# Afamelanotide

The licensed relative of the tanning injections: a slow-release implant that raises protective skin pigment, approved only for one rare light-sensitivity disease.

Also called: Scenesse, Melanotan I
Source page: https://peplogue.com/peptides/afamelanotide/
Updated: 2026-10-22. Not medical advice.

## How it works

- Where it acts: Melanocortin-1 receptors on the skin's pigment cells.
- What it changes: More eumelanin, the dark pigment that protects skin from light.
- What people notice: For people with EPP, darker skin and more time in daylight without pain. Nausea and headache occur.

## What the evidence shows

- **Sun tolerance in erythropoietic protoporphyria**: Proven. In a six-month trial, people managed a median of 64 pain-free hours in direct sun, against 41 on placebo.

## Side effects and risks

- serious: Darkens moles and freckles. The label recommends a full-body skin check twice a year.
- common: Reactions at the implant site (21%) and nausea (19%).
- serious: Rare severe allergic reactions have been reported.

Who should avoid it: Cosmetic tanning. It is not approved for that anywhere.

## How it is given

A 16 mg implant placed under the skin every two months by a trained professional. The EU limits it to four implants a year.

## Legal status

- United States: undefined. Scenesse, through specialist centers.
- European Union: undefined. Scenesse, authorized under exceptional circumstances with a patient registry. Given only in specialist centers.
- Spain: undefined. Scenesse 16 mg implant is authorised (CIMA), hospital use only, but listed as not marketed in Spain. SNS funding not verified.
- Germany: undefined. Scenesse (EU-approved) is assessed by G-BA for EPP. G-BA rule: only specialists at porphyria centres prescribe it (2016 decision).
- France: undefined. Scenesse is EU-authorised, so authorised in France. We could not verify French sale, price, reimbursement or access terms.
- Italy: undefined. Scenesse implant: specialist porphyria centres only. A database page lists it as classe C (not SSN by class); current marketing and any funding not verified.
- Netherlands: undefined. Scenesse implant for EPP; only specialists at recognised porphyria centres prescribe it. Marked XGVS: not in the GVS pharmacy reimbursement system.
- United Kingdom: undefined. Scenesse.
- Canada: undefined. Approved in July 2026 for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Given as an implant by specialists.
- Australia: undefined. Scenesse.

## Questions people ask

**What is Scenesse used for?**

Sun tolerance in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare light-sensitivity disease. In a six-month trial, people managed a median of 64 pain-free hours in direct sun, against 41 on placebo.

**Is afamelanotide the same as Melanotan I?**

Yes, Melanotan I is another name for afamelanotide. It is the licensed relative of the tanning injections and is not approved for cosmetic tanning anywhere.

**How is afamelanotide given?**

As a slow-release implant placed under the skin every two months by a trained professional. The EU limits it to four implants a year.

**What are the side effects of Scenesse?**

Reactions at the implant site (21%) and nausea (19%) are common. It darkens moles and freckles, so the label recommends a full-body skin check twice a year, and rare severe allergic reactions have been reported.

## Sources

- Scenesse US prescribing information (DailyMed): https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=94f53286-11dd-7fbb-e053-2a95a90a7c48
- EMA: Scenesse product page: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/scenesse