Melanotan I vs NA-Selank Amidate
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 →NA-Selank Amidate
NA-Selank Amidate (N-Acetyl Selank Amidate) is an enhanced version of Selank with improved stability and blood-brain barrier penetration. The modifications increase bioavailability and duration of cognitive and anxiolytic effects.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | NA-Selank Amidate |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Same core mechanism as Selank - modulates BDNF, serotonin, and norepinephrine systems. The N-acetyl group improves membrane permeability while the amidate modification increases enzymatic stability. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Intranasal: 100-400mcg 1-3 times daily. Lower doses needed compared to standard Selank due to enhanced bioavailability. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Primarily intranasal administration. Can be used sublingually. More stable in solution than standard Selank. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Generally well-tolerated. Possible mild fatigue or nasal irritation. Less frequent dosing needed than standard Selank. |
| Best For |