Melanotan I
OtherFDA ApprovedAlso known as: Afamelanotide, CUV1647, Scenesse, alpha-MSH analog, [Nle4,D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH (linear)
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with the substitution of norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7. Unlike Melanotan II (which is cyclic), Melanotan I is a linear peptide that is significantly more selective for MC1R over MC4R — making it a tanning/photoprotective agent with substantially less sexual and appetite-stimulating side effects.
Overview
At A Glance
Melanotan I binds and activates melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes with high selectivity. MC1R activation stimulates adenylyl cyclase and increases cAMP, activating protein kinase A (PKA) and ultimately upregulating tyrosinase — the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synt…
Overview
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with the substitution of norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7. Unlike Melanotan II (which is cyclic), Melanotan I is a linear peptide that is significantly more selective for MC1R over MC4R — making it a tanning/photoprotective agent with substantially less sexual and appetite-stimulating side effects. Afamelanotide was FDA-approved in October 2019 under the brand name Scenesse as an implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare photosensitivity disorder. Melanotan I is meaningfully different from Melanotan II in structure, selectivity, and side-effect profile and should not be confused with it.
Chemical Information
IUPAC Name
Not yet available
CAS Number
Not yet available
Molecular Formula
Not yet available
Molecular Mass
Not yet available
Chemical data is being compiled for this compound.
Dosing & Protocols
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Research
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Interactions
Interaction and contraindication data is being compiled for Melanotan I. Check back soon.
General Safety Note
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before combining research compounds. Interactions may exist that are not yet documented.
$19.00
up to $35.00
$3.5000
1
2
vial
| Vendor | Product | Form | Qty | Price | $/mg | Coupon | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Melanotan I 5mg | vial | 1 vial● Out of Stock | $19.00BEST | $3.800 | — | Sign in for stock alert |
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Melanotan I 10mg | vial | 1 vial● In Stock | $35.00VALUE | $3.500 | — |
Tracking since Apr 22, 2026 · 2 data points
Vendors Selling Melanotan I
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Every supplier above is graded 0–100 on COA verification, payment transparency, shipping, reviews, and active listings. Methodology published, no pay-to-rank.
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Protocols, calculator & safety for Melanotan I
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4/21/2026Research Score
0 PubMed studies
Quality Indicators
Data Completeness
63%Quick Facts
Half-Life
~25 hours (subcutaneous, afamelanotide data)
Administration
Subcutaneous, Intramuscular
Trial Phase
FDA Approved
Safety Profile
Common Side Effects
- • Nausea (lower incidence than Melanotan II)
- • Flushing
- • Fatigue
- • Hyperpigmentation of existing moles/nevi
Research Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Melanotan I used for in research?
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with the substitution of norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7. Unlike Melanotan II (which is cyclic), Melanotan I is a linear peptide that is significantly more selective for MC1R over MC4R — making it a tanning/photoprotective agent with substantially less sexual and appetite-stimulating side effects. Afamelanotide was FDA-approved in October 2019 under the brand name Scenesse as an implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare photosensitivity disorder. Melanotan I is meaningfully different from Melanotan II in structure, selectivity, and side-effect profile and should not be confused with it.
What forms does Melanotan I come in?
Melanotan I is available in vial form.
How much does Melanotan I cost?
Prices start at $19.00 across 1 verified vendor.
How do I compare Melanotan I vendors?
Compare prices, payment methods, shipping, and COA scores across 1 vendor.
Research Tools
Related Compounds
View AllAminotadalafil
OtherPreclinicalAminotadalafil is an unapproved research analog of tadalafil, the PDE5 inhibitor marketed under the brand name Cialis for erectile dysfunction and under Adcirca for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
B7-33
OtherPreclinicalB7-33 is a single-chain, 26-amino-acid peptide engineered as a functionally selective agonist of the relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), designed to recapitulate the therapeutic activity of human H2 relaxin — the endogenous peptide hormone that is naturally elevated during pregnancy and has broad cardioprotective, vasodilatory, and anti-fibrotic effects.
KSPTN
OtherPreclinicalKSPTN is a novel research peptide available from select peptide research vendors.
PNC-27
OtherPreclinicalPNC-27 is a p53-derived peptide that selectively induces membranolysis in cancer cells.
Prostamax
OtherPreclinicalProstamax is a short synthetic peptide developed in Russia by Vladimir Khavinson and collaborators at the St.
RU-58841
OtherPreclinicalRU-58841 (also known as PSK-3841 or HMR-3841, and commonly written simply as RU in hair-loss forums) is a non-steroidal androgen receptor antagonist originally developed by Roussel Uclaf (later absorbed into Sanofi) in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Side-by-Side Comparisons
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