Melanotan I
FDA ApprovedMelanotan I (Afamelanotide)
- Category
- Aesthetic & Beauty
- Aliases
- Afamelanotide, Scenesse
- Administration
- Subcutaneous implant (FDA-approved route)
Overview
Melanotan I, marketed as the FDA-approved implant Scenesse, stimulates melanin production to protect patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria — a rare genetic disorder causing severe pain on sun exposure — from light-induced skin damage. It is chemically related to, but distinct from, the more potent and unapproved Melanotan II, which is widely sold illicitly for cosmetic tanning.
Treatments studied
Treatment categories
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (FDA approved)
Its only FDA-approved use, boosting protective skin pigment for patients who cannot tolerate sunlight.
Cosmetic tanning
Stimulates melanin production, producing a tan effect independent of UV exposure.