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 if UV exposure is paired. 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 if UV exposure is paired.
- 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.
More on MT-1 (Melanotan I)
Last updated 2026-06-06.