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Skin, Hair & CosmeticModerate evidence

Melanotan I

Peptide therapy: benefits, side effects, cost and protocols

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone developed for skin tanning. It is available as a prescription drug (Scenesse) for certain light-related skin conditions and studied as a preventative agent for skin cancer in patients with photosensitivity disorders.

ByChris Riley(CFA)|Updated

Sources: FDA / PubMed / ClinicalTrials.gov View

Spec sheet

FDA status
Research Only Not currently approved for human use in the US. Available as a research compound. Not eligible for compounding.
Evidence
Moderate Evidence
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Who it's for

Who Melanotan I is usually considered for

  • Tanning research
  • Melanin production
  • Skin protection research
  • Limited human trials or strong preclinical

Mechanism

How Melanotan I works

Selective melanocortin-1 receptor agonist that promotes melanin production without significant effects on other melanocortin pathways.

Evidence

Key studies

241 papers on PubMed

  1. 01

    Skin pigmentation and pharmacokinetics of melanotan-I in humans

  2. 02

    Ugwu SO, Blanchard J, Dorr RT et al

    Biopharm Drug Dispos / Biopharm Drug Dispos / Phase 1

    Subcutaneous melanotan-I administration achieved complete bioavailability with significant tanning effects lasting 3 weeks post-treatment.

  3. 03

    Subcutaneous melanotan-I administration achieved complete bioavailability with significant tanning effects lasting 3 weeks post-treatment

  4. 04

    A glimpse into the underground market of melanotan

    Dermatol Online J / Dermatol Online J

  5. 05

    Online survey of melanotan users examining motivations, barriers, and plans for continued use of illicit melanotropic peptides

  6. 06

    Increased eumelanin expression and tanning is induced by a superpotent melanotropin [Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH in humans

  7. 07

    Dorr RT, Dvorakova K, Brooks C et al

    Case Series / Photochem Photobiol / Phase 1

    Melanotan-I induced tanning with 49-98% increase in skin eumelanin content.

  8. 08

    Melanotan-I induced tanning with 49-98% increase in skin eumelanin content

  9. 09

    Melanotan II injection resulting in systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis

    Case Series / Clin Toxicol (Phila)

  10. 10

    Melanotan II overdose caused sympathomimetic toxicity, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury

FAQ

Melanotan I questions

What is MELANOTAN I?

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a melanocortin peptide primarily researched for its tanning effects, with a more selective receptor profile than Melanotan II.

How does MELANOTAN I work?

Selective melanocortin-1 receptor agonist that promotes melanin production without significant effects on other melanocortin pathways.

Is MELANOTAN I legal to buy?

MELANOTAN I is sold as a research chemical for laboratory use only. It is not approved for human use by the FDA. Regulations vary by jurisdiction.

Where can I buy MELANOTAN I?

MELANOTAN I is available as a research compound from verified online vendors. Always verify third-party testing before purchasing.

What category does MELANOTAN I belong to?

MELANOTAN I is primarily classified as a skin, hair & cosmetic peptide. Peptides studied for cosmetic applications including skin rejuvenation, collagen production, tanning, hair growth, and anti-wrinkle effects.

What are the research benefits of MELANOTAN I?

MELANOTAN I has been studied for: Tanning research, Melanin production, Skin protection research. Melanotan variant; more selective than MT-II.

News

Melanotan I in the news

News aggregated via Google News. Inclusion does not imply endorsement.

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