Skin & Hair · α-MSH analog · FDA-approved for EPP · Compounded 503A
Melanotan I (afamelanotide): α-MSH analog.
Melanotan I — known in its FDA-approved form as afamelanotide (Scenesse) — is a synthetic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It binds the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) to stimulate eumelanin production. It is FDA-approved for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and used off-label in photoprotection research.
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What Melanotan I is
Melanotan I (MT-1, generic name afamelanotide) is a 13-amino-acid synthetic analog of α-MSH. Compared to native α-MSH it is more selective for MC1R and far longer-acting.
Its branded form, Scenesse, is approved by the FDA (2019) for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) — a rare genetic photosensitivity disorder.
Unlike Melanotan II, MT-1 is highly MC1R-selective and does not meaningfully activate MC3R/MC4R — so it lacks Melanotan II’s libido and appetite effects. Off-label research interest centers on photoprotection.
How it works
MT-1 binds MC1R on melanocytes and activates adenylate cyclase via Gαs. The resulting cAMP rise drives microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) expression and downstream tyrosinase activity — the rate-limiting enzyme in eumelanin synthesis.
The net effect is increased eumelanin (the photoprotective brown/black melanin), which absorbs UV photons and reduces free-radical generation in skin.
In EPP, the increased eumelanin reduces phototoxicity from protoporphyrin IX accumulation, allowing patients tolerable sun exposure.
What patients use it for
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (FDA-approved)
Increases pain-free sun exposure time in adults with EPP — the only FDA-approved indication.
Photoprotective pigmentation (research)
Off-label research interest in raising baseline eumelanin as a photoprotective adjunct.
MC1R selectivity
High MC1R selectivity avoids MC3R/MC4R-mediated appetite and libido effects of MT-2.
Evidence summary
Langendonk JG et al. (NEJM, 2015) — afamelanotide for EPP, the pivotal Phase 3 evidence supporting FDA approval.
Multiple smaller trials in vitiligo (in combination with NB-UVB) show repigmentation benefit.
Off-label cosmetic / tanning use is unsupported by rigorous safety data and not endorsed by kindr.
Dosing and clinical context
General clinical context only. Kindr Health physicians determine the appropriate dose and protocol for each patient based on history and labs. This is not a prescription or dosing recommendation.
Branded Scenesse is a 16 mg subcutaneous implant administered by a certified provider every two months for EPP.
Compounded MT-1 in non-EPP use is administered as periodic low-dose subcutaneous injection under physician direction.
kindr only considers MT-1 in clinically appropriate physician-supervised cases — not for cosmetic tanning.
Safety and contraindications
Most common side effects: nausea, facial flushing, headache, skin darkening (intended).
Risk of new or changing pigmented lesions — dermatology surveillance is required.
Contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding, history of melanoma or atypical nevi, severe hepatic impairment.
Off-label cosmetic / online "tanning" peptides are not from a regulated supply chain — kindr does not facilitate this use.
Who it's typically considered for
- Adults with EPP under specialist (and kindr) co-management
- Patients in physician-supervised vitiligo protocols (adjunct to phototherapy)
- Not appropriate for cosmetic tanning
Frequently asked questions
Is Melanotan I the same as Melanotan II?
No. MT-1 is MC1R-selective (pigmentation only). MT-2 also activates MC3R and MC4R (libido, appetite, broader effects).
Is it FDA-approved?
Yes — afamelanotide (Scenesse) is FDA-approved for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Other uses are off-label.
Will kindr prescribe it for tanning?
No. kindr does not prescribe Melanotan I or II for cosmetic tanning.
How is it given?
The branded form is a subcutaneous implant placed by a certified provider. Compounded forms are subcutaneous injection.
How fast does pigmentation change?
Visible pigmentation typically develops within 1–2 weeks and fades over months after dosing stops.
Sources
- Langendonk JG et al. Afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyria. NEJM (2015). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26132941
- FDA approval letter — SCENESSE (afamelanotide) implant (2019). — www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2019/210797Orig1s000Approv.pdf
- Lim HW et al. Afamelanotide and narrowband UV-B phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligo: a randomized multicenter trial. JAMA Dermatol (2015). — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25588028
Considering Melanotan I?
A Kindr Health physician reviews every longevity intake — peptides are prescribed only when medically indicated based on your history and labs. There is no charge for the initial review.
Related peptides
Medically reviewed by Kindr Health Clinical Team
Kindr Health Inc. — Editorial & Clinical Team (physician-supervised)
NPI 1609792902 · Last reviewed: July 3, 2026
Last reviewed July 3, 2026. Compounded medications are prepared by FDA-registered 503A pharmacies and are not FDA-approved drug products. Prescriptions require a clinical evaluation; a Kindr Health physician determines eligibility. Not for use in pregnancy. This page provides educational information and is not medical advice.