Afamelanotide

Afamelanotide dosing, mechanism of action, side effects, and clinical evidence. Complete reference for healthcare professionals.

Skin & Anti-AgingSubcutaneous implant (Scenesse)16mg implant every 2 months

Overview

Afamelanotide (Scenesse) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) FDA-approved for preventing phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

Mechanism of Action

MC1R agonism — Stimulates melanin production in melanocytes
UV protection — Increases eumelanin for natural sun protection
Anti-inflammatory — Reduces UV-induced inflammatory responses
DNA repair — Enhances repair of UV-induced DNA damage

Dosing

16mg subcutaneous implant inserted every 2 months (before summer/sun exposure season).

Status

FDA-approved for EPP (2019). Off-label studied for vitiligo, photodermatoses, and solar urticaria.

Last updated: 2026-03-27