The approved melanocortin — and the anchor that closes the register's melanocortin trio. Three points make this entry land: (1) it is a genuinely FDA- and EMA-approved drug (Scenesse) — a first-in-class rare-disease therapy — for erythropoietic protoporphyria; (2) it is chemically identical to the g
Afamelanotide is a synthetic α-MSH analog and selective MC1R agonist — and a genuinely approved, first-in-class drug (Scenesse, EMA 2015 / FDA 2019) for the rare disease erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), where a ferrochelatase defect causes protoporphyrin IX to build up and makes sunlight excruciatingly painful. By activating MC1R, it drives eumelanin (brown-black pigment) production independent of UV exposure, plus antioxidant and DNA-repair effects — letting EPP patients tolerate far more light: in Phase 3, patients on afamelanotide spent ~64 hours in direct sunlight pain-free over 180 days vs ~41 on placebo. The twist that matters for this register: afamelanotide is chemically identical to the gray-market "Melanotan-1," and its MC1R-selectivity is exactly what separates it from its two famous cousins — Melanotan II (#32), a non-selective analog that also hits MC3R/MC4R/MC5R (hence tanning plus appetite/libido/side-effects), and PT-141/bremelanotide (#46), an MC4R-selective analog approved for sexual desire. One α-MSH family, three receptor-selectivity profiles, three completely different destinies — approved-for-skin, unapproved-and-broad, approved-for-sex.
approved in Australia (TGA); available for EPP in various markets.
An honest grade per outcome — drawn from the evidence, not any catalogue. Hype and undemonstrated marketing claims grade low.
A credentialed reviewer (PharmD / PhD / MD) will be named before this entry is finalised. Until then, treat it as a working draft. Last updated July 2026 (approval status stable; note ongoing post-marketing safety surveillance and any label/indication changes).
Grades reflect the published evidence, not our interest. No dosing, reconstitution, or administration is published for research compounds — that restraint is deliberate.
A neutral reference and a lawful-lane shop. Registered in Spain. Information for those who seek it — never promotion.
This site provides neutral scientific reference and sells only products lawful in your region. Nothing here is medical advice, a recommendation, or an offer to supply unapproved medicines. No dosing or administration is published for research compounds. Cosmetic peptides per Regulation (EC) 1223/2009. Unapproved injectable peptides are neither sold nor advertised in the EU (Directive 2001/83/EC, Title VIII). © 2026 Vallydia SL — Registered in Spain.