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.
Mechanism under study
Afamelanotide is a melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist that stimulates production of the dark pigment eumelanin, increasing photoprotection of the skin.
Research-reported dosing
FDA- and EMA-approved (as Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria — a 16 mg subcutaneous implant roughly every two months. Research use of the free peptide (melanotan I) is not clinically established.
Based on a standard 10 mg vial: with 2 mL bacteriostatic water = 5,000 mcg/mL (5 mg/mL); 1 unit ≈ 50 mcg.
Open this mix in the calculator →Source research-grade Afamelanotide ↗Dosing figures describe how this compound appears in the research literature and research-community references. They are not a recommendation for human use.
Afamelanotide FAQ
What is Afamelanotide?
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.
What is the half-life of Afamelanotide?
The approved product is a slow-release implant delivering peptide over roughly two months; the free peptide itself is short-lived.
What is the research-reported dosing for Afamelanotide?
FDA- and EMA-approved (as Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria — a 16 mg subcutaneous implant roughly every two months. Research use of the free peptide (melanotan I) is not clinically established.
How is Afamelanotide reconstituted?
Based on a standard 10 mg vial: with 2 mL bacteriostatic water = 5,000 mcg/mL (5 mg/mL); 1 unit ≈ 50 mcg.
Is Afamelanotide FDA-approved?
Afamelanotide has an approved status in at least one context — see the overview above for the specific brand, region, and indication. Research-grade material sold separately is for laboratory use only.
References
Guides featuring Afamelanotide
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