Afamelanotide Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Subcutaneous implant

Available Strengths: 16 mg

Reference Brands: Scenesse (USA)

Category: Derma Drugs

Product Description:

Afamelanotide is a synthetic peptide medication used to prevent phototoxic reactions and reduce pain caused by light exposure in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic photosensitivity disorder. It is marketed under the brand name Scenesse and is administered as a prolonged-release subcutaneous implant.

Afamelanotide acts as an agonist of the melanocortin-1 (MC1) receptor and is an analogue of the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). By mimicking the biological activity of α-MSH, afamelanotide stimulates melanocytes in the skin to increase the production and release of melanin. Elevated melanin levels enhance the skin’s tolerance to visible and ultraviolet light exposure.

The increased melanin provides photoprotective effects by reducing ultraviolet radiation-induced cellular DNA damage, limiting oxidative stress on membrane proteins, and helping maintain normal intracellular signaling processes in epidermal cells. Under physiological conditions, α-MSH is released by skin cells in response to ultraviolet radiation; afamelanotide replicates this protective mechanism in patients with impaired photoprotection.

Afamelanotide offers an effective preventive treatment option for managing light-induced pain and improving quality of life in individuals affected by erythropoietic protoporphyria.