Melanotan I vs Lactoferricin
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 →Lactoferricin
Lactoferricin is an antimicrobial peptide derived from lactoferrin, a protein found in milk and other secretions. It has potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | Lactoferricin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Binds to and disrupts microbial membranes through electrostatic interactions. Also binds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to neutralize endotoxins and has immunomodulatory effects. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Research applications vary widely. Oral lactoferrin supplements (containing lactoferricin precursor) typically dosed at 100-400mg daily. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Available through lactoferrin supplementation orally. Purified lactoferricin primarily used in research settings. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Lactoferrin supplementation is generally well-tolerated. May cause GI upset in some individuals. Derived from milk so caution with dairy allergies. |
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