Afamelanotide
Also known as Scenesse
Afamelanotide is an approved synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone formulated as a slow-release subcutaneous implant. It is indicated to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a genetic condition causing severe phototoxic skin reactions. Unlike the related research compound Melanotan I, afamelanotide has gone through formal clinical trials and holds regulatory approval (FDA and EMA) for this specific indication. The implant provides sustained drug release over roughly two months per dose.
Reported benefits
- Increases tolerance to sunlight and visible light exposure in EPP patients
- Reduces frequency and severity of phototoxic reactions
- Backed by controlled clinical trial evidence
- Regulatory-approved indication with defined dosing
How it works
Sustained agonism of the melanocortin-1 receptor on melanocytes increases eumelanin synthesis, building a protective pigment barrier that reduces phototoxic reactions triggered by protoporphyrin IX accumulation characteristic of EPP.
Dosing ranges
| Tier | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 16 mg | once every 2 months, standard implant |
| Moderate | 16 mg | once every 2 months, continued therapy |
| High | 16 mg | once every 2 months; no higher-frequency dosing is approved |
Estimate your dose
Dose estimator
Educational estimate for Afamelanotide, scaled to body size. Not medical advice.
Read before using
This tool produces a rough, educational estimate by scaling commonly-published research ranges to lean body mass. It is not a prescription, medical advice, or a substitute for a licensed clinician. Most peptides use fixed dosing, not weight-based dosing. Individual needs vary. You are solely responsible for how you use this information.
Mixing & syringe units
Target dose follows the estimate above. Change it there, or edit it directly below.
Reconstitution calculator
How much water to add and how many insulin-syringe units to draw for Afamelanotide. Educational only.
Draw to this mark
320units
= 3.2 mL for a 16 mg dose
Concentration
5 mg/mL
Doses per vial
0
This dose needs 320 units, more than a 100-unit syringe holds. Add more water, split the dose, or use a larger syringe.
A U-100 syringe reads 100 units per mL. This is a reconstitution math helper only, not a prescription or dosing advice. Verify every calculation and consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Possible side effects
Common protocols
Common questions
What is Afamelanotide used for?
Afamelanotide is an approved synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone formulated as a slow-release subcutaneous implant. It is indicated to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a genetic condition causing severe phototoxic skin reactions. Unlike the related research compound Melanotan I, afamelanotide has gone through formal clinical trials and holds regulatory approval (FDA and EMA) for this specific indication. The implant provides sustained drug release over roughly two months per dose. Reported benefits include increases tolerance to sunlight and visible light exposure in epp patients, reduces frequency and severity of phototoxic reactions, backed by controlled clinical trial evidence.
What is a typical Afamelanotide dose?
Reported ranges run 16-16 mg. A low protocol is 16 mg once every 2 months, standard implant, and a high protocol is 16 mg once every 2 months; no higher-frequency dosing is approved. This is reference information, not a dosing recommendation.
What is the half life of Afamelanotide?
Parent peptide half-life approximately 1 hour, but the implant sustains clinical effect for about 2 months per dose. That is what sets the dosing frequency, and it is why the timing guidance is as directed by your clinician.
How is Afamelanotide administered?
Subcutaneous: into fat, under the skin. Delivered as a biodegradable subcutaneous implant inserted by a healthcare provider, not as a standard needle injection.
How long is a Afamelanotide cycle?
One implant every 2 months, often timed around periods of higher expected light exposure per prescriber guidance on, followed by Between implants per the approved dosing interval off. Used as an ongoing approved implant regimen rather than a self-directed on/off research cycle.
What are the side effects of Afamelanotide?
Reported side effects include implant site pain, bruising, or discoloration, nausea, headache, skin darkening or changes in existing nevi. Evidence level for this compound is well studied.
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Educational use only, not medical advice. This profile is provided for research and educational purposes. Afamelanotide may be a research compound or a prescription medication; nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dosing figures reflect commonly-published research ranges, not a prescription. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health decision. Read the full disclaimer →