Library · Skin & hair · Treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria and photosensitivity disorders
Afamelanotide
Melanotan I, MT-I, CUV1647, Scenesse
Synthetic α-MSH analog approved (Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare light-sensitivity disorder. Boosts eumelanin production to extend pain-free sun exposure.
Research score 85/100. Reference only, not a dose.
- Skin Health
- Melanin Production
- Photoprotection
- Pain Relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- US status
- FDA Approved
- Approval
- FDA + EMA Approved
- Evidence
- FDA approved (Scenesse) for EPP. Implant delivery.
- Research score
- 85 / 100
- Indication
- Photoprotection
- Origin
- Australia
- Source category
- Skin & Dermatology
- Status group
- Approved / prescription
Mechanism
Agonizes melanocortin-1 receptors on melanocytes, raising cAMP and driving MITF-linked tyrosinase activity toward eumelanin over pheomelanin. Also curbs NF-κB-driven inflammation and supports DNA-repair and antioxidant responses.
Safety file
Implant-site reactions are common, along with nausea, headache, and darkened skin. Anaphylaxis is rare.
- Nausea
- Headache
- Skin darkening
- Injection site reactions
- Fatigue