Melanotan I
Also known as: Afamelanotide, Scenesse, MT-1, CUV1647
Popular For
Skin tanning, photoprotection, sun sensitivity disorders
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
- Evidence Level
- FDA Approved
- Duration
- Long-term / as needed before sun season
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.
Dosing Information
Typical Dosingⓘ
Community experience
500-1000 mcg daily (loading), then 500-1000 mcg 1-2x weekly (maintenance)
250-1000 mcg per injection
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
16 mg subcutaneous implant
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
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