Afamelanotide
Also called Scenesse.
Afamelanotide has FDA-approved products for specific uses. This page cites 1 source, and the strongest evidence comes from human trials.
- Status
- FDA-approved product exists
- Form
- Other
- Half-life
- Not modeled
- Strongest evidence
- Human trials
- Cited claims
- 1
- Last updated
- November 6, 2026
What the evidence says
Each claim names the kind of study behind it, what it can't tell you, and where it comes from.
Human trials
Two randomized trials in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria found that afamelanotide implants increased cumulative direct-sunlight exposure without pain compared with placebo over six or nine months.
Limits: The studies enrolled 94 US and 74 European patients with a rare photosensitivity disorder. The sunlight diaries and EPP-specific outcomes do not establish cosmetic-tanning safety, skin-cancer prevention, or benefit for other populations.
Regulatory status
United States
Scenesse is FDA-approved to increase pain-free light exposure in adults with a history of phototoxic reactions from erythropoietic protoporphyria. The approved product is a subcutaneous implant placed by a trained healthcare professional. Approval does not establish a general tanning indication or cover conventional injectable preparations.