Afamelanotide Dosage Chart & Schedule
A synthetic analog of alpha-MSH, approved as Scenesse (a subcutaneous implant) for the rare light-sensitivity disorder erythropoietic protoporphyria. It is the same molecule as melanotan I.
Afamelanotide's established form is Scenesse, a 16 mg subcutaneous slow-release implant given about every two months for erythropoietic protoporphyria. It is the same molecule as melanotan I, whose reconstituted mcg-range research use is not clinically established.
Figures describe how Afamelanotide is reported in the research literature and research-community references — not a recommendation for human use. For laboratory research only.
Dosage protocols
Commonly referenced research tiers. Start conservative; every compound and study context differs.
- Frequency
- Every ~2 months
- Weekly total
- Not applicable - slow-release depot
- Cycle
- As clinically indicated for EPP (seasonal)
The only established, approved use; releases peptide over ~2 months.
- Frequency
- Loading then intermittent (varies)
- Weekly total
- Study/protocol-specific
- Cycle
- Not clinically established
Free-peptide injectable use is unapproved and unvalidated.
Implant, not a daily injection
- The approved product is a solid subcutaneous implant, not a reconstituted liquid.
- One 16 mg implant releases peptide slowly over roughly two months.
- The free peptide itself is short-lived, which is why a depot form is used clinically.
Same molecule as melanotan I
- Afamelanotide is an MC1R agonist that increases eumelanin for photoprotection.
- Reconstituted research use of melanotan I powder is not clinically established.
Ready to run this protocol?
Dosing is only as good as the vial. Afamelanotide is third-party tested with published COAs from our top-rated source — reconstitute with confidence and skip the guesswork on identity and purity.
From vial to injection in 6 steps
Wipe both vial tops
Swab the peptide vial and the bacteriostatic-water vial with fresh alcohol and let them dry.
Draw the water
Pull the planned amount of bacteriostatic water (2 mL) into the syringe.
Add it slowly
Run the water down the inside wall of the vial — don't blast the powder. Swirl gently; never shake.
Let it dissolve
Wait until the solution is fully clear, then refrigerate the vial.
Draw your dose
Pull the calculated units on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Store between uses
Keep the reconstituted vial refrigerated and use within its stable window.
Handling & storage
- The approved Scenesse product is an implant placed by a clinician - not self-mixed or self-injected.
- Research melanotan I powder, if reconstituted, follows standard peptide handling: gentle mix, refrigerate.
- For a 10 mg research vial in 2 mL water (5000 mcg/mL), 500 mcg is 0.1 mL (10 units).
- Store the implant refrigerated; keep research powder frozen and protected from light.
Afamelanotide dosing FAQ
Is afamelanotide injected daily like other peptides?
No. Its approved form is a 16 mg slow-release implant placed under the skin about every two months, which avoids frequent dosing because the free peptide is short-lived.
Is afamelanotide the same as melanotan I?
Yes, it is the same molecule. The difference is the delivery: an approved slow-release implant versus reconstituted research powder, the latter not clinically established.
What is the dose of the approved implant?
One 16 mg implant every two months, as indicated for erythropoietic protoporphyria (typically across higher-light seasons).
How would research melanotan I powder be measured?
From a 10 mg vial in 2 mL water (5000 mcg/mL), 500 mcg is 0.1 mL - about 10 units. This is illustrative; injectable use is unapproved.
Sources
Categories: Cosmetic & Skin · Status: Approved (see notes). This page is educational and for laboratory research use only; it is not medical advice.