Melanotan I vs Alpha-Defensin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Melanotan I
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic disorder causing severe sun sensitivity.
Full details →Alpha-Defensin
Alpha-defensins are small cationic peptides that are key components of the innate immune system. They have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | Alpha-Defensin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Insert into microbial membranes to form pores, leading to cell death. Also have immunomodulatory effects including chemotaxis of immune cells and cytokine modulation. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Research compound - dosing varies by application. Typically studied in laboratory and early clinical research settings rather than for general use. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Various routes studied including topical, local injection, and systemic administration depending on application. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Limited human use data. May cause local inflammation. Potential for immune activation effects. |
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