What is the difference between Afamelanotide and Melanotan II?

Afamelanotide (Afamelanotide (Scenesse)) is graded A and is FDA-approved (2019) for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Melanotan II (Melanotan II (MT-II)) is graded C+ and is Not FDA-approved — sold illegally as cosmetic; FDA warning letters issued. They are commonly compared because they share the categories: skin.

Which has stronger clinical evidence — Afamelanotide or Melanotan II?

On our internal evidence scale, Afamelanotide is A and Melanotan II is C+. A+ indicates large RCTs plus FDA approval; C indicates primarily preclinical or anecdotal evidence.

What is the typical dose of Afamelanotide vs Melanotan II?

Afamelanotide: 16 mg subcutaneous implant every 2 months (clinical use). Melanotan II: 0.25–1 mg daily during loading, then maintenance (subcutaneous). Always work with a licensed clinician — peptide dosing should be individualized.

Afamelanotide vs Melanotan II

Both Afamelanotide and Melanotan II are used for skin. Here's how their evidence, dosing, and regulatory status actually compare.

Afamelanotide

Evidence A

Afamelanotide (Scenesse)

An FDA-approved selective MC1R agonist used to increase eumelanin density in erythropoietic protoporphyria patients. Off-label cosmetic tanning use is widespread internationally.

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Melanotan II

Evidence C+

Melanotan II (MT-II)

A non-selective melanocortin agonist (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R) that produces tanning and erection effects. Significant safety concerns including melanoma case reports.

View full Melanotan II profile →

Side-by-Side

Attribute	Afamelanotide	Melanotan II
Evidence Grade	A	C+
FDA Status	FDA-approved (2019) for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)	Not FDA-approved — sold illegally as cosmetic; FDA warning letters issued
Typical Dose	16 mg subcutaneous implant every 2 months (clinical use)	0.25–1 mg daily during loading, then maintenance (subcutaneous)
Clinics Indexed	14	18
Categories	skin	skin, sexual-health

Key reported benefits — Afamelanotide

✓MC1R-selective tanning
✓FDA-approved for EPP

Key reported benefits — Melanotan II

✓UV-independent tanning
✓Erectile effect (off-label)

Educational use only

This comparison is for educational purposes and not medical advice. Peptide selection should be made with a licensed medical professional based on your individual goals, health history, and current evidence quality.

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