Melanotan‑I (MT‑1 / Afamelanotide) Peptide Profile

Overview:
Melanotan‑I (also known as afamelanotide, originally marketed simply as “Melanotan,” “Melanotan‑1,” or “Melanotan I”) is a synthetic analogue of the endogenous peptide α‑melanocyte‑stimulating hormone (α‑MSH) that activates melanocortin receptors, primarily MC1R, on melanocytes. Activation of this receptor stimulates melanin production (melanogenesis) in skin cells, increasing pigmentation and a tanned appearance, and has been studied for reducing photosensitivity in light‑related skin disorders. Afamelanotide has been approved for specific clinical indications (e.g., prevention of phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria) and is distinct from unregulated “tanning peptides” sold online. (Wikipedia)

Mechanism & Effects:
• Melanin Enhancement: MT‑1 binds to melanocortin receptors on melanocytes, up‑regulating tyrosinase and increasing eumelanin synthesis, leading to darker skin tone and enhanced tanning response. (Happy Hormones MD)
• Photoprotection: Increased melanin may confer some defense against UV damage, delaying sunburn onset when combined with light exposure. (JAMA Network)
• Receptor Selectivity: Stronger and longer‑lasting receptor interaction than natural α‑MSH due to structural modifications, resulting in a prolonged effect. (Wikipedia)

Uses & Regulatory Status:
• Approved for photoprotection in specific skin disorders in select regions (e.g., erythropoietic protoporphyria), though broader cosmetic tanning use is not medically licensed outside controlled settings. (Wikipedia)
• Unregulated peptides marketed as “Melanotan‑1” online lack reliable quality control and pose safety risks, and health authorities warn against their use. (Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA))

Safety & Side Effects:
Reported reactions from research and unregulated use include nausea, flushing, transient facial warmth, and injection‑site irritation. There is limited long‑term safety data, and regulators caution about potential mole changes and unknown cancer risk with unsupervised use. (Age Well ATL)

Experimental/Reported Dosing (Research Context):
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route | Notes |
| Early human studies | ~0.08 mg/kg/day | Daily (short course) | Subcutaneous | Investigational with UV exposure studies (ResearchGate)
| Higher research dosing | ~0.16 mg/kg/day | Daily (short course) | Subcutaneous | Enhanced tanning with sunlight/UV‑B (ResearchGate)

References (APA):
Afamelanotide. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afamelanotide (Wikipedia)
Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2 Patient Information. (n.d.). Happy Hormones MD. https://happyhormonesmd.com/Melanotan‑1‑and‑Melanotan‑2… (Happy Hormones MD)
Dorr, R. T., et al. (2004). Effects of a superpotent melanotropic peptide in combination with UV‑B radiation on tanning of the skin. JAMA Dermatology. (JAMA Network)
Melanotan Peptides: Side Effects and Safety Precautions. (2025). AgeWell ATL. https://www.agewellatl.net/side‑effects‑and‑precautions‑of‑melanotan‑peptide/ (Age Well ATL)
Regulators warn about dangers of unapproved tanning products. (2025, Daily Telegraph). (dailytelegraph.com.au)