"Melanotan I" and "Melanotan II" sound like two versions of the same product — they are not. Afamelanotide (often called Melanotan I) is an FDA-approved alpha-MSH analog given as a clinician-administered implant for a rare light-sensitivity disorder. Melanotan II is a different, unapproved compound sold online for cosmetic tanning, with real safety concerns. They share a melanocortin-based mechanism but sit at opposite ends of the regulatory and safety spectrum.
At a glance
| Afamelanotide | Melanotan II | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Selective alpha-MSH (melanocortin) analog | Non-selective melanocortin agonist |
| Brand / name | Scenesse | None (research chemical) |
| FDA status | Approved (implant) | Not approved |
| Use | Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) | Sold online for tanning / libido |
| Administration | Clinician-administered implant | Self-injected (unregulated) |
| Safety oversight | Prescribed and monitored | No oversight; concerns incl. mole changes, nausea |
The bottom line
Bottom line: Despite the "Melanotan I vs II" framing, these are not interchangeable. Afamelanotide is an approved, clinician-administered dermatologic drug for a specific rare disease. Melanotan II is an unapproved tanning chemical with documented safety concerns — including nausea, flushing, and changes to moles that can complicate melanoma detection. Regulators have warned against Melanotan II specifically.
Frequently asked questions
Is afamelanotide the same as Melanotan II?
No. Afamelanotide (sometimes called Melanotan I) is an FDA-approved implant for the rare disorder erythropoietic protoporphyria, while Melanotan II is a different, unapproved compound sold online for tanning. They are not interchangeable.
Is Melanotan II safe for tanning?
Melanotan II is not approved for any use and is sold as an unregulated injectable. Reported concerns include nausea, flushing and changes to moles that can complicate melanoma surveillance, and product purity is not guaranteed.
Which one is FDA-approved?
Afamelanotide (brand name Scenesse) is FDA-approved as a clinician-administered implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Melanotan II has no approval and is sold as a research chemical.
References
Combined peer-reviewed sources from both peptide guides. Inclusion is not endorsement.
- Langendonk JG, Balwani M, Anderson KE, et al. Afamelanotide for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria. N Engl J Med. 2015. Peer-reviewed study
- Biolcati G, Marchesini E, Sorge F, et al. Long-term observational study of afamelanotide in 115 patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria. Br J Dermatol. 2015. Peer-reviewed study
- Polańska A, Wegner J, Nutbohm P, et al. Afamelanotide in protoporphyria and other skin diseases: a review. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2024. Peer-reviewed study
- Wensink D, Wagenmakers MAEM, Langendonk JG. Afamelanotide for prevention of phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2021. Peer-reviewed study
- Wu J, Cotliar R. Afamelanotide: An Orphan Drug with Potential for Broad Dermatologic Applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021. Peer-reviewed study
- Kim ES, Garnock-Jones KP. Afamelanotide: A Review in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016. Peer-reviewed study
- Hjuler KF, Lorentzen HF. Melanoma associated with the use of melanotan-II. Dermatology. 2014. Peer-reviewed study
- Cousen P, Colver G, Helbling I. Eruptive melanocytic naevi following melanotan injection. Br J Dermatol. 2009. Peer-reviewed study
- Peters B, Hadimeri H, Wahlberg R, et al. Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report. CEN Case Rep. 2020. Peer-reviewed study
- Wekwejt P, Wojda U, Kiryk A. Melanotan-II reverses memory impairment induced by a short-term HF diet. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023. Peer-reviewed study
- Gilhooley E, Daly S, McKenna D. Melanotan II User Experience: A Qualitative Study of Online Discussion Forums. Dermatology. 2021. Peer-reviewed study
- Tomassi S, Dimmito MP, Cai M, et al. CLIPSing Melanotan-II to Discover Multiple Functionally Selective hMCR Agonists. J Med Chem. 2022. Peer-reviewed study