What is Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)?
Melanotan I, also known as afamelanotide, is a synthetic analog of α-MSH developed to stimulate melanin production in the skin. Unlike tanning through ultraviolet (UV) exposure, Melanotan I induces pigmentation by activating melanocytes directly. This compound initially gained research importance for its role in treating rare photosensitivity disorders. Afamelanotide is currently approved in several countries for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a condition marked by extreme sensitivity to sunlight. In the cosmetic space, this medication works by inducing tanning without causing the negative effects of UV light, which is the most important cause of skin cancer.
How Does Melanotan I Work?
Melanotan I selectively activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes in the skin. This stimulation increases the production of eumelanin, the darker form of melanin that provides protection against UV radiation. Increased eumelanin helps absorb and disperse UV energy, reducing skin damage and pain from sun exposure.
In contrast to melanotan II, melanotan I is limited in its action, only activating one type of melanocortin receptor (MC1R). Melanotan II has greater effects, not only tanning skin but also suppressing appetite and increasing sexual arousal.
What is Melanotan I used for?
Established and investigated uses include:
- Erythropoietic protoporphyria (FDA- and EMA-approved)
- Photoprotection in severe sun sensitivity disorders
- Adjunct treatment in vitiligo (under investigation)
- Cosmetic use (tanning)
Melanotan I Side Effects
Side effects can include nausea, headache, flushing, and darkening of existing freckles or moles. Because pigmentation changes occur, regular skin monitoring is recommended. Long-term studies have not demonstrated an increased risk of skin cancer.
Melanotan I Dosing Protocol (for Research)
Melanotan I research protocols call for administration under the skin (subcutaneously). Importantly, it does not matter where it is injected; it will cause the skin to uniformly tan as it travels through the bloodstream. The recommended research/educational dosing protocol is as follows:
| Phase | Dose & frequency |
|---|---|
| First 10 days (loading phase) | 0.25 – 0.5 mg once daily |
| Day 11 and beyond (maintenance phase) | 0.5 mg – 1 mg once weekly, depending on desired effect |
Shown for education. A licensed clinician should set any actual dose. Compare protocols across peptides in the peptide dosage chart.
Common questions about Afamelanotide (Melanotan I)
What is Melanotan I (afamelanotide)?
Melanotan I, also known as afamelanotide, is a synthetic analog of α-MSH developed to stimulate melanin production in the skin. Unlike tanning through ultraviolet (UV) exposure, Melanotan I induces pigmentation by activating melanocytes directly.
What is Melanotan I (afamelanotide) used for?
Areas studied include: Erythropoietic protoporphyria (FDA- and EMA-approved); Photoprotection in severe sun sensitivity disorders; Adjunct treatment in vitiligo (under investigation); Cosmetic use (tanning).
How does Melanotan I (afamelanotide) work?
Melanotan I selectively activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes in the skin. This stimulation increases the production of eumelanin, the darker form of melanin that provides protection against UV radiation.
What are the side effects of Melanotan I (afamelanotide)?
Side effects can include nausea, headache, flushing, and darkening of existing freckles or moles. Because pigmentation changes occur, regular skin monitoring is recommended.
What is the dosage of Melanotan I (afamelanotide)?
One commonly referenced research protocol is: First 10 days (loading phase): 0.25 – 0.5 mg once daily; Day 11 and beyond (maintenance phase): 0.5 mg – 1 mg once weekly, depending on desired effect. Shown for education only; a licensed clinician should set any actual dose. See the dosing table.
How do you mix (reconstitute) Melanotan I (afamelanotide)?
Wipe the vial tops with alcohol, add bacteriostatic water slowly so it runs down the inside of the glass, then roll the vial gently until the powder dissolves; don’t shake it. See the step-by-step guide with diagrams for the pen and syringe methods.
How much bacteriostatic water do you add to Melanotan I (afamelanotide)?
There is no single correct amount. We recommend 2.1 mL: about 0.1 mL is lost during transfer, leaving roughly 2.0 mL of usable solution. You can add more or less (most peptide vials hold up to 3 mL); just enter the amount in the dose calculator. See the step-by-step mixing guide.
Is Melanotan I (afamelanotide) FDA-approved?
Afamelanotide (Melanotan I) is FDA-approved in the US for specific indications (status as of October 2026).
References
- Langendonk JG, et al. Afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyria. N Engl J Med. 2015 Jul 2;373:48-59. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1411481. View source