Afamelanotide — Research Evidence & Community Data
Also known as: Melanotan I, Scenesse, afamelanotide
Research & educational use only. This content is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide compound.
What Is Afamelanotide?
Afamelanotide is a synthetic alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) analog approved by the FDA (as Scenesse) to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). It is delivered as a subcutaneous implant and is supported by randomized controlled trials for that indication. It is a prescription product and is not approved for cosmetic tanning.
Is Afamelanotide FDA Approved?
Afamelanotide is FDA approved.
What Does the Research Show?
As of 2026, there are 3 human randomized controlled trials with a combined 250 subjects, and 10 animal model studies. Randomized controlled trials in erythropoietic protoporphyria support increased pain-free sunlight exposure. Approval is limited to EPP.
| Study | Type | Subjects | Outcome | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afamelanotide for erythropoietic protoporphyriaLangendonk JG, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine · 2015 | RCT | 168 | Increased pain-free time in sunlight | DOI |
What Do Community Logs Show?
No community logs include Afamelanotide yet. Browse community logs →
How Is Afamelanotide Used in Research?
Mechanism of action. Agonism of melanocortin-1 receptors (MC1R), increasing eumelanin and providing photoprotection.
Half-life. Released slowly from a subcutaneous implant over days.
Storage. Approved product: clinician-administered implant.
Reconstitution. Delivered as an implant; reconstitution math is not applicable. See the reconstitution calculator — a math tool only, not dosing guidance.
What Does Afamelanotide's Evidence Tier Mean?
Afamelanotide is rated Tier 1 · RCT Evidence. Supported by human randomized controlled trials. Evidence tiers are a shorthand for how strong the human data is — Tier 1 reflects human randomized controlled trials, while lower tiers rest on observational, animal, or theoretical evidence. A higher tier means more confidence that observed effects are real and caused by the compound rather than by chance or bias. For how to weigh each tier, see our guide to understanding peptide evidence tiers.
How Do You Evaluate Afamelanotide Sourcing and Quality?
Because research-chemical Afamelanotide is unregulated, sourcing quality varies widely between sellers. Before trusting any supplier, check its reputation and enforcement history in the ranked list of trusted peptide sellers, and look for a batch-specific certificate of analysis (COA) showing third-party HPLC or LC-MS purity testing. Purity claims without a named lab, a batch number, and a method are marketing, not data. If you are reconstituting lyophilized material, the reconstitution calculator handles the arithmetic — it is a math tool only and not dosing guidance.
Where to Buy Afamelanotide: Trusted & Verified Sellers
Afamelanotide is supplied by specialist research-chemical sellers rather than pharmacies, so where you buy it matters as much as what you buy. The sellers below have published moderator-approved third-party lab results for Afamelanotide, ranked by overall reputation score. Always confirm a current batch-specific COA before purchasing.
No seller has published a lab result for Afamelanotide yet. Browse the ranked directory of trusted peptide sellers and check each one's lab testing and enforcement record before buying.
PeptidesHub does not sell Afamelanotide or facilitate transactions — this list is for research transparency only.
How Are Adverse Reactions to Afamelanotide Reported?
Structured adverse-event reports help the whole community spot safety signals early. You can browse approved reports on the adverse events page or submit one yourself. For a serious or life-threatening reaction, seek medical care and report it to FDA MedWatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Afamelanotide is FDA approved.