Community protocol
Third-partyMelanotan 1 Injectable 10mg
- 01Reconstitution solution
- 2 mL
- 02Dose
- 0.25 mg
- 03Syringe units
- 5 units
- 04Frequency
- 7x/week
- 05Cycle length
- 90 days
- 06Bacteriostatic water
- 2 mL
- 07Bottle size
- 10 mg
- 08Bottles needed
- 3
Melanotan I
An approved implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria, and the only melanotan with regulatory approval. Far more selective than Melanotan II.
Overview
Melanotan I is a stabilised version of alpha-MSH, the hormone that tells pigment cells to produce eumelanin — the dark, photoprotective form of melanin. It is selective for the melanocortin-1 receptor, which is the pigment receptor. That selectivity is what separates it from Melanotan II, which also hits the receptors involved in sexual arousal and appetite. Its approved use is a rare disease where sunlight causes severe pain, and the extra melanin provides genuine protection.
Afamelanotide, [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH, a 13-amino-acid analogue with substitutions conferring roughly 10- to 1000-fold greater potency and markedly longer duration than native α-MSH. Selective MC1R agonism on melanocytes raises cAMP, activating MITF and tyrosinase and shifting melanogenesis toward eumelanin. Delivered as a 16 mg biodegradable subcutaneous implant releasing over roughly 2 months. Approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria, where it increases pain-free sunlight exposure time; also studied in polymorphous light eruption and vitiligo alongside narrowband UVB.
Research areas
Erythropoietic protoporphyriaPhotoprotectionVitiligoPolymorphous light eruption
Community-specified data
Community dosage information
Community protocol
Third-partyMelanotan 1 Nasal Spray
- 01Reconstitution solution
- Not specified
- 02Dose
- 0.4 mg
- 03Syringe units
- 2 units
- 04Frequency
- 2x/week
- 05Cycle length
- Not specified
- 06Bacteriostatic water
- Not specified
- 07Bottle size
- 20 mg
- 08Bottles needed
- Not specified
Source note: 2 sprays per dose. No reconstitution needed.
Not medical guidance. These third-party figures have not been independently verified, clinically reviewed, or endorsed by DB Peptide. They may be inaccurate or unsafe and should not replace product labelling or advice from a qualified clinician.
Dosing reported in the literature
Every protocol below is reproduced from a published study or approved labelling, with its source named. These are records of what was studied — not recommendations, and not a suggestion that any of them is appropriate for any person.
| Protocol as reported | Source |
|---|---|
| 16 mg subcutaneous implant inserted above the anterior iliac crest every 2 months | Approved product labelling |
| Implant every 2 months with pain-free sunlight exposure time as the primary endpoint over 180 days | Langendonk et al., New England Journal of Medicine 2015 |
Trial status
Phase 3 completed in erythropoietic protoporphyria; approved in the EU 2014 and the US 2019.
Reported safety signals
- Darkening of existing naevi and generalised skin darkening are expected effects; regular full-body skin examination is required.
- Nausea, headache and fatigue are common in the first days after implantation.
- It does not remove the need for photoprotection, and it is not a substitute for sunscreen.
- Unregulated injectable versions sold for cosmetic tanning carry all the melanoma-surveillance concerns without any of the medical monitoring.
Common questions
How is Melanotan I different from Melanotan II?
Selectivity. Melanotan I acts mainly on MC1R, the pigment receptor, and has regulatory approval for a specific medical condition. Melanotan II is a cyclic analogue that also activates MC3R and MC4R, producing arousal, nausea and appetite effects, and it has no approval anywhere.
Primary sources
Medical disclaimer
This page is for informational and research purposes only. Nothing here constitutes medical advice. The compounds discussed are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any protocol.
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