The FDA-approved cousin of MT-2 — more selective for MC1R, meaning cleaner tanning effect with fewer libido / nausea side effects. Approved as Scenesse for EPP; used off-label for sun sensitivity and tanning.
Melanotan I (MT-1), marketed as afamelanotide under the brand name Scenesse, is a synthetic analog of α-MSH with much higher selectivity for the MC1R (melanocortin-1 receptor) compared to its cousin Melanotan II. MC1R is the primary pigmentation receptor, so MT-1 delivers the tanning effect without MT-2’s strong MC3R/MC4R-driven side effects (nausea, libido, flushing, mole darkening).
Scenesse is FDA approved (2019) for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) — a rare genetic condition causing severe sun sensitivity. Delivered as a 16 mg implantable controlled-release device. Off-label use for cosmetic tanning is much more common in Europe and Australia than the US.
FDA approved as Scenesse for EPP. Prescription only for the approved indication. Off-label cosmetic use and research-chem sourcing exist. Not WADA prohibited.
Activates melanocyte MC1R to produce eumelanin (brown/black pigment). Much less activity at MC3R/MC4R than MT-2 — hence fewer central (nausea, libido, appetite) and peripheral (flushing) effects.
Increased eumelanin in skin absorbs UV and reduces damage — the mechanism behind EPP symptom relief and, secondarily, the cosmetic tan.
The pharmaceutical form is a 16 mg SubQ implant (inserted under the skin of the hip) releasing drug over ~2 months. Off-label users inject daily SubQ instead.
| Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|
| EPP sun tolerance | FDA-approved indication; Phase 3 data: dramatically increased pain-free sun exposure |
| Cosmetic tanning | Reliable darkening with much less side-effect burden than MT-2 |
| Vitiligo | Combined with narrow-band UVB: improved repigmentation in small studies |
| Solar urticaria | Small case series reporting benefit |
Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeDose and 60-day interval reflect the approved Scenesse label (EMA/FDA prescribing information); confirm against current labeling with your provider rather than relying on community summaries.
Unregulated & off-label. PMIDs 28266027 and 20545686 explicitly note that dose, preparation, and administration of non-pharmaceutical melanotans are not established, and the MHRA has flagged public-health risks from their use. The dose ranges below are community-circulated conventions, not validated protocols from peer-reviewed literature. Safety outside the approved Scenesse indication has not been established.
Community reports suggest MT-1 is easier to tolerate than MT-2 (less nausea, less CNS activity), but no peer-reviewed head-to-head tolerability comparison exists — treat this as anecdotal. UV exposure is still required to trigger pigmentation.
For research-peptide MT-1 powder (not for Scenesse implants, which are pre-prepared):
10 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 5 mg/mL = 5000 mcg/mL
| Dose | Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 250 mcg | 0.05 mL | 5 units |
| 500 mcg | 0.10 mL | 10 units |
Use our free peptide calculator to figure out your reconstitution volume, draw amount, and syringe units.
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Much cleaner side-effect profile than MT-2 due to selective MC1R binding.
Off-label research-chem MT-1 (not Scenesse) carries real biosafety risk: the UK MHRA and published reviews (PMID 20545686) have flagged blood-borne virus transmission from needle sharing and product impurity as documented hazards of unregulated melanotans. Always use sterile single-use needles, never share equipment, and source from suppliers that publish certificates of analysis.
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a research peptide not approved by the FDA for human use. It is sold only as a research chemical, and StackTrax does not endorse or facilitate personal use.
Quality varies enormously among research-chemical suppliers. At minimum, look for:
StackTrax’s preferred partner NextGen Peptides does not currently carry Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)in their catalog, which is why you don’t see a direct purchase link here. Other major research-chemical suppliers carry it; we don’t specifically recommend one for this compound.
Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeDisclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The compounds discussed are not FDA approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or peptide protocol. StackTrax does not sell peptides or supplements directly — purchase links go to third-party vendors. StackTrax is not responsible for the products, quality, or business practices of any third-party vendor. This page contains affiliate links — StackTrax may earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
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StackTrax guides cover peptides and compounds that are not FDA-approved for the uses discussed. The dosing, reconstitution, and safety information is compiled from published research and community protocols for educational purposes only.
Before using any compound mentioned here, consult a qualified healthcare provider. StackTrax does not sell, prescribe, or recommend these substances for personal use.
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