Melanotan 1
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide / Scenesse) is a highly purified, synthetic linear analogue of naturally occurring alpha-MSH. Unlike the illicit and highly unselective Melanotan II, MT-1 is an FDA and EMA approved pharmaceutical. It is deployed clinically to aggressively shield patients with Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) from catastrophic phototoxicity by forcing the intense, systemic production of protective photopigments, inducing a deep, natural tan without the need for UV trauma.
Quick Stats
Scientific Data
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide, Scenesse) is a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of naturally occurring α-MSH. It was developed at the University of Arizona to provide a sunless tanning effect to protect against UV radiation and skin cancer. Unlike Melanotan-2, it is a linear (not cyclic) full-length analog.
Mechanistically, MT-1 binds to melanocortin-1 receptors (MC1R) with much higher affinity and an exponentially longer half-life than natural α-MSH. This binding stimulates melanocytes to ramp up production of eumelanin (the dark protective pigment). Importantly, MT-1 is highly selective to MC1R in the skin, generally avoiding the MC3R/MC4R receptors that cause the intense libido enhancement and nausea associated with Melanotan-2.
Source: PMID: 19706843
Background & History
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) was developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s as part of research into α-MSH analogues for photoprotection. Unlike Melanotan II (a cyclic heptapeptide with broad melanocortin receptor activity), MT-1 is a linear tridecapeptide selective for MC1R. It was approved by the EMA in 2014 and FDA in 2019 as Scenesse (a 16 mg sub-dermal implant) for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), an inherited condition causing severe photosensitivity.
Research Use Cases
- ✓Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)
- ✓Photoprotection research
- ✓Skin cancer prevention research
Dosing Protocol
| Typical Dose | 16 mg implant (sub-dermal, every 60 days) |
| Frequency | Every 60 days (implant) |
| Half-Life | 0.5 hours |
Dosing Protocols
Medical (FDA-approved)
Off-label / Cosmetic
Administration
Expected Timeline
Who Is It For?
Photoprotection / EPP
HighFDA approved as Scenesse for Erythropoietic protoporphyria, granting patients extreme UV tolerance.
Cosmetic Tanning
HighHighly effective safe sunless/low-sun tan. Much lower side-effect profile than MT-2.
Safety & Considerations
FDA-approved as Scenesse implant. Injectable MT-1 is well-tolerated. Will darken existing moles, freckles, and nevi heavily. Nausea is possible but much rarer than MT-2. No spontaneous erections/libido effects like MT-2.
Regulatory & Legal Status
Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change — verify before competition.
Research Chemical
US Compounding: Not eligible / not available
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.
Interactions & Contraindications
Monitor pre-existing nevi for changes. May darken existing moles. Not for use with phototherapy. No significant drug interactions reported at approved doses.
Synergies & Common Stacks
MT-1 and MT-2 both stimulate melanogenesis but through different receptor selectivity profiles. MT-1 is the clinically approved, selective compound; MT-2 is the broader-acting research peptide.
Dosing Quick Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melanotan-1 safer than Melanotan-2?▼
Do you still need sun to tan on MT-1?▼
References
- Langendonk JG et al. “"Afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyria".” NEJM (2015). PMID: 26132941
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