Melanotan I vs PE-22-28
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 →PE-22-28
PE-22-28 is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from research on the SAMP8 mouse model of accelerated aging. It has shown potential for enhancing memory and reducing cognitive decline.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | PE-22-28 |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Derived from the protein that is deficient in SAMP8 mice. May work by inhibiting protein phosphatase 2A methylesterase, thereby affecting memory-related signaling pathways. |
| 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. Intranasal dosing has been studied at various concentrations. Optimal human dosing not established. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Intranasal administration preferred for CNS delivery. Research compound with limited human use data. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Very limited human data. Primarily studied in animal models for safety and efficacy. |
| Best For |