Melanotan 1
Also known as
Melanotan 1 is catalogued in the Peptides Pub research index, with coverage focused on Skin & hair.
Evidence
Strong human RCT or meta-analysis
Risk band
Known AEs, monitoring advised
Research goals
Summary
Melanotan 1, known therapeutically as afamelanotide, is a melanocortin-1 receptor agonist that stimulates melanin production in the skin and is used to decrease pain and itching from light exposure in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria and X-linked protoporphyria [3]. Available safety data indicate it has not been linked to serum aminotransferase elevations or to idiosyncratic acute liver injury during therapy [3]. It is also discussed as an emerging treatment option in vitiligo, where its mechanism and efficacy/safety have been reviewed alongside phototherapy and other agents, though no single fully satisfactory vitiligo therapy yet exists [1,2]. Afamelanotide has additionally been noted among newer investigational approaches in acne vulgaris [4]. With approved prescription status, randomized controlled trials, and phase 4 evidence, the human evidence for its established protoporphyria indication is strong, while its use in vitiligo and acne remains investigational per the cited reviews.
Sources
- 1. Vitiligo: Pathogenesis and New and Emerging Treatments International journal of molecular sciences, 2023.
- 2. Vitiligo, from Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Advances: State of the Art International journal of molecular sciences, 2023.
- 3. Afamelanotide. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury, 2012.
- 4. From pathogenesis of acne vulgaris to anti-acne agents Archives of dermatological research, 2019.
For educational purposes only.