Melanotan I vs Thymulin
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 →Thymulin
Thymulin (Facteur Thymique Sérique) is a zinc-dependent nonapeptide hormone produced by thymic epithelial cells. It plays important roles in T-cell differentiation and immune system maturation.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | Thymulin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Requires zinc for biological activity. Promotes T-cell differentiation, modulates cytokine production, and influences neuroendocrine function. Levels decline significantly with age. |
| 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. Often studied alongside zinc supplementation. Typical research doses in the microgram range. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection in research settings. Requires adequate zinc status for activity. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Limited data on exogenous administration. Theoretical effects on immune function require monitoring. |
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