Melanotan I vs Substance P
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 →Substance P
Substance P is an 11-amino acid neuropeptide involved in pain transmission, inflammation, and various neurological processes. While not used therapeutically itself, understanding it is crucial for pain research.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | Substance P |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Binds primarily to NK1 receptors to transmit pain signals from peripheral nerves to the CNS. Also promotes inflammation, causes vasodilation, and stimulates immune cells. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Not used as a therapeutic agent. NK1 receptor antagonists (blocking Substance P) are used clinically for chemotherapy-induced nausea. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Research compound only. Therapeutic applications focus on blocking rather than administering Substance P. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Administration would cause pain, inflammation, and neurogenic responses. Not given therapeutically. |
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