PeppiLibrary

Sexual Health

Melanotan I peptide reference

Long-acting melanocortin agonist. FDA-approved as Scenesse for photoprotection.

Last reviewed May 6, 2026 FDA-approved FDA approved
Peppi reviewing Melanotan I notes
Default dose label16 mg
Preferred routeSubdermal implant (FDA-approved form)
Frequency labelImplant: every 2 months. Injection: research dosing varies.
Storage window30 days mixed

Evidence snapshot

FDA-approved

Evidence maturityFDA approved
FDA-approved (Scenesse, 2019) for EPP; cosmetic use is off-label

Prescription medication (Scenesse implant) for EPP only

Route map

How records are usually labeled

1 SubQ
2 Subdermal implant

Implant: alternate hip sites every 2 months. Injection: rotate abdominal sites.

Vial timeline

Storage cues to log

Before mixRefrigerate 2–8 °C.
After mixRefrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 30 days (research powder).
Use-by cue30 days after mixing
Mixed vial window30 days
Use this as a record-keeping cue, not a replacement for product labeling.

Peppi workflow

From vial to review

Vial 10 mg vial
Dose 16 mg
Route Subdermal implant (FDA-approved form)
Review 30d storage

Peppi turns scattered dose, vial, route, storage, note, and report details into one record trail.

Educational reference only

This page helps you understand what to track for Melanotan I. It is not medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation to use this peptide. Discuss dose, route, timing, storage, and safety with a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic 13-amino-acid analog of α-MSH with a single amino acid substitution (Nle at position 4) and D-Phe at position 7. Unlike Melanotan II, it is selective for the MC1R receptor — driving tanning without the libido and nausea side effects. FDA-approved in 2019 as Scenesse for photoprotection in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

Also known as: MT-I, Afamelanotide, Scenesse.

Erythropoietic protoporphyria photoprotection (FDA indication)Cosmetic tanning research (off-label)Vitiligo research

Mechanism and timing snapshot

MC1R-selective agonist; stimulates eumelanin synthesis in melanocytes without significant MC4R activity (avoiding nausea/libido effects of Melanotan II).

Onset label30 min
Catalog onset field, when available.
Half-life label1 hr
~1 hour plasma; sustained-release implant releases over 60 days
Duration label1440 hr
Catalog duration field, when available.
subQ High (injection)
implant Sustained release over ~60 days

Tracking defaults

These values come from Peppi's catalog so records can be prefilled consistently. They should be reviewed against your clinician's instructions before logging real-world use.

Catalog default dose16 mg
Catalog dose range100 mcg - 16 mg
Default routeSubQ
Frequency labelImplant: every 2 months. Injection: research dosing varies.
Best time labelPer implant or per loading protocol.
Food noteNone.

Catalog protocol note

Scenesse: 16 mg subdermal implant every 2 months. Research injection: 100–500 mcg subQ over a 1–2 week loading phase, then maintenance.

Routes and site notes

Available route labelsSubQ, Subdermal implant
Preferred route labelSubdermal implant (FDA-approved form)
Common site labelsAbdomen (injection), Hip (implant)
Site rotation noteImplant: alternate hip sites every 2 months. Injection: rotate abdominal sites.

Chemistry

SequenceAc-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
Amino acids13
Molecular formulaC78H111N21O19
Molecular weight1646.85 Da

Vial, reconstitution, and storage

Supply formSubdermal implant (Scenesse) OR lyophilized powder (research)
Typical vial size10 mg
DiluentBacteriostatic water (research form)
Diluent volume2 mL
Concentration noteResearch 10 mg in 2 mL → 0.10 mL = 500 mcg. Scenesse implant is single-use 16 mg device.
Before reconstitutionRefrigerate 2–8 °C.
After reconstitutionRefrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 30 days (research powder).
Reconstituted shelf life30 days
Light sensitiveYes
Freeze/thaw warningYes

Safety notes

Common and rare side effects listed in the catalog

  • Mild nausea (much less than MT-II)
  • Skin darkening (intended effect)
  • Headache
  • Implant site reactions
  • Darkening of moles
  • Implant migration

Contraindications and warnings

  • Personal/family history of melanoma
  • Atypical mole syndrome
  • Pregnancy
  • Have moles examined by a dermatologist before starting and every 6 months.

Other considerations

  • Cleaner side-effect profile than Melanotan II (selective for MC1R).
  • Scenesse implant is the only FDA-approved form, indicated specifically for EPP photoprotection.
  • Research-grade injection still requires mole monitoring.

Evidence and regulatory context

Evidence levelFDA-approved (Scenesse, 2019) for EPP; cosmetic use is off-label
FDA approvedYes
Regulatory statusPrescription medication (Scenesse implant) for EPP only
Prescription requiredYes
Approved countriesUS (EPP only), EU (EPP only)

Stacking and cycle notes

Stacks well withNot listed
Avoid combining notemelanotan-ii (redundant melanocortin agonism)
Typical cycle labelImplant: every 2 months. Injection: 1–2 week loading, then taper.
Typical break labelPer protocol
Cycle guidancePer Scenesse label or research protocol.

Tracking tips

  • Cleaner than Melanotan II — fewer nausea and libido side effects.
  • Photograph and track moles before starting and every 3–6 months.
  • Sunscreen still essential — darker pigment doesn't equal complete UV protection.

References

Track it in Peppi

Keep Melanotan I records organized.

Use Peppi for dose logs, vial inventory, storage dates, reminders, journal notes, photos, and clinician-ready reports.

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FAQ

What should I track for Melanotan I?

Track the peptide name, dose amount and unit, route, vial label, timing, reconstitution or expiration dates, storage notes, and any symptoms or questions for clinician review.

Does Peppi tell me how to use Melanotan I?

No. Peppi organizes educational reference and your own records. Protocol decisions should come from a qualified healthcare professional.

Can I export Melanotan I records?

Peppi is designed to keep dose logs, vial inventory, journal notes, and reports easier to review and export.

Last reviewed: May 6, 2026