Home/Database/Afamelanotide
Immune SupportClinical

Afamelanotide

[Nle4,D-Phe7]-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone

13 Amino Acids · MW: 1631 Da

Amino Acids

13

Molecular Weight

1631 Da

Half-life

hours to days

Research Score

4.6

Studies

180

Storage

Store lyophilized at -20°C, reconstituted at 2-8°C

What is Afamelanotide?

Afamelanotide is a synthetic alpha-MSH analog with greater stability and longer biological activity than the native peptide. While best known for pigmentation-related indications, it also has documented melanocortin-mediated anti-inflammatory effects.

Key Benefits & Mechanisms

reduces inflammatory cytokines

supports melanocortin receptor signaling

may protect tissues from inflammatory injury

has longer duration than native alpha-MSH

Research Summary

Afamelanotide is a stabilized melanocortin agonist derived from alpha-MSH and has been studied for tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory signaling. Its literature includes cytokine modulation and immunoregulatory effects, with the strongest real-world data coming from clinical use in erythropoietic protoporphyria.