Melanotan-1
A synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, approved by the FDA as afamelanotide (Scenesse).
FDA-approved as afamelanotide (Scenesse) in 2019. A prescription medicine given by a healthcare provider.
What it is
Melanotan-1, known by its drug name afamelanotide, is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It acts on the melanocortin-1 receptor, which drives production of melanin, the skin's pigment.
FDA approval
The FDA approved afamelanotide in 2019 as Scenesse, an implant placed under the skin by a healthcare provider, to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare condition that makes sunlight painful.
How it has been studied
Its approval rests on clinical trials in EPP. It has also been studied in melanocortin and pigmentation research.
How to get it
Afamelanotide is a prescription medicine given by a healthcare provider. Anyone interested in it as a treatment should talk to a licensed medical provider.
Further reading
Search the primary literature and registered studies for Melanotan-1 on independent research databases. LNK is not affiliated with these sources and does not endorse their conclusions.