# Afamelanotide

> MC1R-selective α-MSH analog; FDA-approved (Scenesse) for photoprotection in erythropoietic protoporphyria.

- Also known as: Melanotan I, Melanotan-1, MT-I, MT-1, CUV1647, Scenesse
- Class: Cosmetic
- FDA approved: Yes
- Canonical page: https://www.americanpeptide.com/catalog/melanotan-1

## Overview

Afamelanotide (Melanotan I) is a 13-amino-acid linear analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), highly selective for the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). It is FDA-approved as Scenesse — delivered as a controlled-release subcutaneous implant — to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with a history of phototoxic reactions from erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

Afamelanotide is the [Nle4, D-Phe7] analog of α-MSH — substitutions that confer metabolic stability and high MC1R selectivity (roughly three orders of magnitude lower affinity for MC3R/MC4R than for MC1R).

Unlike the non-selective Melanotan II, afamelanotide’s MC1R selectivity keeps its action largely confined to pigmentation/photoprotection, which is what allowed it to reach approval. It is administered as a controlled-release subcutaneous implant (Scenesse) rather than by injection.

## Mechanism

MC1R-selective melanocortin agonism, driving eumelanin synthesis (photoprotection) via Gs-coupled cAMP signaling.

## Chemistry

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Molecular formula | C78H111N21O19 |
| Molecular weight | 1646.8 Da |
| PubChem CID | [16197727](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/16197727) |

## Research areas

Studied in: Photoprotection, Pigmentation biology.

Guides on this site:

- [Skin & Hair](https://www.americanpeptide.com/research-areas/skin-hair): Peptides studied for skin aging, pigmentation, and hair follicle biology.

## Key research

- FDA-approved as Scenesse (2019) for photoprotection in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) — the first approved treatment for the condition.
- MC1R-selective — ~1000-fold lower affinity for MC3R/MC4R, so it drives eumelanin production without the MC4R-mediated sexual-response and nausea effects of non-selective analogs.
- Studied beyond EPP in solar urticaria, nonsegmental vitiligo (with narrow-band UVB), and xeroderma pigmentosum.
- Compared to Melanotan II — afamelanotide is linear, MC1R-selective, and approved; Melanotan II is cyclic, non-selective (MC1–5R), and unapproved.

## FAQs

### What is afamelanotide?

Afamelanotide (Melanotan I) is an MC1R-selective α-MSH analog, FDA-approved as Scenesse for photoprotection in erythropoietic protoporphyria.

### How is it different from Melanotan II?

Afamelanotide is MC1R-selective and FDA-approved; Melanotan II is non-selective across MC1–5R (including the MC4R activity that drives side effects) and is not approved.

### How is it administered?

As a controlled-release subcutaneous implant (Scenesse), not a self-administered injection.

## Latest research

Recent trials and publications mentioning Afamelanotide, pulled automatically from ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed (unfiltered search results, refreshed daily).

### Recent trials

- [Pharmacokinetics of Afamelanotide in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria Patients](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06388642) — COMPLETED · PHASE1, PHASE2 · NCT06388642
- [A Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of SCENESSE and Narrow-Band Ultraviolet (NB-UVB) Light Versus NB-UVB Light Alone in Patients With Vitiligo](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06109649) — ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING · PHASE3 · NCT06109649
- [Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Afamelanotide in Patients With Variegate Porphyria (VP)](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05854784) — COMPLETED · PHASE2 · NCT05854784
- [Afamelanotide and Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) Phototherapy in the Treatment of Nonsegmental Vitiligo (NSV)](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04525157) — COMPLETED · PHASE2 · NCT04525157
- [A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Afamelanotide in Patients With Xeroderma Pigmentosum C and V](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05370235) — UNKNOWN · PHASE2 · NCT05370235
- [A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Afamelanotide in Patients With Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP)](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05159752) — UNKNOWN · PHASE2 · NCT05159752

---

Source: AmericanPeptide.com — https://www.americanpeptide.com/catalog/melanotan-1
Data license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Attribution: AmericanPeptide.com.
Research reference only — computational and educational content, not medical advice.