PeptideCompareMelanotan-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
Potency retained over time
Each line is one storage condition: it starts at 100% and falls as potency is lost. Above the dashed 80% line the material is considered reliable — hover for exact values.
⚠ Modelled per compound from molecular structure — chain length, cyclisation, oxidation- and deamidation-prone residues and light sensitivity. Indicative only, not lab-measured per batch.
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.
References
- Two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (74 patients in the EU, 94 in the US) of a 16 mg implant in erythropoietic protoporphyria. This is the evidence behind the approval — and the approval covers a controlled-release implant for a rare light-sensitivity disorder, not the vials sold online for tanning. Langendonk JG, et al. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):48–59. DOIPubMed 26132941
- Review of afamelanotide, the first melanocortin-1 receptor agonist to reach approval. Useful for seeing exactly how narrow the approved indication is compared with how the compound is marketed. Lane AM, McKeage K. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016;17(2):179–185. PubMed 26979527