Source comparison
Melanotan-1 vs Melanotan-2: Binding Selectivity Comparison
MC1R (melanocytes) 0.11 0.27 2.5× Eumelanin synthesis, pigmentation Both peptides activate. Minimal difference in tanning efficacy MC3R (hypothalamus, gut) 110 3.5 31× weaker for MT-1 Feeding behavior, inflammation modulation MT-1 produces no appetite effects;
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- MC1R (melanocytes)
- 0.11
- 0.27
- 2.5×
- Eumelanin synthesis, pigmentation
- Both peptides activate. Minimal difference in tanning efficacy
- MC3R (hypothalamus, gut)
- 110
- 3.5
- 31× weaker for MT-1
- Feeding behavior, inflammation modulation
- MT-1 produces no appetite effects; MT-2 may suppress appetite moderately
- MC4R (CNS, hypothalamus)
- 0.95
- 116× weaker for MT-1
- Appetite suppression, sexual arousal, cardiovascular tone
- MT-1 has zero MC4R-mediated effects; MT-2 causes nausea, spontaneous erections, blood pressure changes
- MC5R (sebaceous glands, muscle)
- 85
- 18
- 5× weaker for MT-1
- Sebum production, thermoregulation
- MT-1 minimal sebaceous effects; MT-2 may increase oiliness
- Bottom Line
- .
- Melanotan-1's 1,000-fold MC1R/MC4R selectivity eliminates systemic side effects entirely, making it suitable for clinical use. Melanotan-2's broad receptor activation profile produces faster, stronger tanning but with significant appetite, sexual, and cardiovascular effects that prevent FDA approval.