How long does MT-1 (Melanotan I) take to work?
In the first week of MT-1 (Melanotan I), nausea at first doses. Slight darkening begins; UV is not required for it. Around week 4, visible pigmentation if you've actually been in the sun. By week 8, maintenance phase. Pigment holds with weekly dosing + occasional UV. Response varies between people, this is the commonly reported pattern, not a guarantee.
Week by week
- Week 1: Nausea at first doses. Slight darkening begins; UV is not required for it.
- Week 4: Visible pigmentation if you've actually been in the sun.
- Week 8: Maintenance phase. Pigment holds with weekly dosing + occasional UV.
References
- Afamelanotide for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (Scenesse approval data) — Langendonk JG et al., NEJM, 2015
- Skin pigmentation and pharmacokinetics of melanotan-I in humans — Ugwu SO, Blanchard J, Dorr RT, Levine N, et al.; Biopharmaceutics & Drug Disposition; 1997
- Afamelanotide: An Orphan Drug with Potential for Broad Dermatologic Applications — Wu J, Cotliar R; Journal of Drugs in Dermatology; 2021
Pepdex is an editorial reference, not medical advice. Peptides vary in legal and approval status by country, many are research compounds without full human safety data. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting anything.
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Last updated 2026-06-15.