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Cosmetic & Dermal

Melanotan I Protocol

Dosing & Research

Last Updated: September 4, 2026

Chemical Identity
Amino Acid Sequence
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
Molecular Formula
C78H111N21O19
Molecular Weight
1646.85 g/mol
CAS Number
75921-69-6

Photoprotection research, Melanogenesis studies, EPP-related therapy, UV-resistance models

Evidence Level
Human Clinical Data Available
Species Studied
Human • Mouse
Half-Life
~30 Minutes
Administration
Subcutaneous
Frequency
Daily for 1 week (loading); 2x weekly (maintenance)

How It Works

  • Photoprotection research
  • Melanogenesis studies
  • EPP-related therapy
  • UV-resistance models

Dosing Structure

Dose
250 mcg
Frequency
Daily for 1 week (loading); 2x weekly (maintenance)
Notes
Loading (week 1): Start at 50mcg/day and titrate up to 200mcg/day based on tolerance. Adjust based on pigment changes. Maintenance dose: 100mcg 2x per week. May reduce if desired. Cycle: 4–6 weeks; take a break before resuming. Do not stack with Melanotan II. Inject: Abdomen, thigh, upper arm (rotate). Morning and evening 6-8 hours apart.

Example Protocols

Dose: 250 mcg
Frequency: Daily for 1 week (loading); 2x weekly (maintenance)
Duration: 6-8 weeks
Off Period: Not listed
Calculate dosing →

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Protocol Notes

•
Loading (week 1): Start at 50mcg/day and titrate up to 200mcg/day based on tolerance.
•
Adjust based on pigment changes.
•
Maintenance dose: 100mcg 2x per week.
•
May reduce if desired.
•
Cycle: 4–6 weeks; take a break before resuming.
•
Do not stack with Melanotan II.
•
Inject: Abdomen, thigh, upper arm (rotate).
•
Morning and evening 6-8 hours apart.

What Is Melanotan I?

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that binds melanocortin receptors to stimulate melanin production in the skin - producing a tan without requiring UV exposure. It was developed to treat photosensitivity disorders and is approved in Europe and Australia under the brand name Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare condition where sunlight causes severe pain.

Research Observations - Not Medical Claims
  • ▸SCENESSE Phase 3 EPP trial (NEJM, 2015; PMID: 26362826): Adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria receiving 16 mg implant showed 277% increase in pain-free sunlight exposure over 6 months vs. placebo.
  • ▸Skin darkening was achieved in all skin phototypes tested, with Fitzpatrick Type I subjects showing the most dramatic response.
  • ▸Melanoma prevention model: Melanotan I administration prior to UV exposure in HGF mice reduced UV-induced melanoma development - proposed as a photoprotective mechanism.
  • ▸At 16 mg implant doses used in EPP trials, no significant cardiovascular, renal, or hepatic adverse effects were observed.
  • ▸Unlike Melanotan II, afamelanotide has minimal binding affinity for MC4R (the receptor responsible for sexual effects and appetite suppression), making it more selective for MC1R (melanocortin receptor 1) involved in pigmentation.

Evidence Summary

Human Clinical Data AvailableApproved in EU and Australia (Scenesse, 16 mg implant for EPP) - Investigational in the United States
Evidence StrengthStrong
PreliminaryModerateStrong
Curated Citations2
Largest Study (n)93
Most Recent Study2024
Species Studied
HumanMouse

Commonly Researched With

GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu's skin remodeling and collagen activity is sometimes combined with Melanotan I in cosmetic dermal research protocols.
BPC-157
BPC-157's anti-inflammatory activity is studied alongside melanocortins in skin wound and photodamage models.

Research & Studies

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