What the studies show
Small trials combining the implant with narrowband UVB reported faster repigmentation than phototherapy alone. Not an approved indication.
A few small or poorly-controlled human studies. Enough to be interesting; not enough to count on. Most of what gets called “clinically proven” online lives here.
- 1Afamelanotide with narrowband UV-B phototherapy for vitiligo — randomised trials.PubMed searchSmall trials; not an approved indication.
In context
Afamelanotide is a linear analogue of the pigment hormone α-MSH, developed in the 1980s as the first 'Melanotan'. It is an approved medicine — as a subcutaneous implant replaced every two months — for erythropoietic protoporphyria, a genetic disorder in which sunlight causes severe pain within minutes. In two randomised trials it roughly doubled the hours patients could spend in direct sun without pain. The same molecule is sold illegally as a tanning injection; for that use there is no approval and no controlled evidence of safety.
Afamelanotide (Melanotan I) is approved (rx) — erythropoietic protoporphyria. Legal status differs by country — see the regulation section or the jurisdiction pages.
Questions
Is Afamelanotide (Melanotan I) proven to help with vitiligo repigmentation?
What studies are behind the grade?
Is Afamelanotide (Melanotan I) approved for this?
Other outcomes for Afamelanotide (Melanotan I)
- APain-free sun exposure in erythropoietic protoporphyria2 phase 3 RCTs (EU n=74, US n=94)
- BSkin pigmentation (tanning)Early trials + the phase 3 programme
- AAdverse effectsadversePhase 3 + registry
Written and maintained by LYO Research — how pages are written and checked. Reviewed 10 September 2026. Grades count human evidence only; see how LYO grades. Not medical advice. Correct this page →