Melanotan I vs PEG-MGF
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 →PEG-MGF
PEG-MGF (PEGylated Mechano Growth Factor) is a variant of IGF-1 that is produced in response to muscle damage. PEGylation extends its half-life from minutes to several hours, making it practical for use.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | PEG-MGF |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) and promotes their fusion to existing muscle fibers for repair and growth. MGF is produced naturally in response to mechanical stress on muscles. |
| 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 typically use 200-400mcg injected into targeted muscle groups 2-3 times weekly, usually post-workout. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Intramuscular injection, ideally into muscles trained that day. Best administered post-workout when satellite cell activation is relevant. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Injection site soreness, potential hypoglycemia, and localized swelling. Generally well-tolerated. |
| Best For |