Research overview
What is Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)?
Afamelanotide, also called Melanotan I, is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. In clinical research, it was supplied as a particular implant, not an improvised vial solution. It must be distinguished from Melanotan II, a structurally different cyclic peptide.
What has research examined?
Two randomized controlled trials in people with erythropoietic protoporphyria found longer pain-free light exposure with the studied afamelanotide implants than placebo. FDA labeling for Scenesse limits its approval to increasing pain-free light exposure in adults with a history of EPP phototoxic reactions. This is not an approval for cosmetic tanning or for independently sourced Melanotan I powder.
The controlled implant trial cannot establish effectiveness or safety of a supplier research vial. This page does not suggest cosmetic use, implantation, amount, or any alternative administration.
Research references
- Afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyria: randomized trialsNew England Journal of Medicine
- Scenesse (afamelanotide implant) FDA product labelingU.S. Food and Drug Administration
Calculation boundary
The FDA-approved formulation is a subcutaneous Scenesse implant, not a reconstituted powder vial or U-100 syringe solution. A generic vial calculator would conflate different products and delivery systems.