Afamelanotide · Scenesse · MT-1
FDA-approved tanning peptide — photoprotection without libido effects.
FDA
Approved
WADA
Not Listed
HALF-LIFE
~7.3 hours (implant)
ROUTE
SubQ injection or implant
SCHEDULE
Monthly (implant) or daily (injection)
In Plain English
FDA-approved tanning peptide — photoprotection without libido effects.
Status & Legality
NATTY?
No Test ExistsNo established test exists for this compound.
FDA
ApprovedFDA approved for human use.
WADA
Not ListedNot currently on WADA prohibited list.
COMPOUNDING
Rx AvailableAvailable at licensed pharmacies with prescription.
PRESCRIBED
By prescriptionPhysicians can prescribe this compound legally.
ROUTE
SubQ injection or implantAdministration via subq injection or implant.
Photoprotection
Skin tanning
Erythropoietic protoporphyria
Polymorphous light eruption
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria — a painful light sensitivity disorder. Unlike Melanotan II, it's a selective MC1R agonist focused purely on melanin production without the sexual arousal or appetite effects. Clinical trials show 30% reduction in sun-induced pain with significant skin darkening.
Nausea (less than MT-II)
Skin darkening/new nevi
Headache
Flushing
Fatigue
Not starting with a test dose — while less nauseating than MT-II, still start at 0.25–0.5 mg and assess tolerance
Using indefinitely without monitoring skin — new nevi and mole darkening occur with cumulative use; regular dermatological check is advisable
Expecting the libido effects of Melanotan II — MT-I is selective for MC1R (tanning only); it doesn't produce sexual arousal effects
GHK-Cu topical — generally beneficial combination for skin quality during tanning protocols
Photosensitizing medications — if already photosensitive, use caution; MT-I increases sun sensitivity as intended
Other melanocortin agonists — don't combine with MT-II; redundant and increases pigmentation risk
Melanotan I (Scenesse) is the safer, more selective tanning peptide — FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria specifically because it targets melanin production without the CNS effects of MT-II. Less nausea, no spontaneous erections, no appetite suppression. For tanning as the sole goal, this is the cleaner choice versus MT-II.
Stats
Sources & Studies
Langendonk JG. et al., N Engl J Med, 2015