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Skin & Hair

Melanotan I

Also known as: Afamelanotide, Scenesse, MT-1, CUV1647

FDA Approved
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Key Facts: Melanotan I

Category
Skin & Hair
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Clinical Status
FDA Approved (2019) - Erythropoietic Protoporphyria
Administration
Subcutaneous implant (not injection)
Typical Dose
500-1000 mcg daily (loading), then 500-1000 mcg 1-2x weekly (maintenance)
Frequency
Daily during loading (1-2 weeks), then 1-2x weekly maintenance
Duration
Long-term / as needed before sun season
Also Known As
Afamelanotide, Scenesse, MT-1, CUV1647

Mechanism of Action

Melanotan I binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection. Unlike MT-II, it has minimal affinity for MC3R and MC4R, resulting in fewer sexual and appetite-related side effects.

Research Summary

FDA approved in 2019 for EPP after successful Phase III trials showing significant increase in pain-free time in sunlight. Also studied for vitiligo, polymorphous light eruption, and solar urticaria. Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals developed and markets it as Scenesse.

Trial Progress:FDA Approved
Pre
I
II
III
IV
FDA

Dosing Information

FDA Approved·Human clinical trials completed, FDA approved

Typical Dosingⓘ

Community experience

Common Dose

500-1000 mcg daily (loading), then 500-1000 mcg 1-2x weekly (maintenance)

Range

250-1000 mcg per injection

Frequency

Daily during loading (1-2 weeks), then 1-2x weekly maintenance

Injected subcutaneously like MT-II. More selective than MT-II with fewer sexual side effects. Slower onset of tanning than MT-II. FDA version (Scenesse) is an implant for EPP patients only.

Research Dosingⓘ

Scientific studies

FDA-approved dosing for EPP

Doses from Studies

Duration

Long-term / as needed before sun season

Administration

Subcutaneous implant (not injection)

Timing & Administration

Best Time to Take

Evening or before sun exposure

Daily during loading, then maintenance doses

Food Recommendation

With or without food

Why This Timing?

Similar to MT-II, evening use minimizes visible flushing. Pre-sun exposure maximizes tanning effect.

Possible Side Effects

Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.

  • ●Nausea (common)
  • ●Skin darkening (intended effect)
  • ●Headache
  • ●Fatigue
  • ●Injection site reactions
  • ●FDA approved with known safety profile

References

Research This Peptide Further

PubMedClinicalTrials.govFDA.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Melanotan I do?

A 13-amino acid synthetic analog of α-MSH that stimulates melanin production. FDA-approved (as Scenesse) for treating phototoxicity in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). More selective than Melanotan II with fewer side effects.

How does Melanotan I work?

Melanotan I binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection. Unlike MT-II, it has minimal affinity for MC3R and MC4R, resulting in fewer sexual and appetite-related side effects.

Is Melanotan I FDA approved?

Yes, Melanotan I is FDA approved. FDA Approved (2019) - Erythropoietic Protoporphyria

What are the side effects of Melanotan I?

Reported side effects include: Nausea (common), Skin darkening (intended effect), Headache, Fatigue, Injection site reactions. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal health factors.

What is the typical dose of Melanotan I?

Community-reported common dose: 500-1000 mcg daily (loading), then 500-1000 mcg 1-2x weekly (maintenance) (Daily during loading (1-2 weeks), then 1-2x weekly maintenance). Range: 250-1000 mcg per injection. Administration: Subcutaneous implant (not injection). Community-reported doses. Not medical advice. Consult healthcare provider.

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