PEPTIDE RESEARCH TOPIC

Melanotan I Research Peptide

Melanotan I is a historical name associated with afamelanotide research. Explore melanocortin biology, pigmentation studies, Scenesse context, and product differences.

TOPIC OVERVIEW

About Melanotan I

Identity and names

Melanotan I and NDP-MSH are names encountered in afamelanotide literature. Scenesse identifies a defined implant product, not every material sold under those names.

Compound type

It is a synthetic alpha-MSH analogue. A controlled-release implant and research-labeled powder are not interchangeable exposures.

Mechanism

Afamelanotide acts at melanocortin-1 receptors and influences eumelanin production. This pathway must be distinguished from the broader melanocortin activity of Melanotan II.

Research focus and evidence

Research spans pigmentation and pharmacokinetics, while the Scenesse clinical program addressed erythropoietic protoporphyria. Cosmetic tanning claims are a different context.

Regulatory status and limits

The U.S. Scenesse label concerns increased pain-free light exposure in adults with EPP. That product-specific approval does not authorize research powders or tanning preparations.

Topics covered
  • alpha-MSH analogue identity
  • MC1R and pigmentation
  • Scenesse and EPP
  • implant versus research material
  • Melanotan I versus II
Common names and related terms: Melanotan I, Melanotan 1, Afamelanotide, NDP-MSH
RESEARCH SUMMARY

What Is Melanotan I?

LAST VERIFIEDOctober 7, 2026

Historical human work studied pigmentation and pharmacokinetics of Melanotan I. Those experiments help explain the compound's research lineage but do not equate an online preparation with a regulated implant. Melanotan I human pharmacokinetic study

Scenesse is an afamelanotide implant with a U.S. indication for increasing pain-free light exposure in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria. Its label supplies the relevant product and safety context; approval should not be generalized to tanning use or research vials. Scenesse prescribing information

RESEARCH TRACKER

Melanotan I Development & Clinical Research

Current programs, research areas, study status, enrollment, and expected completion dates organized from primary registry records.

LAST VERIFIEDOctober 7, 2026
Registered records22
Active studies1
Completed studies17
Phase 3 studies6
DeveloperRegistry sponsors include Clinuvel, Inc.. Sponsor identity does not establish product approval.
AliasesMelanotan I, Melanotan 1, Afamelanotide, NDP-MSH
Biological targetsAfamelanotide acts at melanocortin-1 receptors and influences eumelanin production. This pathway must be distinguished from the broader melanocortin activity of Melanotan II.
Development stageRegistered intervention phases: Phase 1, Phase 1 / Phase 2, Phase 2, Phase 3. See study-specific context.
Regulatory statusThe U.S. Scenesse label concerns increased pain-free light exposure in adults with EPP. That product-specific approval does not authorize research powders or tanning preparations.

What current projects are studying

Erythropoietic ProtoporphyriaVitiligoXeroderma PigmentosumVariegate PorphyriaArterial Ischemic StrokeAfamelanotide Evaluated as Skin DNA Repair Therapy in Healthy VolunteersAcne Vulgaris
SELECTED CURRENT RESEARCH

Latest and important projects

Showing 1 of 1 active studies
REGISTERED STUDYNCT06109649

A Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of SCENESSE and Narrow-Band Ultraviolet (NB-UVB) Light Versus NB-UVB Light Alone in Patients With Vitiligo

Vitiligo

Phase
Phase 3
Status
Active Not Recruiting
Enrollment
200 Estimated
Expected completion
Jun 2026
Record updated
Jul 8, 2025
Lead sponsor
Clinuvel, Inc.
Primary sources: ClinicalTrials.gov (defined search)Checked October 7, 2026. Counts include interventional registry records with an explicit matching intervention name or alias; broad search results, biomarker-only observations, and unrelated compounds are excluded. Active includes recruiting, not yet recruiting, active not recruiting, and enrolling by invitation. PubMed is the linked title/abstract query count, not a number of clinical trials or a measure of evidence quality.

Registry status does not establish safety, efficacy, or regulatory approval.

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Essential Melanotan I guides

MELANOTAN I KNOWLEDGE ARTICLESPage 1 of 1
02
KNOWLEDGE ARTICLE

MT1 vs MT2 Side Effects: Key Differences

MT1 vs MT2 side effects differ in duration and intensity: melanotan II more often causes nausea, flushing, and libido changes. Learn what research shows.

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04
KNOWLEDGE ARTICLE

Melanotan 1 Injections: What to Know Before Use

Melanotan 1 injections are tanning peptides sold online, but no injectable form is FDA-approved. Learn how afamelanotide works, dosing risks, and safety.

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06
KNOWLEDGE ARTICLE

Melanotan 1 vs 2: Key Differences Explained

Melanotan 1 vs 2: MT1 targets MC1R for pigmentation, while MT2 also affects appetite and libido. Compare effects, side effects, and legal status.

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