Melanotan I vs ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide)
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 →ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide)
ANP is a cardiac hormone released by atrial myocytes in response to stretch. It promotes natriuresis, diuresis, and vasodilation, playing key roles in blood pressure and fluid regulation.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Binds to natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR-A) to activate guanylyl cyclase, producing cGMP. This leads to vasodilation, increased kidney filtration, and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Clinical use: Carperitide (recombinant ANP) used in Japan for acute heart failure at 0.1mcg/kg/min IV infusion. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Intravenous infusion only for clinical applications. Short half-life (~2 minutes) requires continuous administration. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Hypotension (dose-limiting), headache, nausea, and potential arrhythmias at high doses. |
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