Source comparison
Melanotan-1 Popular in Research: Comparison Across Melanotropin Analogues
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide) MC1R (1000:1 selectivity vs MC4R) High. 50–70% reduction in UV-induced DNA damage in clinical trials Minimal. Mild nausea in <5% of patients at therapeutic dose FDA-approved for EPP (2019); EMA-approved for EPP and vitiligo (2014) P
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide)
- MC1R (1000:1 selectivity vs MC4R)
- High. 50–70% reduction in UV-induced DNA damage in clinical trials
- Minimal. Mild nausea in <5% of patients at therapeutic dose
- FDA-approved for EPP (2019); EMA-approved for EPP and vitiligo (2014)
- Photoprotection, metabolic syndrome, neuroinflammation
- Melanotan-II
- MC1R, MC3R, MC4R (broad-spectrum)
- Moderate. Effective pigmentation but requires lower doses due to side effects
- Significant. Nausea (30–40%), flushing (25%), spontaneous erections (15–20%)
- Unregulated. Available only as research chemical
- Sexual dysfunction, appetite suppression (investigational only)
- NDP-alpha-MSH
- MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R
- High. Potent MC1R agonist but similar side effect profile to MT-II
- Moderate. Appetite suppression, CNS effects at higher doses
- Research use only. No clinical trials
- Melanoma prevention models, obesity research
- Alpha-MSH (endogenous)
- MC1R (primary), MC3R, MC4R, MC5R (weaker affinity)
- Low. Rapid enzymatic degradation limits sustained effect
- None. Natural hormone
- N/A (endogenous peptide)
- Baseline reference for melanocortin pharmacology