Melanotan I vs Thymalin
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 →Thymalin
Thymalin is a polypeptide preparation derived from calf thymus. Developed in Russia, it has been used for decades to support immune function and has shown potential anti-aging effects in long-term studies.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | Thymalin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Regulates the ratio of T-cell subpopulations, stimulates cellular immunity, and enhances phagocytosis. Also affects neuroendocrine regulation and may influence melatonin production. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Clinical protocols: 5-20mg daily intramuscularly for 3-10 days. Often cycled 1-2 times per year for maintenance. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Intramuscular injection. Usually administered in short courses rather than continuously. Often combined with Epithalamin for anti-aging protocols. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions or temporary flu-like symptoms as immune function is modulated. |
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