Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) — Complete Dosing Protocol & Guide

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a skin & cosmetic peptide — the skin & cosmetic category covers skin renewal, tanning, collagen, wrinkle smoothing. First-generation melanocortin receptor agonist (linear alpha-MSH analog) that stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin — a gradual, natural-appearing protective tan. In research settings it is administered subcutaneous at a frequency of once daily (loading), 2-3x weekly (maintenance), with an elimination half-life of ~hours and a studied dose range of 500 mcg–1 mg per administration (about 7.5 mcg/kg of body weight).

First-generation melanocortin receptor agonist (linear alpha-MSH analog) that stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin — a gradual, natural-appearing protective tan. That mechanism places it in the skin & cosmetic category. Pharmacokinetically, its elimination half-life of ~hours is what shapes the once daily (loading), 2-3x weekly (maintenance) dosing cadence used in research protocols, and the full effect builds across a 2-4 weeks loading cycle followed by maintenance as needed — which is why the dosing is cycled rather than continuous.

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is taken subcutaneous — subcutaneous injection into abdominal fat is the standard research route. The research-standard frequency is once daily (loading), 2-3x weekly (maintenance), with a half-life of ~hours. Keep administrations evenly spaced across the dosing period so plasma levels stay steady. Always start at the low end of the dose range, use aseptic technique for injections, and follow the 2-4 weeks loading cycle followed by maintenance as needed. PeptideWise calculates the exact dose and schedule for your body weight and goal.

Research protocols use 500 mcg–1 mg per administration, weight-based at roughly 7.5 mcg/kg of body weight, administered once daily (loading), 2-3x weekly (maintenance). For an 80 kg (176 lb) adult that works out to about 420 mcg for a beginner, 510 mcg for an intermediate, and 600 mcg for an advanced research protocol. Start at the bottom of the range and titrate up only while the response is tolerable — the personalized protocol engine on this site computes the exact figure for your weight.

The standard research cycle is 2-4 weeks loading, followed by maintenance as needed. Cycling matters because continuous exposure leads to receptor desensitization (tachyphylaxis) — the same dose produces less effect over time — and side effects fade during off periods. Don't extend the cycle past 2-4 weeks loading chasing diminishing returns.

Yes. Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is commonly researched alongside Melanotan II. The best stacks pair peptides that act through different mechanisms toward the same goal — for example BPC-157 (angiogenesis) with TB-500 (cell migration). Introduce one peptide at a time, align cycle lengths, and cap stacks at 2–3 peptides so effects stay attributable. The protocol engine on this site only recommends stack combinations that pass safety screening for your conditions and medications.

Reported in research and trial settings: mild nausea; flushing; darkened moles; appetite loss (transient). Most are dose-dependent and resolve when the dose is reduced or the cycle ends. If any severe reaction occurs (chest pain, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, signs of an allergic response), stop immediately and seek medical evaluation.

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) carries a good research safety profile at the doses described above, but safety is individual. It is contraindicated in research settings with: melanoma, skin cancer, heart condition, pregnant, breastfeeding. It is not medical advice to run any peptide without supervision — consult a qualified healthcare provider who knows your full history first, get baseline labs, and re-check during the cycle. 🧴 As a skin & cosmetic peptide, Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is sold for research use only.

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is sold by research-chemical suppliers for laboratory research use only — it is not an approved dietary supplement or consumer product, and regulations vary by country and jurisdiction. Before considering any source: (1) consult a licensed healthcare provider about medically supervised options, (2) if purchasing for research, verify third-party certificates of analysis (COA) confirming purity and identity, and (3) be wary of prices that look too good to be true — they usually are. PeptideWise does not sell peptides; we provide dosing research and protocol tools.

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) ships lyophilized (freeze-dried) and must be reconstituted before use. Use bacteriostatic water: inject it slowly down the inside wall of the vial (never directly onto the powder), then swirl gently — never shake, as shaking denatures the peptide. Example: a 5 mg vial + 2 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 2.5 mg/mL, so a 250 mcg dose is 10 units (0.1 mL) on an insulin syringe. Store the reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2–8°C and use within 2–4 weeks. See the full step-by-step reconstitution guide for concentration math and storage.