Melanotan I (afamelanotide, Scenesse) is a synthetic linear analog of alpha-MSH that stimulates MC1R to increase eumelanin production. Unlike Melanotan II, it is MC1R-selective and does not significantly affect sexual function or appetite. It is FDA and EMA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).
3 independent Janoshik purity tests cover Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) across 1 vendor.
Category: Dermatology / Approved. Evidence rating: A (strong human clinical data).
Clinical status: FDA-approved (2019) and EMA-approved (2014) for EPP
Afamelanotide selectively agonizes MC1R on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin synthesis via cAMP/PKA pathway activation. This increases melanin density in the skin, providing photoprotection. It also enhances DNA repair in melanocytes exposed to UV radiation.
Safety considerations: Nausea; Headache; Darkening of moles requires monitoring.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Amino-acid sequence | [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 1646.9 Da |
| Half-life | ~30 minutes |
| Production method | synthetic |
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
| Vendor | Best tested purity |
|---|---|
| Imperial Peptides | 99.4% |
No. Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is MC1R-selective and does not significantly affect sexual function. Melanotan II is non-selective, activating MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, which causes sexual arousal, appetite suppression, and tanning.
Melanotan I (afamelanotide, Scenesse) is a synthetic linear analog of alpha-MSH that stimulates MC1R to increase eumelanin production. Unlike Melanotan II, it is MC1R-selective and does not significantly affect sexual function or appetite. It is FDA and EMA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).
On the PeptideAtlas A–F scale, Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is rated A (Strong Evidence). Approved medication with strong human evidence
FDA-approved (2019) and EMA-approved (2014) for EPP
Afamelanotide selectively agonizes MC1R on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin synthesis via cAMP/PKA pathway activation. This increases melanin density in the skin, providing photoprotection. It also enhances DNA repair in melanocytes exposed to UV radiation.
Coverage on this site: Reducing Benzotriazole and Solvent Hazards in Peptide Synthesis, Melanotan 1: Tanning Peptide with Broad Research Potential.