Melanotan I — Benefits, Dosage & Where to Buy
Research Overview
Melanotan I (also known as Afamelanotide) is a synthetic linear analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that selectively activates melanocortin-1 receptors (MC1R). Unlike the non-selective Melanotan II, Melanotan I primarily stimulates melanin production without significant effects on sexual function, appetite, or other melanocortin pathways.
Melanotan I is FDA-approved (as Scenesse) for treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic condition that causes extreme photosensitivity. By increasing melanin production, it provides UV protection that allows EPP patients to tolerate sunlight exposure. This is the first and only FDA-approved medical use of a synthetic melanocortin analog for photoprotection.
The selective MC1R profile of Melanotan I makes it considerably safer than Melanotan II for tanning-related research. It does not produce the sexual arousal, appetite suppression, or nausea commonly associated with MT-II. However, it is less commercially popular in the research peptide market because many users specifically seek MT-II's broader effects.
Key Research Findings
- •FDA-approved (as Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria — the only approved melanocortin for photoprotection
- •Selective for MC1R — produces tanning without significant sexual, appetite, or cardiovascular effects
- •Increased melanin density and provided measurable UV protection in clinical trials for EPP patients
- •Reduced phototoxic reactions by 70% in EPP patients, dramatically improving quality of life
- •Better safety profile than Melanotan II due to MC1R selectivity
Research Dosage Protocols
Melanotan I (Scenesse) is administered as a subcutaneous implant (16 mg) every 2 months in the approved clinical formulation.
For research use, it is available as lyophilized powder reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for subcutaneous injection. Research doses in clinical studies ranged from 0.16-0.5 mg/kg over 5-14 day courses.
For research reference only. Not medical advice. Not for human consumption.
Published Research (2 studies)
- [1]
- [2]
Links go to PubMed (NIH National Library of Medicine). PeptideVerdict is not affiliated with these studies.
Price Comparison (10 products from 10 vendors)
| Vendor | Price | Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Peptide Crafters | $30.00 $3.00/mg 10mg lyophilized | In Stock |
| Biotech Peptides | $38.00 $3.80/mg 10mg vial | In Stock |
| Polaris Peptides | $50.00 $3.85/mg 13mg lyophilized | In Stock |
| Paradigm Peptides | $40.00 $4.00/mg 10mg lyophilized | In Stock |
| Core Peptides | $43.00 $4.30/mg 10mg vial | In Stock |
| Simple Peptide | $45.00 $4.50/mg 10mg lyophilized | In Stock |
| Skye Peptides | $49.00 $4.90/mg 10mg lyophilized | In Stock |
| Peptide Sciences | $55.00 $5.50/mg 10mg lyophilized | In Stock |
| BioLongevity Labs | $55.97 $5.60/mg 10mg vial | In Stock |
| Soma Chems | $39.99 vial | In Stock |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Melanotan I and Melanotan II?
Melanotan I is selective for MC1R (tanning only). Melanotan II activates MC1R-MC5R non-selectively, producing tanning plus sexual arousal, appetite suppression, and other effects. MT-I is FDA-approved for EPP; MT-II has no approvals.
Is Melanotan I FDA-approved?
Yes, as Scenesse (afamelanotide) for erythropoietic protoporphyria. It is the only FDA-approved melanocortin analog for photoprotection.
Where can I buy Melanotan I for research?
Melanotan I is available from research peptide vendors. Compare pricing in the table above.