Melanotan I: research, uses and evidence

Melanotan I is afamelanotide, a stabilized analog of alpha-MSH. As Scenesse, a slow-release implant placed under the skin, it is approved to increase pain-free light exposure in erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare disorder that makes sunlight painful. It is more selective for the pigment receptor than melanotan II.

Structure

A linear 13-residue analog of α-MSH with norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7, both of which slow breakdown.

How it works

Afamelanotide activates MC1R on melanocytes, increasing eumelanin production. Eumelanin absorbs visible and UV light and quenches free radicals, which is how it protects people with EPP.

Research use cases

Areas where Melanotan I has been studied. Inclusion here does not mean it works for that purpose.

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (approved)
Vitiligo (studied)
Polymorphic light eruption (studied)

What the research found

EPP phase 3 trials

In two randomized trials, afamelanotide implants increased the time patients could spend in direct sunlight without pain and improved quality of life compared with placebo.¹

Safety and open questions

Nausea, headache and implant-site reactions are most common. Skin darkening and darkening of moles are expected; the label recommends twice-yearly full-body skin examination.

Regulatory status

FDA-approved (Scenesse implant, 2019) and EU-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Prescription only, administered by a clinician.

Status was accurate when this page was last reviewed on October 26, 2026. Regulations change; check with the relevant authority before relying on it.

Melanotan I: common questions

Is Melanotan I the same as Scenesse?

The active molecule is the same (afamelanotide). Scenesse is a controlled-release implant made under pharmaceutical standards and given by trained clinicians. Research vials sold online are not equivalent.

Is Melanotan I approved for human use?