Peptides
Melanotan 1
What is it?
Melanotan 1, or MT-I, generally refers to afamelanotide, an analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The FDA-approved product is Scenesse, a 16 mg implant for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare condition that causes painful reactions to sunlight. An implant supplied by a specialist is not interchangeable with a peptide vial sold for tanning. [1]
How does it work?
Afamelanotide activates the melanocortin-1 receptor and increases eumelanin, a pigment that can help protect skin from light. The approved goal is more pain-free light exposure in EPP, not a cosmetic tan or permission to skip sun protection. [1,2]
What have human studies found?
Two randomized, double-blind studies tested the 16 mg implant in people with EPP. In the U.S. study, median pain-free direct-sunlight time over six months was 69.4 hours with afamelanotide versus 40.8 with placebo. Participants in the European study also spent more time in sunlight without pain. This is direct evidence for EPP, but it does not test ordinary tanning or cancer prevention. [2]
What should you know before considering it?
Scenesse is administered by a trained clinician. The label warns about serious hypersensitivity and darkening of existing moles or freckles, with regular skin examination advised. [1]
APPROVED EPP DOSE
How much?
FORM & SCHEDULE
What it refers to
one implant every 2 months for adults with EPP
It does not apply to online tanning vials. The label calls for skin monitoring and warns about serious allergic reactions.
16 mg — one Scenesse implant under the skin every two months, administered by a trained healthcare professional for an adult with EPP. This is the approved product schedule for that condition only. [1]
Read detailed dosing notes
There is no approved do-it-yourself MT-I tanning schedule, and injectable online products should not be equated with the Scenesse implant. [1]