Peptide library / Skin & aging / Afamelanotide
Afamelanotide
An alpha-MSH analog implant that lets people with a rare light-sensitivity disease tolerate sun.
Effects studied or claimed
What it is used or promoted for, and where each effect has actually been seen
- Painful phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyriaFDA approved
- Vitiligo, studiedSmall human studies
How it is thought to work
Afamelanotide activates the melanocortin 1 receptor, increasing protective melanin in the skin without UV exposure.
What the evidence shows
Phase 3 trials showed more pain-free time in sunlight for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria compared with placebo.
Safety and unknowns
Nausea, headache and darkening of moles and freckles. Skin should be checked regularly.
Regulatory status
FDA-approved as Scenesse in 2019 for erythropoietic protoporphyria only.
Regulatory status changes quickly. This entry was last reviewed on 27 October 2026. Confirm current status with the FDA before relying on it.
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General information, not medical advice. Do not buy or inject unregulated peptides.