Melanotan I vs Cortexin
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 →Cortexin
Cortexin is a polypeptide complex derived from pig brain cortex, used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for neurological conditions including stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive decline.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | Cortexin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Contains a mixture of neuropeptides and amino acids that support neuronal metabolism, provide neuroprotection, and enhance synaptic transmission. Specific mechanisms not fully characterized. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Clinical protocols: 10mg intramuscularly once daily for 10-20 days. May be repeated after 3-6 month interval. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Intramuscular injection. Comes as lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution. Treatment given in courses rather than continuously. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions or mild allergic responses in sensitive individuals. |
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