Melanotan I

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic alpha-MSH analog used to increase melanin production and reduce UV sensitivity. Approved for photoprotection in EPP, it provides a cosmetic tanning effect and may offer broader applications for sunburn prevention and skin tone enhancement.

• Binds to melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes
• Activates cAMP pathway to upregulate eumelanin synthesis
• Darkens skin by increasing melanin density
• Reduces UV-induced reactive oxygen species and DNA mutations

• unit: mg

  low dose: 0.25

  frequency: Once daily during initial loading phase

  high dose: 1

  standard dose: 0.5

  administration route: Subcutaneous (SQ)

• Use daily for 10–14 days to build pigmentation. Then reduce to 1–2x/week for maintenance. Monitor skin moles and pigmentation.

common: ["Facial flushing","Nausea","Appetite suppression"]

warnings: ["Monitor for moles or skin pigmentation changes","Avoid in individuals with melanoma risk unless supervised"]

long term: ["Long-term tanning use not well studied; photoprotective use considered safe in EPP"]

sequence: Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2

half life: 30–60 minutes

degradation: Cleared via renal and hepatic pathways

molecular weight: 1646.9

molecular formula: C78H111N21O19

tissue specificity: Melanocytes in skin and mucosa

• Afamelanotide: A Review in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria.reviewPMID 26979527 ↗
• Risks of unregulated use of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogues: a review.reviewPMID 28266027 ↗