Afamelanotide

Definition

A synthetic peptide analogue of the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH) with potential photoprotective activity. Mimicking the action of a-MSH, afamelanotide stimulates melanocytes to increase the production and release of melanin. Increased melanocyte melanin may protect against ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-initiated cellular DNA damage, oxidation of membrane proteins, and alterations in intracellular signaling processes in epidermal cells. Endogenously, a-MSH is released by skin cells in response to UVR exposure, stimulating melanocytes to produce and release melanin.

Also known as AFAMELANOTIDE, CUV1647, Melanotan I, Msh, 4-nle-7-phe-alpha-, N-Acetyl-L-serinyl-L-tyrosyl-L-seryl-(2S)-2-aminohexanoyl-L-glutamyl-L-histidyl-D-phenylalanyl-L-arginyl-L-tryptophanylglycyl-L-lysyl-L-prolyl-L-valinamide — per NCIT

Also identified as

• ATC D02BB02 per RXNORM
• NCIT NCIT:C82655 per NCIT
• SCTID 819968004 per RXNORM
• SCTID 819984003 per RXNORM
• UNII QW68W3J66U per RXNORM

Indications