Melanotan I Peptide Protocol & Dosing

What it is

Melanotan I (afamelanotide, MT-1) is a synthetic linear analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It activates the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, increasing melanin synthesis. Unlike Melanotan II, MT-1 has essentially no effect at MC4R, which is the receptor behind MT-2’s libido side effects — that selectivity is the main reason researchers choose MT-1 for pigment-focused study designs.

Evidence boundary

Human evidence exists for the studied indication (EPP photoprotection). Research use is limited to laboratory and education contexts.

Trial evidence

• Afamelanotide is EMA-approved (as Scenesse) for photoprotection in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). The approved form is a 16 mg implant every 2 months.

Preparation and measurement

Reconstitution: 10 mg vial + 3 mL BAC = 3.33 mg/mL (1 U = 33.3 mcg).

Concentration matches.

Reference schedule

Weekly totals apply only during the active phase.

Titration rules

• Start low: 250 mcg daily for the first few sessions to check tolerance.
• Standard loading: 500 mcg daily for 2 weeks.
• Maintenance: 500 mcg every 2–3 days.
• Half-life is short (~30 min for the peptide itself) but melanin synthesis persists for months; dosing frequency reflects the pigment outcome, not plasma levels.