What is Melanotan 1 / afamelanotide?
Afamelanotide is a synthetic analogue of the body's own hormone α-MSH. It activates the melanocortin-1 receptor in pigment cells and increases production of dark melanin – the skin becomes darker and more light-tolerant.
How well studied is Melanotan 1 / afamelanotide?
Approved on the basis of studies in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare light-sensitivity disorder: in a 6‑month study of 93 patients, treated patients spent more pain-free time in sunlight than on placebo. Because the disease is rare, EU approval was granted “under exceptional circumstances” with limited data.
What side effects and risks does Melanotan 1 / afamelanotide have?
Nausea, headache and implant-site reactions are common; impaired liver function or kidney failure are contraindications. It darkens skin and moles, so dermatological check-ups are needed. The unapproved “Melanotan II” sold online is a different substance with additional risks (nausea, spontaneous erections, new/changing moles, case reports of melanoma).
Is Melanotan 1 / afamelanotide approved in Germany?
In short: yes. Approved in the EU since 22 Dec 2014 as Scenesse – only to prevent phototoxicity in adults with EPP, prescription-only and supplied via specialised centres. It is not approved for tanning; melanotan injections from the internet are not legally marketable, and authorities in several countries warn against them. High quality and contamination risk with grey-market products.
Sources
Note: We deliberately do not list any doses here. For approved medicines, your doctor sets the dose; for unapproved substances there is no reliable information.