Melanotan I / Afamelanotide research: studies, doses and safety

The molecule in an approved EPP implant; online tanning powder is a different formulation.

Also called: Melanotan-1, MT-I, MT1, NDP-α-MSH, NDP-MSH, Afamelanotide, CUV1647, Scenesse.

Melanocortin agonists · Predominantly MC1 melanocortin receptor agonist · Evidence: Approved drug.

60 human study records are listed, including 23 registrations, early dose studies and cohorts. Reports and participants overlap; this is not a unique-trial count.

Key studies

  • First randomized tanning study: Active groups darkened significantly; placebo did not. Peak change 1–3 weeks after treatment. (source)
  • Solution: injection, IV and oral PK: SC exposure was complete versus IV; no detectable drug after oral dosing. (source)
  • Ten injections and skin biopsies: Mean forehead +49% in three participants; forearm +98% in seven, one week after dosing. (source)
  • UVB study: 0.08 mg/kg: 3/4 active participants tanned; 47% fewer sunburn cells at the neck. (source)
  • UVB study: 0.16 mg/kg: More skin sites darkened than in the lower-dose study; numerical arm effects not given. (source)
  • Sunlight study: four weeks: Tanning lasted at least three weeks longer than sunlight-only control; controls needed 50% more sun exposure. (source)

Related to Melanotan I / Afamelanotide

Sources

Sources checked: 2026-10-18.

Information only, not medical advice. Peptifacts does not sell anything and does not link to sellers.