Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)
Research profile · How we handle evidence
Synthetic alpha-MSH analog that stimulates melanogenesis for tanning and UV protection. FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Evidence Score
High confidence
Category
Therapeutic area
Standard Dose
Daily during loading, then 1-2x weekly
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route
Subcutaneous
Safety Tier
Limited data
Overview
Melanotan I, also known by its pharmaceutical name Afamelanotide, is the more selective cousin of Melanotan II. It stimulates melanin production to give you a natural-looking tan with significantly less sun exposure, but unlike MT-2, it doesn't produce the libido effects or the intense nausea that many people struggle with. It's actually FDA-approved (under the brand name Scenesse) for a rare condition called erythropoietic protoporphyria, where patients are painfully sensitive to light, that's a real approval, not a gray-market claim. The tan it produces builds gradually over 1-2 weeks of daily dosing and then can be maintained with 1-2 injections per week. One important caution: it WILL darken existing moles and freckles, so you need to monitor your skin closely and absolutely avoid it if you have any history of melanoma. For people who want the UV protection and cosmetic tanning without the side-effect rollercoaster of MT-2, this is the smarter choice.
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan I, also known by its pharmaceutical name Afamelanotide, is the more selective cousin of Melanotan II. It stimulates melanin production to give you a natural-looking tan with significantly less sun exposure, but unlike MT-2, it doesn't produce the libido effects or the intense nausea that many people struggle with. It's actually FDA-approved (under the brand name Scenesse) for a rare condition called erythropoietic protoporphyria, where patients are painfully sensitive to light, that's a real approval, not a gray-market claim. The tan it produces builds gradually over 1-2 weeks of daily dosing and then can be maintained with 1-2 injections per week. One important caution: it WILL darken existing moles and freckles, so you need to monitor your skin closely and absolutely avoid it if you have any history of melanoma. For people who want the UV protection and cosmetic tanning without the side-effect rollercoaster of MT-2, this is the smarter choice.
pH & Mixing
Peptides reconstituted at very different pH levels can destabilize when combined in the same syringe, which lowers how much of the peptide your body actually absorbs. If you're unsure whether two peptides are close enough in pH, reconstitute and inject them separately.
A dedicated compatibility check between two specific peptides is coming to the Compare tool. This section covers this peptide's pH only.
Benefits
- Natural-looking tan
- UV protection
- Reduced sun exposure needed
- FDA-approved for EPP
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Appetite suppression
- Darkening of moles
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- History of melanoma
Structure & Sequence
Verified structure
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)
Sequence illustration backed by PubChem match.
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
- Molecular Weight
- 1,647 Da
- Chemical Formula
- C78H111N21O19
- CAS Number
- N/A
- Reconstituted pH
- 10.4
- InChIKey
- UAHFGYDRQSXQEB-LEBBXHLNSA-N
Stack & Route Context
Stacks with
No entries listed.
Administration
Subcutaneous
Research Status
FDA approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria
Approval Status
Approved
Sports Legal
Permitted
References
No references listed.
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.