MT1
Afamelanotide is a linear alpha-MSH analog, licensed as a 16 mg sustained-release implant given every 2 months; research-peptide vials sold under the Melanotan I name are not the approved product. It increases eumelanin and is approved only to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).
Regulatory status (as of Sept 2026)
Prescription implant for EPP in adults; no approved use for cosmetic tanning, and no paediatric indication. Melanotan II (a different peptide) is slated for PCAC review before the end of February 2027; Melanotan I / afamelanotide is a licensed drug, not a compounding-list item.
See the FDA peptide regulatory tracker · Read our July 27, 2026 dispatch on the FDA PCAC peptide vote2 studies referenced · Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026 · Reviewed by The Peptide Dispatch Editorial Team · How we research & label content
Melanotan I is approved as a medicine in some countries outside the US, but not by the FDA. Afamelanotide is a linear alpha-MSH analog, licensed as a 16 mg sustained-release implant given every 2 months; research-peptide vials sold under the Melanotan I name are not the approved product.
| Half-life | Not established in published research |
|---|---|
| How it's given in studies | Subcutaneous injection |
| Research stage | Approved outside US |
| Dosing | Published research: Clinical use in erythropoietic protoporphyria is a 16 mg controlled-release subcutaneous implant administered… detailsClinical use in erythropoietic protoporphyria is a 16 mg controlled-release subcutaneous implant administered approximately every 2 months; the Austrian real-world cohort (n=20) used regular implants every 2 months.Community-reportedCommunity-reported: 1 mg, subcutaneous injection |
Published-research dosing is what was given in the cited studies (species and units as reported). Community-reported dosing is what users describe, not from clinical studies. Neither is a recommendation. Not medical advice.
Where each point comes from: Clinicalhuman trials and FDA labels Lab / animalrodent, cell and ex vivo studies Community-reporteduser experience and commonly used protocols, not from clinical studies
In plain terms: It switches on the skin's tanning receptor (MC1R) to increase melanin, the skin's natural pigment. Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist that stimulates melanin production. As afamelanotide, it is used as an implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria, where clinical studies are described as showing longer pain-free sun exposure (Seidl-Philipp 2026; Barman-Aksözen 2026).
How to read this: Each item below is an effect observed in research subjects in the cited studies — think of Dexter, our stand-in research subject. These are findings from the literature, not results you should expect, and not medical advice.
Community-reportedUsers have reported 1 mg (subcutaneous injection). This is not a recommendation.
Community reports are anecdotal, vary widely in product quality and purity, and are not medical advice. Talk to a licensed provider.
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| Peptide | Half-Life | Route | Research Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melanotan I | No published PK data found | Subcutaneous injection | Approved outside US |
| Melanotan II | No published PK data found in humans; rat IV PK (0.3 mg/kg) is biphasic with rapid clearance (no numeric t1/2 in abstract) | Subcutaneous injection | Phase 1 / early human |
Values reflect figures reported in published research. Compare any peptides side-by-side →
This peptide belongs to the Tanning category. View All Tanning Peptides
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Dosing, half-life figures, and mechanism descriptions on this page are compiled from peer-reviewed published research, with the species and study type stated where reported. Figures labeled “Dosing used in published research” describe what was given in those studies and do not constitute dosing recommendations for any human use. Each cited paper is listed with DOI and PubMed links in the References section above. Found an error? Contact us.