three clinical trials (Trial 1/ NCT 01605136, Trial 2/ NCT00979745 and Trial 3/ NCT01097044) of 244 adults 18–74 years of age with EPP. The trials were conducted at 22 sites in the US and Europe. In October 2019, afamelanotide was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medicine to reduce pain caused by light exposure (particularly sunlight) as experienced by people with erythropoietic protoporphyria. Society and culture Usage in general public A number of products are sold online and in gyms and beauty salons as "melanotan" or "melanotan-1" which discuss afamelanotide in their marketing. Without a prescription, these drugs are not legally sold in many jurisdictions and are potentially dangerous. Starting in 2007, health agencies in various countries began issuing warnings against their use. Unlicensed and untested powders sold as "melanotan" are found on the Internet (marketed for tanning and other purposes). Multiple regulatory bodies have warned consumers that the peptides may be unsafe and ineffective. Research Ongoing research is underway for other skin disorders. Afamelanotide causes skin to turn darker by causing skin to produce more melanin. References External links Melanocortin receptor agonists Orphan drugs Peptides