Melanotan

Synthetic peptide hormone illegally distributed as a tanning agent. Melanotan I and II are the synthetic variant of the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), which activates the epidermal melanin production. Melanotan (afamelanotide) was developed as a drug for the treatment of Protophorphyria erythropoetica and is used as a "designer drug" for body tanning.

Melanotan I binds to the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) and its stimulation causes an activation of the melanocytes. Melanotan II binds to the melanocortin 2-3-4 receptors (MC2-4R). Its effect on skin tanning is more intensive than that of Melanotan I. In addition, these melanocortin receptors reduce appetite, improve erection and increase libido (Barbie drug).

The preparation is an approved drug. Before and during phases of strong sun exposure, e.g. from spring to autumn, the patient is injected under the skin with an implant (16mg) every two months. The number of implants per year depends on how much protection against sunlight is required. 3 implants per year are recommended; the maximum number is 4.

Growth activation of melanocytic nevi. Headaches, inflammatory reactions at the implant site. Cases of de novo malignant melanoma are questionable.

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Regulatory authorities in the U.S., the U.K., and the Scandinavian countries have issued warnings against the use of these or similar products.

There are serious studies on afamelanotide anderythropoietic protoporphyria. The same applies to vitiligo.

1. Arznei-telegramm (2010) Melanotan. Drug Telegram 41: 116

2. Grimes PE et al. (2013) The efficacy of afamelanotide and narrowband UV-B phototherapy for repigmentation of vitiligo. JAMA Dermatol 149:68-73

3. Langan EA et al. (2011) Melanotropic peptides: what exactly is meant by "melanotan"? Acta Derm Venereol 91:377

4. Lim HW et al. (2014) Afamelanotide and Narrowband UV-B Phototherapy for the Treatment of Vitiligo: A Randomized Multicenter Trial. JAMA Dermatol doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2014.1875.

5. Ong S et al. (2012) Melanotan-associated melanoma in situ. Australas J Dermatol 53:301-302

6. Paurobally D et al (2011) Melanotan-associated melanoma. Br J Dermatol 164:1403-1405

7. Urbanski U et al. (2016) Erythropoietic protoporphyria: Clinical
   manifestations, diagnosis and new therapeutic possibilities. Dermatology 67: 211-215

8. von Bartenwerffer W et al. (2011) Pseudoleucoderma after injections of afamelanotide in a patient with atopic dermatitis. Acta Derm Venereol 91:578-579.