Prescription Only
This is an FDA-approved prescription product. It should only be obtained through licensed healthcare providers and pharmacies. Do not attempt to source through RUO or gray-market channels.
Evidence visual
Melanotan I evidence and risk matrix
advanced researcher fit
Evidence
Tier A
Risk
medium
Regulatory
rx approved
WADA
unknown
FDA
none
Route
subcutaneous implant
Higher-confidence evidence profile, but regulatory and sourcing checks still matter.
Overview
Melanotan I is commonly equated with afamelanotide, the active ingredient in SCENESSE — an FDA-approved subcutaneous implant for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). It acts primarily on MC1R, increasing eumelanin production independent of UV exposure. The approved dose is a 16 mg implant every 2 months. Label warns about hypersensitivity and skin monitoring for pigmented lesions. Cosmetic tanning is not the approved context.
Decision path
Where Melanotan I fits in the research path.
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Peptide research path
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Research Details
Melanocortin receptor agonist binding predominantly MC1R; increases eumelanin production independent of UV exposure.
subcutaneous implant
SCENESSE label: 16 mg subcutaneous implant every 2 months.
Phototoxicity reduction in EPP (evidence-backed). Cosmetic tanning is not the approved use.
Controlled-release kinetics; plasma concentrations up to ~96 hours in most subjects.
Hypersensitivity to afamelanotide (per label).
Hypersensitivity, implant site reactions, pigment changes, monitoring for pigmented lesions.
No drug interaction studies were conducted (per label).
Cost at a glance
No reliable cycle cost estimate yet. We need cleaner listing price and pack-size data before showing a trustworthy number.
Known Interactions
Melanocortin agonist overlap; conservative caution.
Melanocortin agonist overlap; conservative caution.
Information provided for educational and research reference only. Not medical advice. Not for diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing disease. Products referenced are labeled Research Use Only (RUO) by vendors; not for human or veterinary use.
Sources and review notes
- Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks - U.S. Food and Drug Administration - accessed 2026-05-15
Used for FDA compounding-risk context and peptide safety flags.
- The Prohibited List - World Anti-Doping Agency - accessed 2026-05-15
Used for athlete-facing WADA risk and peptide-class restrictions.
- Peptide therapeutics: current status and future directions - PubMed / Nature Reviews Drug Discovery - accessed 2026-05-15
Used for broad peptide-therapeutics background and evidence framing.
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