Melanotan I

About

Melanotan I is a linear synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a 13-amino-acid peptide that binds melanocortin receptors 1, 3, 4, and 5 - primarily MC-1R - to trigger melanin production. As afamelanotide (Scenesse), it has been approved to reduce phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria. Research has explored its use for skin tanning and photoprotection, including phase II and III implant studies.

Research Applications

• Skin tanning
• Photoprotection
• Erythropoietic protoporphyria (as afamelanotide)

Mechanism of Action

Melanotan I is an agonist of melanocortin receptors 1, 3, 4, and 5, binding primarily to melanocortin receptor 1 to trigger melanin production.

Molecular Info

Class

Peptide

Length

13 amino acids (linear analog of alpha-MSH)

Targets

Melanocortin receptors, primarily MC-1R

Primary research areas

Skin tanning and photoprotection

Dosing Guidance

Range

Research discussions cite roughly 0.25-2 mg per day, with phase I studies near 0.08-0.16 mg/kg per day and phase II/III studies using 16 mg subcutaneous implants.

Frequency

Clinical studies describe daily injection or subcutaneous implants depending on the study.

Timing

Timing is not consistently defined across the available research references.

Cycle length

European studies describe implant treatment periods of up to about four months.

Notes

Approved afamelanotide use is via a subcutaneous implant rather than the injectable examples shown here. These details are educational context only, and protocol values should not be treated as medical instructions.

Known Risks

• Injection- or implant-related reactions
• Pigmentation changes

Regulatory & Evidence Status

Evidence level

Limited long-term safety data outside the approved afamelanotide indication.

FDA status

The afamelanotide form (Scenesse) is approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria; generic Melanotan I tanning use is not approved.

Standard Melanotan I Protocol

Example calculation values using a 10 mg vial, 2 mL bacteriostatic water, and a 1 mg (1000 mcg) target amount.

Vial

10 mg

Water

2 mL

Target

1000 mcg

Syringe

U-100 · 100 units

These example values cover reconstitution math only; scheduling, route, and administration decisions are not included.