Melanotan-1 — EU research guide.
Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that selectively activates MC1R, increasing melanin production. It is EMA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
What is Melanotan-1?
Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a linear α-MSH analogue with a Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitution that selectively activates MC1R — the receptor on melanocytes that drives eumelanin (brown/black pigment) synthesis. Unlike Melanotan-2, it does not significantly activate MC3R or MC4R, avoiding the sexual and appetite effects of MT-2.
What does the research show?
Afamelanotide received EMA approval in 2014 as Scenesse for preventing phototoxic reactions in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). In clinical trials it significantly increased pain-free sun exposure time. Research also explores photoprotection in other photosensitivity disorders, xeroderma pigmentosum and solar urticaria.
EU legal status
EMA-approved as Scenesse (Clinuvel) for EPP — prescription only. Research-grade Melanotan-1 sold by research vendors is not the approved pharmaceutical and is for laboratory research only. The approved drug is a subcutaneous implant; research-grade forms are typically lyophilised powder.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
Melanotan-1 across EU suppliers
COA-verified EU vendors · Updated monthly
Frequently asked questions
What is Melanotan-1? ▾
Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a linear alpha-MSH analog with Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions that selectively activates MC1R, the melanocyte receptor that drives eumelanin synthesis.
How is Melanotan-1 different from Melanotan-2? ▾
Unlike MT-2, it does not significantly activate MC3R or MC4R, so it avoids the sexual and appetite effects of MT-2 while still driving pigmentation.
What does the research show? ▾
Afamelanotide received EMA approval in 2014 as Scenesse for preventing phototoxic reactions in erythropoietic protoporphyria, significantly increasing pain-free sun exposure time. Research also explores other photosensitivity disorders.
Is Melanotan-1 approved in the EU? ▾
Yes. It is EMA-approved as Scenesse (Clinuvel) for erythropoietic protoporphyria on prescription, and research-grade material is also available for laboratory use.
What is Melanotan-1 used for medically? ▾
As Scenesse it is used to prevent phototoxic reactions in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria, with research into xeroderma pigmentosum and solar urticaria.
Is Melanotan-1 banned in sport? ▾
It is not currently on the WADA prohibited list.