Melanotan I vs Kisspeptin-10
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 →Kisspeptin-10
Kisspeptin-10 is the active fragment of kisspeptin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in initiating puberty and regulating reproductive function. It acts upstream of GnRH in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | Kisspeptin-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Binds to KISS1R receptors in the hypothalamus, stimulating GnRH neurons to release GnRH. This triggers the downstream cascade of LH, FSH, and sex hormone production. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Research protocols vary widely. Studies have used IV boluses of 1-10mcg/kg or subcutaneous administration. Clinical applications still being developed. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | IV or subcutaneous injection. Has very short half-life requiring frequent administration or continuous infusion for sustained effects. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Limited data. May cause flushing, increased heart rate, and changes in libido. Generally well-tolerated in studies. |
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