PeptidePeptideMelanocortin agonistPhotoprotectant

Afamelanotide (Melanotan-1)

Also known as Scenesse · Melanotan-1 · NDP-MSH · CUV1647

Written by enwyReviewed 5 Aug 20261 sources0 comments

A synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and the [Nle4, D-Phe7] linear form of what is loosely called Melanotan-1. Unlike the grey-market injectable, afamelanotide is an approved prescription drug (Scenesse), delivered as a subcutaneous slow-release implant to increase eumelanin and reduce phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

01 Overview

Afamelanotide binds the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, driving eumelanin synthesis and providing photoprotection independent of UV exposure. It is the only melanocortin analogue in this family to reach full marketing authorisation, approved by the EMA (2014) and FDA (2019) for EPP, a rare disorder in which sunlight causes severe pain.

Because it is an implant releasing peptide over days, dosing is standardised and supervised, unlike injectable Melanotan-1/2 sold for cosmetic tanning. Common on-treatment effects include skin darkening and new or darkened naevi; long-term melanoma surveillance is advised given the theoretical concern of stimulating pigmented lesions.

02 Mechanism

Agonist at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), increasing eumelanin production in melanocytes and conferring UV-independent photoprotection.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Approved implant	16 mg	SubQ	One 16 mg controlled-release implant every ~2 months during high-sunlight periods (EPP indication).

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Increased skin pigmentationUV-independent eumelanin increase; the basis of both the medical photoprotection and the cosmetic tanning interest.	Measurable rise in melanin density	Clinical
Reduced phototoxic pain in EPPRandomised trials showed longer tolerated sunlight exposure and improved quality of life in EPP patients.	More pain-free sun-exposure hours	Clinical

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence	Countermeasures
New or darkening melanocytic naeviExisting moles darken and new pigmented lesions can appear, complicating melanoma surveillance.	Moderate	Common	Clinical
Nausea and headacheTransient nausea, headache and fatigue reported in trials, usually early and self-limiting.	Mild	Common	Clinical

06 Legal status

United States

FDA-approved (Scenesse) for EPP

Cosmetic/tanning use is off-label and not marketed. · as of Jan 2026

EMA-approved for EPP

as of Jan 2026

07 References

Afamelanotide for Erythropoietic ProtoporphyriaN Engl J Med, 2015

08 Discussion0 comments

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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.