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 is afamelanotide, i.e. [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH ('NDP-alpha-MSH'), a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions make it resistant to enzymatic breakdown and roughly 10-100x more potent than native alpha-MS…
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
1646.85 Da (C78H111N21O19; PubChem CID 16197727)
Amino Acid Sequence
Dosing & Protocols
Unlock Dosing Protocols
Free account gets you:
- View beginner, intermediate & advanced protocols
- See weight-based dosing calculations
- Access cycle length & frequency data
2,800+ researchers already in
Research
Unlock Research Data
Free account gets you:
- Browse PubMed study summaries
- See clinical trial phases & results
- Access mechanism of action details
2,800+ researchers already in
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 |
|
|
Melanotan I 10mg | vial | 1 vial● In Stock | $35.00VALUE | $3.500 | — |
Tracking since Apr 22, 2026 · 2 data points
Vendors Selling Melanotan I
How we score these vendors
Every supplier above is graded 0–100 on COA verification, payment transparency, shipping, reviews, and active listings. Methodology published, no pay-to-rank.
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.
Kisspeptin-10 (KSPTN)
OtherClinical (investigational)KSPTN is the vendor shorthand for kisspeptin, a naturally occurring peptide encoded by the KISS1 gene and the master upstream regulator of the reproductive (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal) hormone axis.
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
All ComparisonsView Full Dosage Guide →
Protocols, calculator & safety for Melanotan I
Related Articles
All PostsThe Best Peptide Nasal Sprays of 2026, Ranked by Evidence
Evidence-tiered review of 10 peptide nasal sprays — Semax, Selank, Oxytocin (S); PT-141, DSIP, Epithalon (A); Noopept, NAD+, 5-Amino-1MQ (B); Melanotan-II (C). Human-trial counts, PMID citations, safety, dosing, and pre-made vs DIY tradeoffs. Tiers match the live pillar scorecard.
4/21/2026How to Make a Peptide Nasal Spray at Home — The Complete DIY Guide (2026)
Full DIY protocol for reconstituting peptides into nasal sprays — Semax, Selank, oxytocin, DSIP, BPC-157. Reconstitution math, sterile technique, storage, pH/tonicity, safety. 11-step protocol with worked examples.
4/21/2026The Complete Peptide Reconstitution Guide — Every Peptide, Every Ratio, Every Pitfall (2026)
The master reconstitution reference for 17 peptides. BAC vs SWFI vs acetic acid, mg/mL targets, IU math on U100 syringes, storage and stability by peptide class, sterile technique, and the mistakes that destroy $60 vials. Includes worked examples for BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu, semaglutide, tirzepatide, CJC-1295, ipamorelin, sermorelin, GHRPs, Melanotan II, PT-141, oxytocin, Semax, Selank, DSIP, and epithalon.
4/21/2026Research Score
0 PubMed studies
Quality Indicators
Data Completeness
63%Quick Facts
Half-Life
Controlled-release subcutaneous implant (Scenesse): high inter-subject variability; median Tmax ~36 h, mean Cmax ~3.7 ng/mL, apparent terminal half-life ~15 h, with plasma levels measurable to ~96 h post-dose (FDA pharmacokinetics, n=12). Injected/bolus free peptide: peak plasma at ~1-2 h with an elimination half-life of ~30 minutes; the Nle4/D-Phe7 modifications prolong biological (melanogenic) activity well beyond plasma clearance.
Molecular Weight
1646.85 Da (C78H111N21O19; PubChem CID 16197727)
Administration
Subcutaneous, Intramuscular
Trial Phase
FDA Approved
Safety Profile
Common Side Effects
- • Nausea (typically milder and less frequent than with Melanotan II)
- • Facial flushing
- • Headache
- • Fatigue
- • Skin hyperpigmentation; darkening of existing moles, freckles and 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.
Kisspeptin-10 (KSPTN)
OtherClinical (investigational)KSPTN is the vendor shorthand for kisspeptin, a naturally occurring peptide encoded by the KISS1 gene and the master upstream regulator of the reproductive (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal) hormone axis.
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
All ComparisonsCompare Melanotan I head-to-head: mechanism, half-life, dosing, safety, and live pricing.
Free 2026 Peptide Cheat Sheet — 50 pages, PDF
Reconstitution math, concentration charts, half-lives, and vendor trust tiers. The reference we wish we had on day one.