Research Use Only
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) vs Melanotan II
Neutral RUO comparison of Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) and Melanotan II using public protocol-library fields: vial size, research class, mechanism, evidence leve
Public fields onlyReferences included
This page compares only public, research-context fields from the AllPeptides protocol library. It is not a ranking, recommendation, safety comparison or human-use guide.
Public research comparison fields
| Field | Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) | Melanotan II |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) | Melanotan II |
| Representative vial size | 5mg | 5mg |
| Research class | Reproductive research context | Reproductive research context |
| Mechanism context | Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) is a linear analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) with high selectivity for the MC1R receptor. It activates melanogenesis (eumelanin production), increasing skin photoprotection. Unlike cyclic Melanotan II, MT-I does not significantly activate MC3R/MC4R, thereby reducing sexual side effects and nausea. | Melanotan II is a cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that binds to the melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R. Activation of MC1R in melanocytes stimulates the production and distribution of eumelanin, increasing skin pigmentation even without UV exposure. Early Phase I studies in humans (Dorr 1996) identified 0.025 mg/kg daily as an appropriate dose. Activation of MC4R explains the sexual side effects (spontaneous erection, increased libido). |
| Evidence level | Not specified in profile | Not specified in profile |
Combined references
- Langendonk JG et al. N Engl J Med 2015 — Afamelanotide for Erythropoietic Protoporphyria.
View source - EMA — Scenesse EPAR — Ευρωπαϊκή αξιολόγηση Scenesse (afamelanotide)
View source - Dorr RT et al. (1996) — Phase I — Clinical study of melanotan-II: dosing and safety evaluation
View source - International Peptide Society — Melanotan II monograph: dosing & titration protocols
View source - DermNet NZ — Dermatology clinical guidance: side effects
View source - Nelson ME et al. (2012) — Case report: toxicity and rhabdomyolysis from MT-II
View source - RxList — Melanotan-II — Pharmacology and clinical effects
View source