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Melanocortin

Melanotan I

Research compound. This is not a dietary supplement. Unless it is identified as an approved prescription drug, it is not approved by the FDA for human use. This page summarizes published research for education only; we do not sell it or link to sellers.

Melanotan I. α-MSH analog approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria to promote photoprotective pigmentation.

How it works. Selective MC1R agonism increases melanocyte eumelanin production, providing endogenous photoprotection.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Disease-modifying option in EPP (preclinical).

Hormonal impact. Effects on Melanocortin signaling (MC1R), Other melanocortin receptors.

Side effects and interactions. 0 medication interactions listed. Serious: Need for melanocytic surveillance with chronic use.

Stacking. Pairs well with Standard photoprotection (clothing, sunscreen). Avoid combining with History of melanoma.

Common forms. Available as Subcutaneous implant.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Melanotan I. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Melanotan I. α-MSH analog approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria to promote photoprotective pigmentation.

Molecular structureC78H111N21O19 · 1646.8 g/mol

What it is

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic α-MSH analog approved to reduce phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria via increased eumelanin production.

Also called

AfamelanotideScenesse

How it works

Selective MC1R agonism increases melanocyte eumelanin production, providing endogenous photoprotection.

Pathways

  • MC1R agonism
  • Eumelanin synthesis
  • Reduced UV-driven oxidative stress

Effects

  • ↑Eumelanin-mediated photoprotection increases
  • ↓Phototoxic events in EPP decreases

What the research supports

Disease-modifying option in EPPpreclinical
Selective MC1R actionpreclinical

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Hormonal impact

↑Melanocortin signaling (MC1R)increases
=Other melanocortin receptorsstabilizes

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Injection-site reactions

Serious

  • Need for melanocytic surveillance with chronic use

No notable medication interactions listed.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Standard photoprotection (clothing, sunscreen)Combined behavioral and pharmacologic protection.

Avoid combining

  • History of melanomaRisk-benefit unfavorable.

Common forms

  • Subcutaneous implant

Discussion

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