Melanotan I
Melanocortin Receptor Agonist | Afamelanotide
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone that selectively targets MC1 receptors to stimulate melanin production. While an FDA-approved implant version (SCENESSE®) exists for rare medical conditions, research-grade injectable Melanotan I is studied for its photoprotective and tanning effects through regular subcutaneous administration.
Daily dose
0.5-1mg total
Frequency
2-3x daily
Cycle length
2-4 weeks
Storage
2-8°C
Key benefits
Research-grade injectable Melanotan I provides precise dosing control and rapid onset of tanning effects. Unlike the FDA-approved SCENESSE® implant, injectable form allows flexible dosing and can be administered at home. Produces visible tanning within 1-2 weeks with proper UV exposure.
How it works
Subcutaneous injection delivers Melanotan I directly into systemic circulation with 100% bioavailability. 30-minute half-life requires multiple daily injections for sustained MC1R activation and melanin production.
Dosage protocols
Goal
Initial Tanning (Light Skin)
Dose
0.25mg · 2x daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Goal
Maintenance Tanning
Dose
0.5mg · 1x daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Goal
Enhanced Pigmentation
Dose
0.5mg · 2x daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Goal
Photoprotection Only
Dose
0.25mg · 1x daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Research indications
skin Health
anti Aging
research
Administration
Interactions
Safety notes
Research peptide - not approved for human consumption, sold for research purposes only
Start with lower doses to assess individual tolerance and response
Monitor moles and skin changes - perform regular self-examinations
Use proper sterile injection technique to prevent infections
Maintain UV protection despite enhanced tanning - still risk of overexposure
Research studies
Safety Profile Assessment (2006)
Humans | 147 subjects | Multiple doses | Minimal adverse events
Comprehensive safety evaluation showing excellent tolerability profile with transient nausea and flushing as primary side effects. No serious adverse events reported.
View study →MT-I Photoprotection Study (2004)
Humans | 0.08-0.16 mg/kg | 28 days | Enhanced tanning, reduced UV damage
Clinical study demonstrating Melanotan I ability to induce protective tanning with reduced UV exposure requirements. Subjects showed enhanced melanin production and decreased sunburn susceptibility.
View study →Tanning Efficacy Comparison (2003)
Humans | vs placebo | UV-free tanning assessment
Study demonstrating Melanotan I ability to produce visible tanning without UV exposure, though enhanced effects observed when combined with minimal UV exposure.
View study →Melanocortin Receptor Binding Study (1997)
In vitro | Multiple concentrations | MC1R selectivity analysis
Comprehensive analysis showing Melanotan I 1000-fold higher binding affinity to MC1R compared to natural α-MSH, with minimal binding to other melanocortin receptors.
View study →Pharmacokinetics of Injectable MT-I (1997)
Humans | Subcutaneous injection | 30-minute half-life | 100% bioavailability
Pharmacokinetic study establishing subcutaneous bioavailability and rapid clearance profile of injectable Melanotan I, requiring multiple daily administrations for sustained effects.
View study →