Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) Research Evidence

Afamelanotide was FDA-approved in 2019 under the brand Scenesse, a subcutaneous implant, specifically for erythropoietic protoporphyria, where it meaningfully increases pain-free light exposure time for patients. Separately, a 2015 trial (Lim et al., JAMA Dermatology, n=55) found monthly afamelanotide added to narrowband UVB phototherapy improved vitiligo repigmentation compared to phototherapy alone, with a larger effect in darker skin tones.

Melanotan I is FDA-approved as Scenesse specifically for EPP. Use for general tanning or cosmetic purposes is not what was tested or approved, that use is off-label at best, and unapproved research-chemical use in that context should be treated as RUO. Researchers and users should verify the legal status of non-EPP afamelanotide use in their jurisdiction.