Afamelanotide

What people use it for

• Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), to increase pain-free time in light (approved use)
• Vitiligo (research)

What Afamelanotide does in the body

A long-lasting version of alpha-MSH, the hormone that stimulates skin pigment. It activates the MC1R receptor on pigment cells, increasing eumelanin, which helps protect the skin from light.

Strength of evidence

Moderate: randomised trials in EPP showed more pain-free time in sunlight.

Look up the evidence

• Reviews on PubMed: Summaries of the published research
• Clinical trials on PubMed: Published studies in people
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Registered trials, past and ongoing
• Prescribing information (DailyMed, US): Official US label
• Patient leaflets (emc, UK): Official UK product information

Live searches of official databases. New to the terms? See the glossary.

Reported side effects & risks

• Nausea, headache
• Implant-site reactions
• Darkening of skin and moles; skin checks are advised

Who should avoid it or take extra care

• Pregnant or breastfeeding (contraception advised during treatment)
• History of melanoma or skin cancer
• Severe liver or kidney problems

Not a complete list. Check with a doctor or pharmacist about your own health and medicines.

Regulatory status

Approved as Scenesse in the EU (2014) and the US (2019) for adults with EPP, given by trained clinicians.

How it's taken

Route: Dissolving implant placed under the skin by a clinician, about every 2 months

How long it lasts (half-life): Released slowly from the implant over weeks