Research Summary

Melanotan I (MT-1 / Afamelanotide)

Clinical — 10 studies

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) studied for its role in melanocortin receptor activation, pigmentation pathways, and photobiological responses.

Being studied for

Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) signalingMelanin production and pigmentation pathwaysPhotoprotection and UV-response research

Published Research

Evidence profile

Human Phase 3 evidence

10 cited publications · 5 primary trials

Findings below belong to the studies that reported them. They describe the material and conditions those authors used, not this product, and not an outcome to expect.

Core evidence

The publications most central to understanding this compound.

ClinicalRandomised controlled trials

Afamelanotide for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria

Langendonk JG et al. · The New England journal of medicine · 2015

Population: Adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria

The controlled trials of afamelanotide in erythropoietic protoporphyria, measuring pain-free time tolerated in sunlight.

Route reported
Subcutaneous implant
Duration
Multiple treatment periods across two trials

Context: Studied a controlled-release pharmaceutical implant in a rare photodermatosis. It does not describe cosmetic tanning use, and the material is not comparable.

PMID 26132941DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa1411481NCT00979745

Supporting evidence

ClinicalPrimary trial · Phase 3

Evaluation of the immunogenicity of the synthetic α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) analogue afamelanotide ([Nle4-D-Phe7]-α-MSH, Scenesse®) in erythropoietic protoporphyria patients by ELISA detecting both anti-afamelanotide and anti-α-MSH antibodies

Lengweiler S et al. · Skin pharmacology and physiology · 2015

The study reportedThe new ELISA is suitable to determine ADA against afamelanotide and α-MSH. Afamelanotide did not elicit ADA during long-term administration in patients with EPP.

PMID 25402764DOI 10.1159/000362174
ClinicalPrimary trial · Phase 2

Beneficial effects of the melanocortin analogue Nle4-D-Phe7-α-MSH in acne vulgaris

Böhm M et al. · Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV · 2014

The study reportedAfamelanotide appears to have anti-inflammatory effects in patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Future trials are needed to confirm the anti-inflammatory action of this melanocortin analogue in patients with acne vulgaris.

PMID 22845050DOI 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2012.04658.x
ClinicalPrimary trial · Phase 2

Efficacy of the melanocortin analogue Nle4-D-Phe7-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in the treatment of patients with Hailey-Hailey disease

Biolcati G et al. · Clinical and experimental dermatology · 2014

The study reportedAfamelanotide is effective for the treatment of skin lesions in HHD.

PMID 24256215DOI 10.1111/ced.12203
ClinicalPrimary trial

[Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone significantly increased pigmentation and decreased UV damage in fair-skinned Caucasian volunteers

Barnetson RS et al. · The Journal of investigative dermatology · 2006

The study reportedThis study has shown for the first time the potential ability of a synthetic hormone that augments melanin production to provide photoprotection to people who normally burn in direct sunlight.

PMID 16763547DOI 10.1038/sj.jid.5700317
Additional indexed literature (5)

Published studies summarised here concern the specific investigational or pharmaceutical materials and study conditions described by their authors. Their findings are not performance claims for Lucid Peptides material. Citations verified against PubMed on 2026-08-09.

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a melanocortin analogue investigated in photobiology and pigmentation research. It is not approved for general cosmetic use and is presented here strictly in the context of scientific research.

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