Afamelanotide is a synthetic tridecapeptide and a structural analogue of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Afamelanotide is a melanocortin receptor agonist and binds predominantly to the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). Afamelanotide is thought to mimic the endogenous compound’s pharmacological activity by activating the synthesis of eumelanin mediated by the MC1R receptor. Eumelanin contributes to photoprotection through different mechanisms.
This medicinal substance has been classified in the anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification according to its main therapeutic use as follows:
Competent medicine agencies globally have authorized commercialization of this active ingredient according to these medication package inserts (MPIs):
Afamelanotide is the active ingredient of these drugs:
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