one of the few peptides with regulatory approval in this space.

• Selectively binds melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes
• Activates cAMP/PKA pathway to upregulate tyrosinase and melanin production
• Promotes eumelanin (brown/black pigment) over pheomelanin (red/yellow)
• Enhances DNA repair mechanisms in UV-exposed keratinocytes

• History of melanoma or atypical mole syndrome
• Severe hepatic impairment
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Children under 18

Store at 2–8°C (36–46°F) for up to 3 months. Once reconstituted, refrigerate and use within 28 days. Protect from light at all times.

Developed at the University of Arizona and later by Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, afamelanotide was approved by the EMA in 2014 and the FDA in 2019 (as Scenesse) for EPP. Phase III trials demonstrated significant increases in pain-free time outdoors and melanin density. Unlike Melanotan II, it shows high MC1R selectivity with minimal off-target effects. Research continues into its potential for vitiligo, polymorphous light eruption, and skin cancer prevention.