CosmeticsWADA Prohibited
Melanotan I
Synonyms: Afamelanotide, Scenesse, [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH
Sequence: Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
Critical Safety & Regulatory Notice
Melanotan I is classified as a regulated, unapproved, or research-only substance. Doping/Regulatory Status: FDA approved in 2019 under brand Scenesse. Prohibited by WADA under Section S2.. Clinical safety profiles for human use are deficient or not approved.
History & Discovery Timeline
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) was synthesized at the University of Arizona in the 1980s by Mac Hadley, Victor Hruby, and colleagues to induce tanning as a photoprotective mechanism against skin cancer.
What it is: It is a synthetic 13-amino-acid peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It falls under Anti-aging/Cosmetic (brand name Scenesse).
Proposed Mechanisms & Research Findings: It acts as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors (primarily MC1R), stimulating melanin production in skin cells.
Regulatory & Safety Status: It is FDA approved (2019) as a subcutaneous implant to prevent phototoxicity in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Online gray-market versions are highly risky.
Athletic & Anti-Doping Status: Strictly prohibited by WADA under Section S2 as a melanocortin receptor agonist. Banned in sports.
Understanding Melanotan I Key Facts
Primary Target System:NEUROENDOCRINE
Residue Count / Length:16 Amino Acids
Primary Action & Category:Melanocortin Receptor Agonist (Cosmetics)
Primary Receptors:Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R)
Figure 1: Detailed molecular mechanism pathways of Melanotan I (click to enlarge).