Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) (5mg)
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide / [Nle⁴,D-Phe⁷]-α-MSH) is a linear α-MSH analogue, EMA-approved (Scenesse®) for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP). 5mg vial — reconstitute with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water for 5 mg/mL (10 units = 0.5 mg).
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 alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) analogue with high selectivity for the MC1R receptor. It stimulates melanogenesis (production of eumelanin), enhancing skin's photoprotective capabilities. Unlike cyclic Melanotan II, MT-I does not significantly activate MC3R/MC4R, thereby reducing sexual side effects and nausea.
Quick Start
- Reconstitution: 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 5 mg/mL.
- Research dose: 0.5–1.0 mg daily.
- Storage: Powder: −20 °C; solution: 2–8 °C.
Typical Research Approach (1 mL = 5 mg/mL)
Route: Subcutaneous | 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. 5 mg vial = 5–10 doses. Approved form (Scenesse®) is a subcutaneous implant every 2 months.
Related compounds
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water.
- Inject slowly onto the vial's inner wall.
- Swirl gently — do not shake.
- Refrigerate at 2–8 °C, away from light.
Protocol Overview
- Goal: Photoprotection / tanning via selective MC1R activation.
- Schedule: Daily × 4–8 weeks.
- Half-life: ~30 minutes (linear peptide).
- Benefit: Fewer sexual side effects compared to cyclic MT-II.
Dosing Protocol
- Loading: 0.5 mg/day × 2 weeks.
- Maintenance: 1.0 mg/day or alternating days.
- Duration: 4–8 weeks per cycle.
- Break between cycles: 4-week break after cycle. Tanning persists for some weeks after cessation.
Washout & Cycle Restart
When can I restart?
4-week break after cycle. Tanning persists for some weeks after cessation.
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®) for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) only.
- Not FDA-approved.
- Linear α-MSH analogue — distinct from cyclic Melanotan II.
- Lower risk of side effects due to MC1R selectivity.
- Self-administration outside approved indications is not advised.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- EMA-approved photoprotection for EPP.
- Eumelanin boost (natural tanning).
- MC1R selectivity — fewer off-target effects vs MT-II.
- Potential skin antioxidant properties.
Potential Side Effects:
- Nausea (common initially, transient).
- Facial flushing.
- Headache (mild).
- Injection site reactions.
- Rare: Darkening of moles (requires dermatological 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 assessment 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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