Melanotan 1 — Research, Dosing & Price Guide

Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that stimulates melanogenesis, producing a protective tan without UV exposure. It is FDA-approved under the brand name Scenesse for the prevention of phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Unlike Melanotan-2, it is highly selective for the MC1 receptor and does not produce significant sexual or appetite-related side effects.

Melanotan-1 is a linear 13-amino-acid peptide analog of α-MSH with a substitution at position 4 (Nle) and position 7 (D-Phe) that dramatically increases its potency and metabolic stability compared to native α-MSH. It selectively binds to and activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), which is predominantly expressed on melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis. Upon MC1R activation, intracellular cAMP levels rise via adenylyl cyclase, activating protein kinase A (PKA) and subsequently the transcription factor CREB. This cascade upregulates microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), the master regulator of melanogenesis, which drives expression of tyrosinase and related enzymes responsible for converting tyrosine to eumelanin — the dark, photoprotective pigment. Unlike pheomelanin (red/yellow pigment), eumelanin absorbs UV radiation efficiently and scavenges reactive oxygen species, providing genuine photoprotection. Melanotan-1's selectivity for MC1R over MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R means it produces melanogenesis with minimal effects on appetite, sexual function, or cardiovascular parameters. The peptide also demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties through melanocortin signaling, reducing IL-6 and TNF-α in UV-exposed skin.

• A pivotal Phase III trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2015) demonstrated afamelanotide significantly increased pain-free time in sunlight for EPP patients compared to placebo
• Barnetson et al. (2006) in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology showed Melanotan-1 increased melanin density by 75% and provided measurable photoprotection in fair-skinned subjects after 10 days
• Research in Photochemistry and Photobiology (2009) confirmed eumelanin upregulation without the need for UV exposure, distinguishing it from conventional tanning
• Studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects via MC1R signaling, reducing UV-induced DNA damage in human keratinocytes (FASEB Journal, 2005)
• A 2017 British Journal of Dermatology study showed sustained photoprotection in EPP patients receiving implants over 12 months
• Preclinical research indicates MC1R activation may reduce risk of melanoma by promoting DNA repair in melanocytes exposed to UV radiation

• FDA-approved (Scenesse): 16 mg subcutaneous implant every 60 days for EPP patients
• Research/off-label protocol: 0.5–1.0 mg subcutaneous injection daily for 10–14 days as a loading phase
• Maintenance dose: 0.5–1.0 mg every 2–3 days after desired pigmentation is achieved
• Some protocols use 1 mg daily for 7 days, then taper to twice weekly
• Best administered 30–60 minutes before bed to minimize nausea
• Moderate UV exposure (10–20 min) during the loading phase accelerates pigmentation results
• Typical cycle: 4–8 weeks loading, then as-needed maintenance
• Start with a lower dose (0.25–0.5 mg) to assess tolerance before escalating

Known Side Effects

• Nausea — most common side effect, typically mild and dose-dependent, usually subsides after the first few doses
• Facial flushing — transient redness lasting 30–60 minutes post-injection, mediated by peripheral vasodilation
• Darkening of existing moles and freckles — requires monitoring for atypical changes
• Injection site reactions — minor redness, swelling, or soreness at the subcutaneous injection site
• Fatigue and drowsiness — reported by some users, particularly when dosing in the evening
• Headache — occasional, usually during the loading phase and resolves with continued use

Safety Profile

Melanotan-1 has a strong safety profile supported by regulatory approval (FDA, EMA) for EPP. Clinical trials involving over 350 patients demonstrated no serious adverse events attributable to the drug over multi-year follow-up periods. The most common side effects are nausea and injection site reactions, both generally mild and self-limiting. Because it stimulates melanogenesis, existing nevi (moles) may darken, and dermatological monitoring is recommended during use — a full-body skin exam before starting and every 6 months during prolonged use is prudent. Unlike Melanotan-2, it does not significantly affect blood pressure, sexual arousal, or appetite due to its MC1R selectivity. It is contraindicated in individuals with a personal history of melanoma or dysplastic nevus syndrome. There is no evidence of tachyphylaxis or immunogenicity with repeated dosing. Drug interactions are minimal, though concurrent use of photosensitizing medications should be approached with caution.

Week 1: Mild nausea may occur with initial injections, usually subsiding by day 3–4. No visible pigmentation changes yet, though melanocyte activation has begun at the cellular level. Week 2: Faint darkening of existing freckles and moles becomes noticeable. Skin may appear to have a very subtle warm undertone. Nausea should have resolved. Weeks 3–4: Visible tan developing, especially in areas with prior UV exposure. The tan deepens progressively and has a natural-appearing eumelanin tone (brown, not orange). Weeks 5–8: Full pigmentation achieved for most users. The tan is even and provides measurable UV protection. Maintenance dosing begins, and pigmentation can be sustained with infrequent injections. After cessation, the tan fades gradually over 1–2 months as melanized keratinocytes naturally shed through epidermal turnover.

Prices sourced from peptides.gg marketplace. Prices may vary.