yes i take peptides · shopping companion
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)
Scenesse
Category · For SkinStatus · FDACitations · 60Cancer Concern
The verdict
Yes for EPP under dermatology supervision — no for cosmetic tanning.
By source — cost, legality, risk
- FDA-approved brand (Scenesse)~$40k+/yr list (insurance-billed)Rx only — REMS program, EPP indicationLowest in approved indication. Specialist-administered subQ implant; not used cosmetically.
- Compounded 503ANot available (cosmetic-clinic resale ≈ $300–$800)No 503A pathwayTrue 503A doesn't exist; clinic offerings are typically RUO repackaged.
- RUO research-chemical site$50–$120/moSold for research onlyHighest. Counterfeit Melanotan II often substituted for MT-I; identity verification is the recurring failure.
- Gray-market overseas raw$7–$10/mo at 10mg/moIllegal to import for human useHighest. Small relative to MT-II gray market; same MC1R/melanoma concerns apply.
Stop signals · abort if
- Stop and see a dermatologist for: any new mole, any change in an existing mole (asymmetry, border, color, diameter > 6 mm, evolution)
- any non-healing skin lesion
- persistent severe nausea
- chest pain
- new vision changes
Sources · top 5 of 60
- 01Perez-Bootello J, et al. Vitiligo: Pathogenesis and New and Emerging Treatments. International journal of molecular sciences. 2023;24(24). PMID: 38139134.
- 02Diotallevi F, et al. Vitiligo, from Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Advances: State of the Art. International journal of molecular sciences. 2023;24(5). PMID: 36902341.
- 03— Afamelanotide. 2024. PMID: 38598652.
- 04Iwanowski T, et al. Etiopathogenesis and Emerging Methods for Treatment of Vitiligo. International journal of molecular sciences. 2023;24(11). PMID: 37298700.
- 05Cong TX, et al. From pathogenesis of acne vulgaris to anti-acne agents. Archives of dermatological research. 2019;311(5):337-349. PMID: 30859308.