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Melanotan I
Hormone Regulation & Endocrine SupportMelanotan 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.
Reconstitute
2 mL BAC + 10mg vial
50 mcg/unit
Daily Range
0.25–1 mg Subcutaneous (SQ)
Once daily during initial loading phase
Standard Dose
0.5 mg
Cycle
4–8 weeks
then reassess
Melanotan Iafamelanotideskin tanningmelaninUV protection
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Trials used subcutaneous doses of 0.16 mg/kg for photoprotection. All use must be supervised under IRB-approved research.
Standard / Gradual Approach
10mg VialstandardPhaseDoseVolume
Days 1–30.25 mg SQ daily5 units (0.05 mL)
Days 4–140.5 mg SQ daily10 units (0.10 mL)
Maintenance0.5 mg SQ 1–2x/week10 units
Protocol Summary
Subcutaneous (SQ): Once daily during initial loading phase · Dose range 0.25–1 mg with gradual titration
Cycle Length: 4–8 weeks typical; reassess before extending
Frequency & Cycling
SubQ Injection
Use daily for 10–14 days to build pigmentation. Then reduce to 1–2x/week for maintenance. Monitor skin moles and pigmentation.
🧪 Quick Start
Vial Size
10 mg
BAC Water
2 mL
Concentration
5000 mcg/unit
Starting Dose
0.25 mg
Potential Benefits & Use Cases
Melanotan I is an investigational compound not approved for tanning or personal cosmetic use.
Promotes melanin synthesis in skin cells (via MC1R)
Investigated for reducing UV-related skin damage
Studied in light sensitivity disorders like EPP
Explored in photoprotection research models
Longer half-life compared to native α-MSH
Clinical data Strong preclinical Limited data
Mechanism of Action
→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
Lifestyle & Optimization
timing
Brief UV exposure (10–15 min) after injection enhances melanin activation.
diet
Stay hydrated. Nausea is common early on — take with food or antihistamines if needed.
exercise
Regular moderate activity.
sleep
Always use sunscreen — MT-I increases tanning response, not UV protection.
Peptide Research & Preclinical Studies
Evidence-Based Research Findings
Study TitleType
Side Effects & Safety
Common Side Effects
• Facial flushing
• Nausea
• Appetite suppression
Contraindications & Warnings
• Monitor for moles or skin pigmentation changes
• Avoid in individuals with melanoma risk unless supervised
Long-Term Safety Data
• Long-term tanning use not well studied; photoprotective use considered safe in EPP
🧮 Dose Calculator
Concentration
50.0
mcg/unit
Draw Volume
10
units (0.100 mL)
For a 500 mcg dose, draw 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
🧬
Bioavailability & Absorption
SubQ Injection
High; administered subcutaneously for sustained release
Oral Administration
Not effective orally
Half-Life
30–60 minutes
Degradation
Cleared via renal and hepatic pathways
Tissue Specificity
Melanocytes in skin and mucosa
⚗️
Peptide Details
Molecular Weight
1646.9
Formula
C78H111N21O19
Sequence
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
⚖️
Legal Status & Regulatory
RegionStatus
FDAApproved (for EPP)
EUNot Approved
AustraliaPrescription Only
CanadaNot Approved
Storage Instructions
Lyophilized (Powder)
Store at 2–8°C. Protect from light. Stable for 12+ months.
Reconstituted (Mixed)
Refrigerate at 2–8°C. Use within 4–6 weeks.