Synthetic analog of human α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, see MSH. Stimulates melanin production which protects skin from UV radiation. Prepn and bioactivity: T. K. Sawyer et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77, 5754 (1980); idem et al., J. Med. Chem. 25, 1022 (1982); V. J. Hruby et al., US 4457864 (1984 to University Patents). Review of pharmacology and development: M. E. Hadley et al., Pharm. Biotechnol. 11, 575-595 (1998). Clinical induction of skin tanning: N. Levine et al., J. Am. Med. Assoc. 266, 2730 (1991); R. T. Dorr et al., Arch. Dermatol. 140, 827 (2004).
Prevention of sunburn injury.