Melanotan I
Also known as Afamelanotide
Alpha-MSH analog
A melanocortin-1 receptor agonist studied for photoprotection through increased eumelanin production.
How it works
Melanotan I, also studied as afamelanotide, is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone engineered for selective activity at the MC1R receptor found on melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin. Activating this receptor drives increased production of eumelanin, the pigment associated with photoprotection.
Because this pathway operates independently of ultraviolet exposure, researchers study Melanotan I as a way to increase pigment-based photoprotection without requiring UV exposure to trigger it, which is relevant for populations with abnormal light sensitivity.
It has approved use in some regions for erythropoietic protoporphyria, a condition causing extreme light sensitivity, and trials in that population reported significantly increased pain-free light exposure time, alongside the melanocytic lesion monitoring that the broader literature consistently emphasizes.
What research has shown
Approved in some regions for erythropoietic protoporphyria; trials reported significantly increased pain-free light exposure time.
Reported ranges in the literature
Low end
250 mcg daily (loading)
Optimal
500 mcg daily during loading, then 2× weekly
High end
1 mg daily during short loading phases
Frequency reported in the literature: Daily loading then weekly maintenance. Note: Melanocytic lesion monitoring is emphasized throughout the literature.
Frequently asked questions
What is Melanotan I?
Melanotan I, also called afamelanotide, is an alpha-MSH analog selective for the MC1R receptor, studied for increasing eumelanin production and photoprotection.
How does Melanotan I differ from PT-141?
Melanotan I is selective for MC1R and studied for pigmentation, while PT-141 acts on MC3R and MC4R in the brain and is studied for arousal pathways. They target different melanocortin receptor subtypes for different research purposes.
What does the research show?
Melanotan I has approved use in some regions for erythropoietic protoporphyria, with trials reporting significantly increased pain-free light exposure time in that population.
What monitoring does the literature emphasize?
Melanocytic lesion monitoring is emphasized throughout the literature given the compound's direct effect on melanocyte activity.
How long are research blocks typically?
Published protocols describe a daily loading phase followed by transition to weekly maintenance dosing.
Related compounds
Further reading
Research use only
All content on this page is general reference information for laboratory research contexts. It is not medical advice, is not intended to direct human use, and does not replace guidance from a licensed healthcare professional. Not for human consumption. Must be 18+.