At a glance
- Class
- Melanocortin receptor agonist
- Receptor targets
- MC1R (also other melanocortin receptors)
- Length
- 13 amino acids (linear)
- Molecular mass
- ≈ 1.65 kDa
- Origin
- Synthetic α-MSH analogue
- Research area
- Melanocortin receptors
- Also known as
- Melanotan I, NDP-MSH
What Afamelanotide is
Afamelanotide, also called melanotan I, is α-MSH with two substitutions that make it resistant to breakdown and more potent. It acts mainly at MC1R, the pigmentation receptor, although it also activates other melanocortin receptors.
It was developed alongside melanotan II at the University of Arizona, but the two diverged. Afamelanotide went through formal clinical development and approval, while melanotan II did not.
What the research literature studies
- MC1R signalling and eumelanin pathways in cell models
- Receptor-selectivity comparison with melanotan II and PT-141
- Effect of norleucine and D-phenylalanine substitutions on stability
Evidence rating: 5/5
Approved drug, phase 3 trials. Approved medicine backed by two randomised, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials. See our methodology for how levels are assigned.
- Approval covers one rare condition and says nothing about other uses.
- Products sold online as 'melanotan' are often melanotan II, so check which molecule is meant.
Regulatory status
Afamelanotide is authorised as a prescription implant by the EMA (2014) and the FDA (2019) for one rare indication. Research-grade peptide is not that medicine and must not be used in people or animals.
Reviewed November 2026.
Afamelanotide at Nordapep: sizes and price per mg
Every size, its price and the cost per milligram, so you can choose the best-value vial for your protocol.
| Size | Price | Per mg | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10mg | £33.88 | £3.39 | In stock |
Live Nordapep prices, refreshed hourly. Prices in GBP, excluding shipping; see Nordapep for the current price.
Compare Afamelanotide
Afamelanotide FAQ
Is afamelanotide the same as Melanotan II?
No. Afamelanotide (melanotan I) is a linear 13-residue α-MSH analogue acting mainly at MC1R. Melanotan II is a shorter cyclic peptide that activates several melanocortin receptors. See the comparison page.
Where can I buy Afamelanotide for research?
Afamelanotide is listed at Nordapep with a batch-matched Certificate of Analysis, from £33.88. It is supplied for in vitro laboratory research only.
Is Afamelanotide approved?
Afamelanotide is authorised as a prescription implant by the EMA (2014) and the FDA (2019) for one rare indication. Research-grade peptide is not that medicine and must not be used in people or animals.
Key terms for Afamelanotide
Further reading
Cite this page
peptide.wiki. (2026). Afamelanotide: research peptide profile. peptide.wiki. https://www.peptide.wiki/peptides/afamelanotide