Linear alpha-MSH analog (afamelanotide) approved in the EU as Scenesse® for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Researched for photoprotective tanning.
Last Updated: May 2026
Melanotan I (MT-1, Afamelanotide) is a synthetic linear α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) analog approved in the European Union as Scenesse (afamelanotide) for the prevention of phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), and conditionally approved in some other jurisdictions for the same indication. It is also researched for photoprotective tanning effects and is sold as a research-use-only compound by third-party laboratories outside of the approved indication.
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic 13-amino-acid linear α-MSH analog with a single amino acid substitution (Nle at position 4) and amidation conferring resistance to enzymatic degradation, with extended half-life relative to native α-MSH. It binds melanocortin receptors (MC1R primarily on melanocytes), stimulating eumelanin (the protective dark pigment) synthesis in skin. The mechanism produces protective pigmentation without UV exposure, the basis for the EPP indication and the cosmetic tanning interest. Evidence level: EMA-approved (Scenesse for EPP); Phase 3 evidence in EPP; cosmetic tanning research.
Phase 3 trials in erythropoietic protoporphyria demonstrated significant increases in pain-free sun exposure time and quality of life improvements, supporting EMA approval as Scenesse. The compound is administered as a subcutaneous slow-release implant in approved EPP use. Cosmetic tanning research applications use injectable formulations off-label. Outside the EPP indication, Melanotan I is not FDA-approved or approved for cosmetic use anywhere. Evidence level: Phase 3 (EPP, EMA-approved); cosmetic tanning research not at regulatory-grade.
Melanotan I is a linear α-MSH analog with selective MC1R binding; Melanotan II is a smaller cyclic analog with broader melanocortin receptor binding (MC1R + MC3R + MC4R + MC5R), producing different effects including significant sexual function and appetite effects in addition to pigmentation.
| Compound | Structure | Receptor binding | Approved status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melanotan I (MT-1, Afamelanotide) | 13-AA linear α-MSH analog | MC1R selective | EMA-approved (Scenesse for EPP) |
| Melanotan II | Smaller cyclic α-MSH analog | MC1R + MC3R + MC4R + MC5R | Not approved |
| PT-141 | MT-2 metabolite | MC4R primary | FDA-approved (Vyleesi, HSDD) |
Side effects in Scenesse clinical use include injection-site reactions, mild fatigue, occasional headache, and the expected pigmentation effects. Long-term safety has been characterized in the EMA-approved Scenesse use, with ongoing surveillance. The melanocortin receptor pathway raises theoretical concerns about melanoma risk (since melanocyte stimulation is involved), though clinical data has not surfaced increased melanoma incidence in approved use. Evidence level: Phase 3 safety; post-market EMA surveillance; long-term cosmetic-use safety less characterized.
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is EMA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria and has conditional approval in some other jurisdictions for the same indication. It is not FDA-approved in the United States and is not approved for cosmetic tanning anywhere in the world. Research-grade Melanotan I is sold by third-party laboratories for laboratory use. Regulatory context in are peptides legal regulatory status by country.
Because the EMA-approved Scenesse implant product is distinct from research-grade injectable Melanotan I sold by third-party laboratories — those are different supply chains with different quality controls. Research-grade material is subject to wider purity variance, and the structural distinction between Melanotan I and the smaller Melanotan II requires mass spectrometry verification. Guidance in how-to-test-peptides hub.
Peptigrity purchases Melanotan I vials anonymously at standard customer pricing, sends them to ISO-accredited third-party labs for HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis, and publishes the unedited certificate of analysis. Methodology in how we calculate trust scores.
No, not in the United States. Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is EMA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria in the EU, with conditional approval in some other jurisdictions for the same indication. It is not approved for cosmetic tanning anywhere in the world.
The Scenesse implant is available by prescription in jurisdictions where Melanotan I is approved for EPP. Research-grade Melanotan I is legal to purchase as a research chemical for laboratory use in most jurisdictions, but it is not approved for cosmetic use. Country breakdown in peptide legal status guide.
Melanotan I is a longer linear α-MSH analog with selective MC1R binding (primarily pigmentation effects); Melanotan II is a smaller cyclic analog with broader melanocortin receptor binding (pigmentation + sexual function + appetite effects). They produce substantially different effect profiles.
The melanocortin pathway is theoretically implicated in melanoma development, but EMA Scenesse post-market surveillance has not surfaced increased melanoma incidence in approved use. Long-term cosmetic-tanning use safety is less characterized than approved EPP use. Anyone considering Melanotan I use should consult a licensed physician about the underlying melanocortin biology.
Independent third-party HPLC certificate of analysis from a lab the vendor does not own or pay, with mass spectrometry identity confirmation. Mass spec distinguishes Melanotan I (longer linear) from Melanotan II (smaller cyclic). COA interpretation in red flags in peptide certificates of analysis.
No. The Scenesse EPP dose is administered as a slow-release implant under medical supervision. Cosmetic tanning use is not approved anywhere; protocols vary widely. Peptigrity is an independent review platform, not a medical authority. Anyone considering use should consult a licensed physician.
This section is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is EMA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria but is not FDA-approved and is not approved for cosmetic tanning anywhere in the world. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or research compound. Peptigrity is an independent review platform and does not sell, endorse, or recommend specific products or vendors.
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