MT-1
also known as Afamelanotide, Melanotan-1, Scenesse, CUV1647
Synthetic 13-amino-acid α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) analogue, FDA-approved (2019, Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Acts on MC1R to stimulate melanin synthesis in melanocytes, enabling photoprotection in patients with severe photosensitivity. Distinguished from endogenous α-MSH by norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7, conferring enhanced metabolic stability. Administered as subcutaneous implant.
At a glance
SQ Implant · 60-Day Release
Primary target — Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes [langan-2010].
Pathway — α-MSH analogue → MC1R activation → cAMP elevation → MITF transcription → eumelanin synthesis.
Downstream effect — Increased melanogenesis, photoprotection, reduced UV sensitivity [langan-2010].
Origin — Synthetic 13-AA peptidomimetic with norleucine (position 4) and D-phenylalanine (position 7) substitutions for metabolic stability [chawathe-2026].
Feedback intact — Yes — exogenous MC1R agonism does not suppress endogenous α-MSH production.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard dose | 16 mg subcutaneous implantFDA-approved formulation (Scenesse). |
| Frequency | Every 60 daysSustained release implant — no daily administration required. |
| Evidence basis | Phase 3 RCT / FDA-approved orphan drug |
| Indication | Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)Narrow FDA approval — not licensed for cosmetic tanning. |
| Duration | Seasonal use (spring–autumn typical)Aligned with peak UV exposure months. |
| Route | Subcutaneous implant — upper arm or abdomen |
| Stability | Norleucine/D-Phe substitutions enhance peptidase resistanceModified structure vs endogenous α-MSH (Met⁴, L-Phe⁷). |
Reconstitution
A pure mass-to-volume utility. Enter what you have in the vial; the atlas computes the volume per dose. No prescription information.
- — Hypersensitivity to afamelanotide or excipients
- — Hepatic impairment (no safety data)
- — Renal impairment (no safety data)
- — History of melanoma or atypical nevi (melanocortin receptor stimulation concern) [habbema-2017]
- — Pregnancy/lactation (insufficient data)
- — Photosensitive dermatoses (other than EPP)
- 01Implant insertion
Performed by trained healthcare provider. Sterile technique. Small incision in upper arm (triceps) or lower abdomen using trocar. 16 mg rod (4 mm × 1.5 cm) inserted subcutaneously.
- 02Site care
Pressure applied post-insertion. Sterile dressing × 24 hrs. Avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hrs to prevent extrusion.
- 03Release kinetics
Slow biodegradable polymer matrix releases afamelanotide over 60 days, maintaining therapeutic plasma levels without daily dosing.
- 04Repeat dosing
New implant every 60 days during high UV season (spring–autumn in temperate climates). Rotate implant sites to avoid scarring.
- 05Monitoring
Baseline and periodic dermatologic exams to document pigmented lesions. Patient education on self-examination for new/changing nevi.
Sources
of 51 rendered claims carry a resolvable citation.
- [chawathe-2026]Chawathe 2026 — Investigation of the stability profile of therapeutic α-MSH analogue: Insights from liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry analysis of afamelanotide.
journal, 2026 - [habbema-2017]Habbema 2017 — Risks of unregulated use of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogues: a review.
journal, 2017 - [langan-2010]Langan 2010 — Melanotropic peptides: more than just 'Barbie drugs' and 'sun-tan jabs'?
journal, 2010