Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) (10mg)
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide / [Nle4,D-Phe7]-α-MSH) is a linear α-MSH analog approved in the EU (Scenesse®) for erythropoietic protoporphyria. 10 mg vial.
Reviewed by the AllPeptides.eu Editorial Team·Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
⚠️ For informational/educational purposes only. Not medical advice. We do not sell any products. Self-treatment carries serious risks — consult a healthcare professional. Disclaimer
How It Works
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a linear α-MSH analog with selectivity for the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). It activates melanogenesis (eumelanin production), increasing the skin's photoprotection. Unlike the cyclic Melanotan II, MT-I does not significantly activate MC3R/MC4R, reducing sexual side effects.
Quick Start
- Reconstitution: Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 5.0 mg/mL concentration.
- Research dose: 0.5–1.0 mg daily.
- Storage: −20 °C (powder); 2–8 °C (solution).
Typical Research Approach (2 mL = 5.0 mg/mL)
Route: Subcutaneously | Frequency: 1× daily
| Week | Dose | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 (Loading) | 0.5 mg | 10 Units (0.10 mL) |
| Weeks 3+ (Maintenance) | 1.0 mg | 20 Units (0.20 mL) |
1× daily subcutaneously. A 10 mg vial = 10–20 doses. The approved form (Scenesse®) is administered as an implant every 2 months.
Related compounds
Reconstitution Steps
- Withdraw 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water.
- Inject slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Swirl gently — do not shake.
- Refrigerate at 2–8 °C.
Protocol Overview
- Goal: Photoprotection / Pigmentation.
- Schedule: Daily × 4–8 weeks.
- Half-life: ~30 minutes (linear peptide).
Dosing Protocol
- Loading: 0.5 mg/day × 2 weeks.
- Maintenance: 1.0 mg/day or every other day.
- Break between cycles: 4-week break after the cycle. Pigmentation is maintained for several weeks.
Washout & Cycle Restart
When can I restart?
4-week break after the cycle. Pigmentation is maintained for several weeks.
Minimum wait period: 4 weeks
Storage Instructions
- Powder: −20 °C long-term, 2–8 °C short-term.
- Solution: 2–8 °C, use within 21 days.
Important Notes
- EMA-approved (Scenesse®) only for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).
- Not approved by FDA.
- Linear α-MSH analog — differs from the cyclic Melanotan II.
- Lower risk of side effects compared to MT-II due to higher MC1R selectivity.
- Self-administration outside of approved indications is not recommended.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- EMA-approved photoprotection (EPP).
- Increased eumelanin (natural pigmentation).
- MC1R selectivity — fewer off-target effects vs MT-II.
- Potential antioxidant properties for the skin.
Potential Side Effects:
- Nausea (common initially, transient).
- Facial flushing.
- Headache (mild).
- Injection site reactions.
- Rare: darkening of moles (dermatologist monitoring).
⚠️ Serious Warnings & Long-Term Risks
The following warnings are based on published literature, FDA labels, and post-marketing surveillance. They do not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Mole changes & melanoma risk
Afamelanotide (Melanotan I / Scenesse®) activates MC1R, increasing melanin. Reports of atypical moles and skin lesions. Regular dermatological monitoring is required — increased pigmentation may mask early melanoma signs.
📄 EMA EPAR — Scenesse®; Br J Dermatol 2015Nausea, flushing & injection site reactions
Common adverse effects: nausea (~20%), headache, flushing, local injection site reactions. Usually mild and transient.
📄 Scenesse® FDA Label 2019References
- NEJM — Afamelanotide for EPP — Phase III: Afamelanotide increases pain-free light exposure time in EPP
View Source - EMA — Scenesse EPAR — European evaluation of Scenesse (afamelanotide)
View Source
Recommended Supplements
Maca Root Extract
Ashwagandha (KSM-66)
External Sources & Regulatory Status
Regulatory Approvals
Scenesse® (afamelanotide) · EPP (Erythropoietic protoporphyria) (2014)
Scenesse® (afamelanotide) · EPP (2014)
Scenesse® (afamelanotide) · EPP (2019)
Afamelanotide (Melanotan I) approved as Scenesse® for EPP
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
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