Anti-aging
Melanotan I
FDA- and EU-approved MC1R agonist for erythropoietic protoporphyria; regulated pharmaceutical with photoprotection benefits, distinct from unregulated MT-2.
FDA approved (2019, USA) Anti-aging Recovery & healing
- Full name
- Afamelanotide (NDP-α-MSH)
- Also known as
- afamelanotide, Scenesse
- Regulatory status
- FDA approved (2019, USA) | EMA approved (2014, EU) | Indication: Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP)
Origin
Chemically modified, MC1R-selective α-MSH analogue developed by Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals for photosensitivity disorders, notably erythropoietic protoporphyria. The structural modifications give it receptor selectivity and better stability than the non-selective MT-2.
Mechanism
Selectively activates MC1R on melanocytes, increasing eumelanin synthesis via cAMP signaling for UV-absorbing photoprotection. The MC1R selectivity minimizes the CNS and systemic off-target effects seen with MT-2.
Research summary
Evidence
Phase III trials in EPP patients showed significant reduction in phototoxic reaction frequency and severity, combined with photoprotection measures. Safety is well-characterized: adverse events are mostly mild nausea and injection-site effects. The cardiovascular, melanoma, and priapism signals seen with MT-2 haven't shown up in controlled afamelanotide trials.
Evidence tier: FDA approved (2019, USA) — see the methodology note for how this is assessed.
Citations
- Hormones and skin pigmentation: fundamentals and clinical relevance. — Böhm et al. 2026
Reported benefits
- significant reduction in phototoxic reactions in EPP
- increased skin pigmentation/UV photoprotection
- improved quality of life in photosensitive patients
Dosing protocols reported in the literature & community
These are protocols reported by compounding pharmacies, published trials, or self-experimentation communities — not a prescription. Start low, especially for anything new.
| Route | Reported protocol |
|---|---|
| Subcutaneous implant | FDA-approved (EPP): 16 mg subcutaneous implant every 2 months, combined with strict photoprotection. |
Side effects
- injection-site erythema/induration
- nausea (5-10%, usually transient)
- headache (mild)
- hyperpigmentation
Safety notes
Community & reddit notes (anecdotal — not clinical evidence)
Off-label tanning or anti-aging use is uncommon due to regulatory restriction and cost. No solid evidence supports cosmetic tanning or general anti-aging use outside the approved EPP indication.
Related peptides
Mixing compatibility
Pulled from a community-charted mixing-compatibility reference (anecdotal, clinic-use, and community-reported signals) — not a safety guarantee. Verify independently before combining anything.