Melanotan I

FDA Approved

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)

Aliases
Afamelanotide, Scenesse
Administration
Subcutaneous implant (FDA-approved route)

How it works

  1. Agonist at melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes

    It activates the specific skin-cell receptor responsible for producing pigment.

  2. Stimulates eumelanin production

    It boosts the darker, more protective type of melanin in skin.

  3. Provides photoprotection independent of UV exposure

    This gives meaningful sun protection even without needing to be in the sun first — which is the entire point for patients who react painfully to light.

Result

Meaningful sun protection for patients who cannot safely be in sunlight, achieved by boosting the skin's own protective pigment. The tangible effect is being able to tolerate sunlight for longer periods without pain, along with visibly darker skin pigmentation.