Sepiapterin, also known as 2-amino-6-[(2S)-2-hydroxypropanoyl]-7,8-dihydro-1H-pteridin-4-one, is a member of the pteridine class of organic chemicals.

Sepiapterin can be metabolized into tetrahydrobiopterin via a salvage pathway.

Tetrahydrobiopterin is an essential cofactor in humans for breakdown of phenylalanine and a catalyst of the metabolism of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan to precursors of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.

Deficiency of tetrahydrobiopterin can cause toxic buildup of phenylalanine (phenylketonuria) as well as deficiencies of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, leading to dystonia and other neurological illnesses.

This has led to clinical study of sepiapterin in humans to treat tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency.