Source comparison
Is Melanotan-1 Worth It: Melanocortin Peptide Comparison
The table below compares Melanotan-1 against Melanotan-2 and pharmaceutical afamelanotide across receptor selectivity, adverse event profile, timeline to visible pigmentation, and typical research cost. Understanding these differences clarifies when MT1's high
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- The table below compares Melanotan-1 against Melanotan-2 and pharmaceutical afamelanotide across receptor selectivity, adverse event profile, timeline to visible pigmentation, and typical research cost. Understanding these differences clarifies when MT1's higher cost and slower onset are justified by its superior safety profile and receptor specificity.
- Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide)
- MC1R-selective (>10:1 vs other MC receptors)
- 3–4 weeks at 1.0mg daily
- 8–9% (mild nausea, injection-site reactions)
- $180–$320
- Ideal for photoprotection studies and protocols where off-target MC3R/MC4R effects would confound results. Slower onset justified by 85%+ subject retention.
- Melanotan-2
- MC1R, MC3R, MC4R (broad-spectrum agonist)
- 7–10 days at 0.25–0.5mg daily
- 55–68% (nausea, flushing, spontaneous erections, cardiovascular effects)
- $60–$90
- Faster pigmentation but high dropout rates (55–68% within 4 weeks). Appropriate only when study design can tolerate or control for appetite, libido, and cardiovascular variables.
- Pharmaceutical Afamelanotide (Scenesse implant)
- MC1R-selective
- 4–6 weeks per implant (controlled-release)
- 6–12% (implant-site reactions, headache)
- Not available for research use
- FDA/EMA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Implant format eliminates daily dosing but cost and regulatory restrictions prohibit use outside approved indications.