Afamelanotide ([Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH) is an analog of alpha-melanocyte 
stimulating hormone given as a subcutaneous injection. Afamelanotide is 
currently undergoing phase II and III trials in Europe and the US for skin 
diseases including vitiligo, erythropoietic protoporphyria, polymorphic light 
eruption and prevention of actinic keratoses in organ transplant recipients. 
Unregulated analogs and chemicals are being sold online ahead of formal 
approval. A number of counterfeit chemicals, 'Melanotans' are being sold for 
tanning purposes. Currently, afamelanotide is already on the market in Italy and 
Switzerland for patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria. This paper will 
review the current literature on this promising compound.