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Melanotan-1

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Summary

Afamelanotide, CUV1647

Melanotan-1 (also known as afamelanotide) is a synthetic peptide that stimulates melanin production in skin cells. Research has studied how it activates melanocortin receptors to increase pigmentation without UV exposure. It received regulatory approval in Europe and Australia under the brand name Scenesse for treating a rare photosensitivity condition.

Current Research
  • Skin pigmentation and melanin synthesis
  • Photoprotection (erythropoietic protoporphyria models)
  • Melanocortin receptor signaling
Identification
CAS
75921-69-6
Formula
C71H111N19O17
M.W.
1646.85 g/mol

Key Research Statistics

Photoprotection & Eumelanin Synthesis

FDAApproved (Scenesse)October 2019 — plus EMA and TGA approval
18xBurn Tolerance Improvement10 min → 180 min pain-free exposure — 3-year cohort
8+ yrsLong-Term Safetyn=115 — 97% rated effective, 0 melanoma events, QoL 31% → 74%
Phase 3 Pain-Free Sun Exposure (hrs)
EPP patients — double-blind RCTs
Melanotan I (US, 6mo)69.4hrs
Placebo (US)40.8hrs
Melanotan I (EU, 9mo)6hrs
Placebo (EU)0.8hrs
Phase 3 trials (P=0.04 US, P=0.005 EU)

Need-to-Know

  • Room Temperature (Lyophilized): Up to 3 weeks
  • Refrigerated (Reconstituted): Up to 42 days
  • Frozen (Lyophilized): 12+ months
  • Reconstitution Solution: Bacteriostatic water, Sterile water
  • Appearance: White powder

Regulatory Status

Not FDA-approvedResearch OnlyResearch

Melanocortin receptor agonist in research phase.

Sources: FDA.gov

History

1960s
Early studies showed tanning hormones caused side effects in animals.
1980s
Developed at University of Arizona as synthetic tanning hormone to prevent skin cancer.
2000s
Tested for rare sun sensitivity disease; trials from 2007-2011.
2010s
FDA approved in 2019 for people with severe sun reactions.
2020s
Used for rare light sensitivity disease; research continues.

3D Structure

12-amino-acid peptide · 1646.85 g/mol

Interactive model
Melanotan-1 molecule previewExplore 3D Structure

Melanotan-1 at the Cellular Level

Melanocortin-1 agonist

Mechanism
Melanotan-1 cellular mechanism preview

Melanotan-1 in the Body

Linear alpha-MSH analog (afamelanotide)

Dermal
Melanotan-1 in the Body

Research Library

Peer-reviewed studies

From Published Literature

"Afamelanotide provided photoprotection by increasing eumelanin density, significantly improving quality of life and pain-free time in clinical trials."

Phase 3 trial investigatorsNew England Journal of Medicine
Verify on PubMed

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