Additionally, β-Carotene, an antioxidant, has been shown to inhibit oxygen free radicals and reduce photosensitivity in affected patients Approved pharmacologic agonists capable of activating the melanocortin-1 receptor signaling in a targeted manner or as a bystander effect are now available for the treatment of EPP [21]. Here, MC1R is linked to autosomal erythropoietic protoporphyria.