Melanotan II vs Follistatin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide analog of α-MSH with broader receptor activity than Melanotan I. It produces tanning effects and has notable effects on sexual function and appetite suppression.
Full details →Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan II | Follistatin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist affecting MC1R (tanning), MC3R and MC4R (sexual function and appetite). This broader activity explains its multiple effects beyond tanning. | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical protocols: 0.25-0.5mg daily during loading phase for 1-2 weeks, then 0.5-1mg before UV exposure for maintenance. Start low to assess tolerance. | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Usually combined with UV exposure for tanning effects. Nasal spray formulations exist but have lower bioavailability. | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (common initially), facial flushing, spontaneous erections, increased libido, appetite suppression, and mole darkening. | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. |
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