Melanocortin
Melanotan I
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic linear analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that selectively activates the MC1R melanocortin receptor. It stimulates eumelanin production in melanocytes, providing photoprotective skin darkening. Afamelanotide is approved in Europe and Australia under the brand name Scenesse for the prevention of phototoxicity in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Quick Facts
Also known asAfamelanotide, SCENESSE
CategoryMelanocortin
Half-life30 minutes
Routessubcutaneous, intranasal
Common vial sizes10mg
Molecular weight1646.85 Da
Chain length13 amino acids
SequenceAc-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
FDA statusApproved
Storage2-8°C (refrigerated). Reconstituted: 21 days.
Dosing Protocols
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route | Cycle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Tanning (Light Skin) | 250 mcg | 2x/day | subcutaneous | 4 weeks on / 8 weeks off | 0.25 mg 2x daily SubQ, 2-4 weeks on, 4-8 weeks break. |
| Maintenance Tanning | 500 mcg | 1x/day | subcutaneous | 4 weeks on / 8 weeks off | 0.5 mg once daily SubQ, 2-4 weeks. |
| Enhanced Pigmentation | 500 mcg | 2x/day | subcutaneous | 4 weeks on / 8 weeks off | 0.5 mg 2x daily SubQ, 2-4 weeks. |
| Photoprotection Only | 250 mcg | 1x/day | subcutaneous | 4 weeks on / 8 weeks off | 0.25 mg once daily SubQ, 2-4 weeks. |
Protocols shown are for informational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Track Your Melanotan I Protocol
Log doses, manage vial inventory, set injection reminders, and visualize blood concentration levels.
Start Tracking — FreeCommon Questions
How do I reconstitute Melanotan I?
Add bacteriostatic water to your Melanotan I vial (common sizes: 10mg). The amount of BAC water depends on your desired concentration. Use our reconstitution calculator for exact measurements.
What is the typical dose of Melanotan I?
A common dose for Melanotan I is 250 mcg 2x/day via subcutaneous. 0.25 mg 2x daily SubQ, 2-4 weeks on, 4-8 weeks break.
What is the half-life of Melanotan I?
The half-life of Melanotan I is approximately 30 minutes. This determines how long the peptide remains active in your body and influences dosing frequency.
How should I store Melanotan I?
Store Melanotan I at 2-8°C (refrigerated). Approved pharmaceutical (Scenesse) delivered as a subcutaneous implant. Research-grade lyophilized powder should be stored refrigerated and protected from light. Once reconstituted, use within 21 days.
Is Melanotan I FDA approved?
Yes, Melanotan I has FDA approval for specific medical indications.
References
- Evaluation of melanotan-I, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide - Phase I (2004) (pubmed)
- Pharmacokinetics establishing 30-minute half-life (1997) (pubmed)
- Therapeutic milestone review (2006) (pubmed)
- Original tanning induction study (1991) (pubmed)
- UV damage reduction study (2006) (pubmed)
- MC1R receptor mechanism (2000) (pubmed)
- Safety Profile Assessment - 147 subjects (2006) (pubmed)