Melanotan I
Afamelanotide · Scenesse · NDP-MSH
Popular for:Skin tanning, photoprotection, erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)
23
Registered Trials
12
Trial Publications
292
PubMed References
Approved
Evidence Level
Overview
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that selectively stimulates melanin production. The short version: people usually care about it for skin tanning, photoprotection, erythropoietic protoporphyria (epp), but the strength of the evidence depends heavily on indication and study type.
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that selectively stimulates melanin production. It is FDA-approved under the brand name Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic condition causing extreme sun sensitivity.
Unlike Melanotan II, Melanotan I has a cleaner side effect profile — it primarily targets MC1R (the melanocortin-1 receptor responsible for pigmentation) without significant effects on sexual function or appetite. It was developed by the University of Arizona and is the more selective of the two melanocortin tanning peptides.
Research Snapshot
What the evidence says
ApprovedMelanotan I currently shows 23 registered trials from ClinicalTrials.gov, 12 PubMed trial publications (5 RCT-tagged), and 292 PubMed references matching the stored source query. Treat PubMed references as literature surface area, not a count of clinical trials.
Known vs uncertain
Known signals
- 23 registered trials are tracked from ClinicalTrials.gov intervention records.
- 12 PubMed clinical-trial publications are indexed.
- 5 PubMed randomized controlled trial publications are indexed.
- 292 PubMed references are tracked separately from trial counts and can include animal, in-vitro, review, mechanism, or clinical records.
Open questions
- Evidence strength may vary by indication, route, formulation, and population.
- Public anecdotes can highlight interest or concern but do not establish clinical efficacy.
- Regulatory status and compounding access can change independently from the research literature.
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan I binds selectively to MC1R receptors on melanocytes in the skin, stimulating eumelanin production (the dark, photoprotective form of melanin).
Key Research Benefits
Clinical Evidence Summary
Research Pipeline
International Regulatory Status
23
Registered Trials
12
Trial Publications
5
RCT Publications
292
PubMed References
Registered trials are ClinicalTrials.gov intervention records. Trial publications are PubMed records tagged as clinical trials or randomized controlled trials. PubMed references are broader source-query matches and can include animal studies, in-vitro work, reviews, mechanism papers, and trial publications.
23
Registered trials
12
Trial publications
5
RCT publications
292
PubMed references
50
Reviews
0
Meta-analyses
Registered trials source
Jun 1, 2026
afamelanotide
Uses curated ClinicalTrials.gov intervention aliases to avoid misleading registry matches.
View sourcePublication counts source
May 3, 2026
Melanotan I, Afamelanotide, Scenesse, NDP-MSH
Uses the approved drug and peptide aliases for Melanotan I.
View sourceFDA-approved as Scenesse (2019) for EPP. Available by prescription for EPP patients. Research compound for tanning/photoprotection applications.
Key PubMed References
292 PubMed references · showing top 23 by relevance
View all on PubMedGerman Cohort Observational Study to Investigate the Short- and Long-Term Safety and Clinical Effectiveness of Afamelanotide 16 mg (SCENESSE) in Patients With Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP).
Homey B, Schelonke K, Schlegel CM, et al. · Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine · 2025
PMID: 40082741Vitamin D status in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria taking the systemic photoprotective agent afamelanotide.
Rhodes LE · The British journal of dermatology · 2024
PMID: 38736212Afamelanotide in protoporphyria and other skin diseases: a review.
Polańska A, Wegner J, Nutbohm P, et al. · Postepy dermatologii i alergologii · 2024
PMID: 38784937The effects of cholecalciferol and afamelanotide on vitamin D levels in erythropoietic protoporphyria: a multicentre cohort study.
Kluijver LG, Nekouei Shahraki M, Wagenmakers MAEM, et al. · The British journal of dermatology · 2024
PMID: 38634774Vitiligo: Pathogenesis and New and Emerging Treatments.
Perez-Bootello J, Cova-Martin R, Naharro-Rodriguez J, et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2023
PMID: 38139134Anecdotes & Sentiment
This section summarizes what people are talking about in public sources. It can be useful for spotting questions, hype cycles, and recurring concerns, but it is separate from the evidence sections above.
No curated public-discussion themes are live for Melanotan I yet.
Side Effects & Safety
- Nausea (most common) - Facial flushing - Headache - Darkening of moles and freckles (monitor existing nevi) - Injection site reactions
Known Interactions
No curated interaction entry is live for Melanotan I yet.
Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.
Comparison Pages
Comparison pages
AllNo comparison page is linked yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research Disclaimer
This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Regulatory status can vary by compound, formulation, indication, and jurisdiction. Check official labeling, registry records, and qualified professional guidance before making any health-related decision. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.