Melanotan I

Overview

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-MSH that selectively activates MC1R. FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), it is distinct from Melanotan II and is studied for melanogenesis and photoprotection.

Mechanism of Action

Melanotan I selectively agonizes MC1R on melanocytes, activating adenylyl cyclase and the MITF-TYR-TYRP1 melanogenesis cascade, increasing eumelanin production without UV exposure. Two key modifications (Nle4 and D-Phe7) confer enhanced binding affinity and protease resistance. Unlike Melanotan II, it has minimal MC3R/MC4R/MC5R activity.

Research Summary

FDA-approved as Scenesse (Clinuvel, October 8, 2019) for increasing pain-free light exposure in adults with EPP, based on Phase III trials CUV039 and CUV040 showing more hours spent in sunlight without pain vs. placebo (Langendonk et al., NEJM, 2015; PMID 26132941). A randomized multicenter trial (Lim et al., JAMA Dermatology, 2015; PMID 25230094) also showed increased repigmentation when afamelanotide was combined with narrow-band UVB in vitiligo.

Vendors selling Melanotan I

Scored vendors carrying Melanotan I, ranked by trust grade. Grades are computed from indexed Certificates of Analysis. Full $/mg pricing is on the comparison page.

Prescribers who offer Melanotan I

38 prescribers in our directory work with Melanotan I, each confirmed from their own website. Peptides like Melanotan I require a prescription from a licensed provider — telehealth options are available.

Reported Side Effects

• Nausea (most frequently reported)
• Facial flushing
• Darkening of pre-existing moles and nevi
• Headache
• Implant site reactions

Compare Melanotan I with Others

Research References

• Afamelanotide for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (2015)
• Afamelanotide and narrowband UV-B phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligo: a randomized multicenter trial (2015)

Frequently asked questions

Has Melanotan I been independently lab-tested?

Disclosed Labs has collected 54 Certificates of Analysis (COA) for Melanotan I from 12 independent testing labs. 27 vendors have submitted material for testing. Products average 99.7% tested purity across the corpus. Full testing data is available at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/melanotan-i/testing.

What is the average purity of Melanotan I on the market?

Based on 54 COAs analyzed by Disclosed Labs, Melanotan I products average 99.7% (±0.2%) tested purity. Individual vendor results vary; see per-vendor COA data at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/melanotan-i/coas.

Which labs have tested Melanotan I?

Independent labs that have tested Melanotan I include: ILS Labs (Grade A). Full lab credibility grades and profiles are at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/labs.

Where can researchers source Melanotan I?

8 vendors with Disclosed Labs trust grades currently list Melanotan I, including Instant Peptides, Glacier Aminos, Ion Peptide. Compare live prices and lab-verified COAs at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prices/melanotan-i.

Which prescribers offer Melanotan I with a prescription?

38 prescribers in the Disclosed Labs directory work with Melanotan I, each confirmed from their own website, with telehealth options available. Melanotan I requires a prescription from a licensed provider. Browse them at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prescribers?peptide=Melanotan%20I.

How does Melanotan I work?

Melanotan I selectively agonizes MC1R on melanocytes, activating adenylyl cyclase and the MITF-TYR-TYRP1 melanogenesis cascade, increasing eumelanin production without UV exposure. Two key modifications (Nle4 and D-Phe7) confer enhanced binding affinity and protease resistance. Unlike Melanotan II, it has minimal MC3R/MC4R/MC5R activity.

What does the research say about Melanotan I?

FDA-approved as Scenesse (Clinuvel, October 8, 2019) for increasing pain-free light exposure in adults with EPP, based on Phase III trials CUV039 and CUV040 showing more hours spent in sunlight without pain vs. placebo (Langendonk et al., NEJM, 2015; PMID 26132941). A randomized multicenter trial (Lim et al., JAMA Dermatology, 2015; PMID 25230094) also showed increased repigmentation when afamelanotide was combined with narrow-band UVB in vitiligo.