Synthetic alpha-MSH analog (MC1R agonist; afamelanotide)
A synthetic melanocyte-stimulating hormone analog that increases skin pigmentation and photoprotection.
| Class / type | Synthetic alpha-MSH analog (MC1R agonist; afamelanotide) |
|---|---|
| Category | Sexual, Skin & Aesthetic |
| Status (Jul 2026) | FDA-approved |
Afamelanotide preferentially activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, increasing eumelanin production, which provides photoprotection.
As afamelanotide (Scenesse), approved to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP); sought recreationally for tanning.
Genuine FDA-approved therapy for a rare disabling photosensitivity disorder; implant delivers sustained MC1R activation; better receptor selectivity than Melanotan II.
Nausea, headache, fatigue, darkening of moles/skin, implant-site reactions; long-term melanoma-surveillance considerations; not approved or appropriate for cosmetic tanning.
EPP patients report meaningful quality-of-life improvement; cosmetic/tanning interest exists but is off-label and discouraged.
FDA-approved as afamelanotide (Scenesse) subcutaneous implant for EPP (approved 2019); any tanning-oriented 'Melanotan 1' sold online is unapproved and illegal to market.