Afamelanotide

Afamelanotide (also known as CUV1647 or MT-I or MT-1) is a therapeutically researched peptide studied for its effects on tanning, skin and hair, subcutaneous. Afamelanotide (Scenesse) is an approved MC1R-selective α-MSH analogue that raises skin melanin to prevent phototoxic pain in erythropoietic protoporphyria.

Afamelanotide, sold under the brand name Scenesse, is a medication used to prevent phototoxicity and to reduce pain from light exposure for people with erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare form of genetic sun sensitivity. Afamelanotide is a melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1 receptor) agonist and a synthetic peptide and analogue of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone. It is administered as subcutaneous implant.

Overview

Unlike the unapproved analogue Melanotan II, afamelanotide is selective for MC1R and holds regulatory approval in both the European Union and the United States, and it is permitted under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules.

Mechanism of action

Raises skin melanin by activating MC1 receptors. Approved to prevent phototoxic pain in erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare genetic light sensitivity. Given as a subcutaneous implant.

Reported effects

Effects reported in the literature and from preclinical models include:

• Afamelanotide is a synthetic 13-amino-acid peptidomimetic of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone used as an orphan drug for the management of erythropoietic protoporphyria. ^[1] Preclinical
• Norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7 replace the methionine and L-phenylalanine of the endogenous alpha-MSH sequence. ^[1] Preclinical
• Forced-degradation testing showed afamelanotide degrades under acidic, basic, neutral, oxidative, ultraviolet and 60 degrees Celsius stress, and gives fourteen degradation products. ^[1] Preclinical
• Identified degradation pathways include truncation, methylation, deacetylation and oxidation, which give data for the design of more stable formulations. ^[1] Preclinical

Evidence grades: FDA approvedApproved (non-US)Phase IIIPhase IIPhase IPreclinicalAnecdotal

Dosage and administration

Approved label

• one 16mg implant inserted subcutaneously every 2 months

General

• Maximum 4 implants per year under the approved label
• No established dose outside the erythropoietic protoporphyria indication

Administered by a trained healthcare professional

• not a self-administered product

Natty status

Afamelanotide is generally regarded as compatible with the natty designation, particularly when used for therapeutic healing purposes. Opinions vary across natural bodybuilding federations, and athletes who compete should consult the rulebook of their respective sanctioning body.^[2]

Research

The peptide has been the subject of 2 studies and reference works collected on this site. Additional bibliography is in § External links below.

Related compounds

Other peptides in this catalogue with overlapping mechanisms or status:

References

1. ^ a b c d Investigation of the stability profile of therapeutic α-MSH analogue: Insights from liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry analysis of afamelanotide. Recent
2. ^ a b World Anti-Doping Agency. (2026). Prohibited List 2026.

External links

• Wikipedia article
• 10mg Melanotan I — commercial