What does Melanotan I / Afamelanotide do? Benefits and evidence

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.

Melanotan I is also called afamelanotide, the active ingredient in Scenesse. The approved implant helps adults with EPP spend longer in light without painful reactions. Trials and long-term cohorts support that use. It is also studied for vitiligo and other conditions. Online tanning powders and sprays lack the implant's evidence and quality controls.

  • Scenesse, an implant, is approved to help adults with EPP spend more time in light without pain. (Drug label)
  • In one study of EPP patients on the implant, typical time in light before pain rose from 10 to 180 minutes. (Studied in a trial)
  • In early studies, injections darkened skin while placebo did not, and one small test saw 47% fewer sunburn cells. (Studied in a trial)
  • In a small trial, implants plus light therapy helped color return to skin patches in vitiligo. (Studied in a trial)

Uses in the sources

  • Scenesse is FDA-approved to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with EPP. The EU indication is prevention of phototoxicity in adult EPP. (Drug label) (source)
  • Implants plus narrowband UVB were studied for vitiligo. This remains investigational; cosmetic powder injections are not equivalent. (Studied in a trial) (source)
  • Community users inject or spray products labeled melanotan I for tanning. There is no FDA tanning label. (Reported by users) (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.