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Weight & MetabolismLinear 13-residue α-MSH analogue

Afamelanotide

Afamelanotide is studied as a linear 13-residue α-msh analogue; melanocortin 1 receptor (mc1-r) agonist in biochemical and physiological models.

ApprovedPreclinical Models Only (Animal / Lab)Also known as: Scenesse, Melanotan I, NDP-α-MSHSkip to Human Evidence ↓
Other Research Areas

Afamelanotide Biological Classification

Research Record

Investigated within physiological and chemical models.

At a glancePlain English, then the evidence
Not graded

What kind of compound

Peptide

Linear 13-residue α-MSH analogue.

Human testing on file

0human records

0 animal · 0 total indexed. No plain-English evidence summary on file.

Regulatory position

FDA-approved drug substance

Studied for

Melanocortin analogues

Reviewed 15 September 2026

Known safety concerns in this file

  • No sourced human safety summary is recorded for this compound.

Commonly compared with

No comparison set is recorded for this compound yet.

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1

What is Afamelanotide?

Afamelanotide is classified as a linear 13-residue α-msh analogue; melanocortin 1 receptor (mc1-r) agonist. An approved linear α-MSH analogue supplied as a subcutaneous implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria. It is the compound listed as Melanotan I, and it is a different molecule from melanotan II, the unapproved cyclic analogue sold under a similar name.

2

Why are people interested in it?

Researchers and clinicians study Afamelanotide primarily to understand its biological interactions, receptor binding affinity, and potential role within its biochemical class.

Primary Research Categories

  • Melanocortin analogues
  • Approved drug substances
3

How does it work in the body?

Afamelanotide interacts with specific cellular receptors and metabolic pathways corresponding to its structural classification as a linear 13-residue α-msh analogue; melanocortin 1 receptor (mc1-r) agonist.

In Everyday Language: In laboratory settings, Afamelanotide interacts with specific cellular targets to modulate biological signaling pathways associated with linear 13-residue α-msh analogue; melanocortin 1 receptor (mc1-r) agonist biology.
Cellular & Receptor Signaling: Afamelanotide interacts with specific cellular receptors and metabolic pathways corresponding to its structural classification as a linear 13-residue α-msh analogue; melanocortin 1 receptor (mc1-r) agonist.

Biological Pathway Overview

Afamelanotide Receptor & Target Interactions

This compound is evaluated in scientific research for its interactions with target cellular receptors and signaling cascades. Consult the evidence section below for specific peer-reviewed papers.

Target Pathway

Engages specific cellular signaling cascades characteristic of its structural family.

Endocrine/Paracrine Activity

Investigated for its regulatory effects on local tissue synthesis and cellular signaling.

4

What has actually been demonstrated in humans?

Preclinical Models Only (Animal / Lab)

Evidence for Afamelanotide is currently derived primarily from laboratory or preclinical models. Consult the published evidence file for specific indexed studies.

Pharmaceutical Reality vs. Unregulated Research Chemicals

Afamelanotide is not an FDA-approved medication. Always verify chemical identity and testing documentation before interpreting research literature.

5

What is still uncertain or unknown?

Controlled human clinical trials evaluating Afamelanotide for therapeutic efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics are limited or absent in peer-reviewed Western registries.

Regulatory Position: Afamelanotide is an investigational or unapproved compound. It is not approved by the FDA as a commercial pharmaceutical.

Companion Resources & Guides

Evidence Landscape→

Primary research publications and study designs indexed for Afamelanotide.

Research at a Glance

Open the full evidence file (0 records)

No evidence records in this file yet.

What Has Actually Been Studied

    What is Still Unknown

    What we know

      Editorial reading of the records below, labelled as Therapept analysis. How records are built

      What remains uncertain

        Preparation and Handling

        Lyophilized peptides ship as freeze-dried powders; whatever happens next involves diluents, concentrations and storage conditions that are compound- and product-specific.

        Preparation Resource HubWhat “lyophilized” meansConcentration calculator

        United States Regulatory Status

        FDA-approved drug substance

        Application: NDA 210797 (SCENESSE)

        Approved Indication: Marketed in the United States as SCENESSE, a subcutaneous implant approved to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with a history of phototoxic reactions from erythropoietic protoporphyria.

        • SCENESSE, NDA 210797, approved 8 October 2019 as a new molecular entity under priority review.
        • Not named on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List.
        Technical Chemical SpecificationsClick to view CAS, sequence, and molecular formulas
        Molecular weight
        1646.85 (anhydrous free base, FDA label)
        Sequence length
        60 chars
        CAS number
        75921-69-6
        PubChem CID
        16197727
        Compound class
        Linear 13-residue α-MSH analogue; melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1-R) agonist
        Sequence
        Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
        Molecular formula
        C78H111N21O19
        Molecular weight
        1646.85 (anhydrous free base, FDA label)
        CAS number
        75921-69-6
        PubChem CID
        16197727

        Sources

        1. PubChem CID 16197727
        2. Drugs@FDA — NDA 210797 (SCENESSE)
        3. DailyMed — SCENESSE prescribing information
        4. WADA 2026 Prohibited ListEffective 1 January 2026.

        Last reviewed 15 September 2026 · Compiled by Therapept Editorial · How these records are built