Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that stimulates melanogenesis (melanin production) in the skin. The peptide is a linear 13-amino acid sequence designed to have greater potency and longer duration than natural α-MSH. Melanotan I binds primarily to the MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor) on melanocytes, promoting the production of eumelanin (brown/black pigment) rather than pheomelanin (red/yellow pigment). Under the trade name Scenesse, afamelanotide is approved in Europe for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a painful sun sensitivity disorder. It provides photoprotection by increasing melanin independent of UV exposure.
| Research Status | Approved (EU) for EPP |
|---|---|
| Half-Life | ~1 hour |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection |
| Typical Dosage | 1 mg |
| Molecular Weight | 1,646.9 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C78H111N21O19 |
Selective MC1R agonist that stimulates melanin production without significant effects on other melanocortin receptors.
All information is presented for Research Use Only (RUO). Not medical advice.