A cyclic heptapeptide α-MSH analogue (INN — afamelanotide). Authorised in the EU (2014) and US (2019) under Scenesse for the prevention of phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria — a rare genetic condition causing severe sunlight sensitivity.

How is it different from Melanotan-II?

Melanotan-I is MC1R-preferential and has been developed as a controlled-release implant for a narrow orphan indication. Melanotan-II is non-selective (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R), sold grey-market for cosmetic tanning, with a documented harm profile that led to its prohibition in multiple jurisdictions.

Can Melanotan-I be used for cosmetic tanning?

Off-label cosmetic use exists but is not supported by trials in non-EPP populations. The authorised indication is strictly orphan; the safety profile in healthy people seeking tanning is not equivalent.

Melanotan-I — Peptidepedia

MOLECULAR INFORMATION

Molecular information

Type: Cyclic heptapeptide · selective α-MSH analogue · MC1R-preferential

Melanotan-I (afamelanotide) is the regulated, authorised member of the melanotan family — a tightly-defined orphan therapeutic, not a cosmetic tanning peptide.

Indications (EU authorisation)

Prevention of phototoxicity in adult patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)

Why we grade it B

EMA-authorised with replicated efficacy data in EPP. Grade B rather than A because the indication is narrow and the population is small; long-term safety data continues to accrue.

Regulatory authorisations

EU	2014	as Scenesse
US	2019	as Scenesse

RECONSTITUTION

How to reconstitute

YOU WILL NEED

Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
Insulin syringes (0.5–1 mL)
Alcohol swabs
Vial of lyophilized peptide
Sterile work surface

PROCEDURE

01Clean the work area and hands thoroughly.
02Calculate the required bacteriostatic-water volume for the desired concentration.
03Draw the calculated BAC water into the syringe.
04Inject the water slowly down the inside wall of the vial — not directly onto the powder cake.
05Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Never shake.
06Store the reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2–8 °C and use within 28 days.

Standard biotech reconstitution procedure. Always use sterile technique. This is research-protocol guidance, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is Melanotan-I?: A cyclic heptapeptide α-MSH analogue (INN — afamelanotide). Authorised in the EU (2014) and US (2019) under Scenesse for the prevention of phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria — a rare genetic condition causing severe sunlight sensitivity.
How is it different from Melanotan-II?: Melanotan-I is MC1R-preferential and has been developed as a controlled-release implant for a narrow orphan indication. Melanotan-II is non-selective (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R), sold grey-market for cosmetic tanning, with a documented harm profile that led to its prohibition in multiple jurisdictions.
Can Melanotan-I be used for cosmetic tanning?: Off-label cosmetic use exists but is not supported by trials in non-EPP populations. The authorised indication is strictly orphan; the safety profile in healthy people seeking tanning is not equivalent.