Source comparison
Melanotan-1 vs Melanotan-2: Research Application Comparison
Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) MC1R (selective) 1,000× more selective than other MCRs 7–14 days (dose-dependent) Minimal. Transient nausea in ~10% of subjects MC1R-specific signalling, photoprotection mechanisms, eumelanin synthesis, DNA repair upregulation, clin
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide)
- MC1R (selective)
- 1,000× more selective than other MCRs
- 7–14 days (dose-dependent)
- Minimal. Transient nausea in ~10% of subjects
- MC1R-specific signalling, photoprotection mechanisms, eumelanin synthesis, DNA repair upregulation, clinical dermatology studies
- Melanotan-2
- MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R (pan-agonist)
- Non-selective (equal affinity across MCRs)
- 3–7 days (faster due to MC4R co-activation)
- Appetite suppression, increased libido, penile erections (MC4R-mediated), nausea, facial flushing
- Appetite regulation studies, sexual behaviour research, models requiring pan-melanocortin activation
- Natural α-MSH
- MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R (endogenous ligand)
- Moderate selectivity (2–5× preference for MC1R)
- Baseline physiological effect only
- Full endogenous MCR signalling
- Comparative baseline for synthetic analogues, receptor affinity studies
- The bottom line: if your research question involves MC1R and only MC1R, melanotan-1 is the correct tool. If you need broader melanocortin system activation, melanotan-2 fits. Using MT-2 when you need MC1R selectivity introduces variables you can't control.