Melanotan I Research Reference

Catalog classification, reference sizes, lab math links, and source-backed data. Educational use only — not medical advice.

Researched for: Melanotan I evidence and protocol review

Pigmentation Research peptide LyophilizedImplant needs_revision Best effort · source review pending

Also known as: Afamelanotide, MT-1

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Best-effort research profile: this record has not passed full two-source scientific verification. Descriptive fields, research protocols, storage/handling notes, and interaction guidance below are shown with their evidence labels, but calculator presets and exact dosing math remain hidden until the record is verified or reaches Community-Supported status.

Quick Facts

Reference Sizes
5 mg RUO vial, 10 mg RUO vial, 16 mg approved SCENESSE implant
Storage
Per FDA label (Scenesse implant, approved product): verify current cold-chain requirements. Research-grade material should follow source COA guidance separately.
Solubility
Lyophilized (research SQ form); Scenesse implant for clinical use

Best-Effort Research Profile

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear alpha-MSH analog and selective MC1R agonist. Human trials found subjects receiving Melanotan I had 47% fewer sunburn cells on the neck and significantly enhanced tanning on the back compared with controls, and separate pharmacokinetic research characterized its skin-pigmentation and PK profile in humans. Unlike Melanotan II, Melanotan I (as afamelanotide) received full FDA approval in 2019 under the brand name Scenesse specifically for reducing phototoxic reactions in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) - a genuine, well-documented regulatory distinction between the two 'Melanotan' compounds that is frequently blurred in casual/marketing content.

Source review pending. This descriptive profile is shown from the available source material as a best-effort educational reference. It has not passed the full verification bar and is not a dosing instruction, medical claim, or treatment recommendation.

Research Profile

Half-Life
Afamelanotide apparent elimination half-life is approximately 15 hours after the approved implant
Onset
Enhanced tanning/photoprotection demonstrated in controlled human trials over days to weeks
Administration Routes (Research)
Subcutaneous (SC)

Reported Research Effects

Reported Research Side Effects

Data source: Primary literature, regulator records, trial registries, and identity-specific evidence search

Reflects preclinical/research literature context only. Not a medical claim, dosing instruction, or treatment recommendation.

Route-Specific Research Protocols

Amounts and schedules are separated by administration route. Evidence badges distinguish labels, human studies, preclinical work, community reports, and evidence gaps.

Label / guideline Human study Community only Preclinical only Not established
Subcutaneous (SC) Label / guideline

16 mg implant administered by a trained professional every 2 months before and during increased light exposure

Frequency / timing
Every 2 months
Duration / setting
Product-specific ongoing treatment
Technique
SC implant
Evidence
Regulatory label

Context: SCENESSE U.S. prescribing information

Formulation: Route-specific sterile formulation and professional handling requirements apply; concentration cannot be inferred from an oral or topical product.

Route safety: Use only in the cited label or guideline context; route, formulation, indication, and patient-specific limits still apply.

Source 1
Subcutaneous (SC) Community only

1 mg daily for 10 days followed by 2 mg weekly has been reported by RUO communities but is not validated and is not equivalent to the approved implant

Frequency / timing
Daily then weekly
Duration / setting
Community-reported loading and maintenance
Technique
SC research injection
Evidence
Community report

Context: Reddit community report, unverified

Formulation: Route-specific sterile formulation and professional handling requirements apply; concentration cannot be inferred from an oral or topical product.

Route safety: Unvalidated community report. Do not convert this amount to another route or treat it as a clinically established protocol.

Source status: No direct community citation is attached to this amount.

Do not convert an amount between routes. Bioavailability, formulation, sterility, monitoring, and clinical context differ by route. Research-use context only; independently verify every cited source.

Research Notes

Afamelanotide is FDA-approved only as the 16 mg SCENESSE implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria. The community injection entry is retained solely as clearly labeled RUO/community information and must not be presented as an approved or validated protocol.

Supplementary research context only. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.

Sources Under Review

SCENESSE afamelanotide prescribing information — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/210797s000lbl.pdf

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Research Use Only. All content is for educational and research reference only. Not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or guidance on human use. Compounds are not FDA-approved drugs unless specifically noted.

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