Afamelanotide
Also known as: Scenesse · NDP-MSH · melanotan I
An MC1R-selective alpha-MSH analogue approved for a rare photosensitivity disorder. Distinct from Melanotan II despite the shared informal naming.
Development status: Approved as a medicine in one or more jurisdictions
Identifiers and molecular characteristics
- CAS number
- Not verified
- Molecular formula
- Not verified
- Molecular mass
- Not verified
- Amino-acid sequence
- Not verified
- PubChem CID
- Not verified
Identifiers are published only with a source and a check date. Fields marked “not verified” have not yet been confirmed against a primary source — we show the gap rather than an unchecked figure. Always confirm against the certificate of analysis for the specific lot you hold.
Biological targets
- MC1R
Mechanism of action
A linear 13-residue analogue of alpha-MSH with substitutions conferring stability and MC1R selectivity. Stimulates eumelanin production.
Research evidence and its limits
Clinical trials in erythropoietic protoporphyria and regulatory review in multiple jurisdictions.
Safety considerations
Where this compound is an approved medicine, the authoritative safety source is the product labelling issued by the relevant regulator — not this page. Research-grade material is not pharmaceutical product and carries none of those assurances. Supplied and discussed here strictly as a laboratory research material. Not a medicine, not for human or veterinary administration, and nothing on this page should be read as a dosing, treatment or safety recommendation.
Analytical identification and quality testing
Identity by high-resolution mass spectrometry against the expected mass, purity by RP-HPLC with UV detection. Tandem MS sequencing or peptide mapping gives stronger identity evidence than mass alone.
Regulatory status
Approved in the European Union and the United States for a specific rare indication.
References
Related compounds
Entry last reviewed 2026-10-11. Regulatory status and scientific understanding change; verify against primary sources before relying on anything here.