Melanotan II vs MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)

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.

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MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)

MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 that is produced locally in muscle tissue in response to mechanical stress. The non-PEGylated form has a very short half-life.

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Side-by-Side Comparison

AspectMelanotan IIMGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
MechanismNon-selective melanocortin receptor agonist affecting MC1R (tanning), MC3R and MC4R (sexual function and appetite). This broader activity explains its multiple effects beyond tanning.Activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) and promotes their proliferation without differentiation, priming them for fusion with existing muscle fibers during repair and growth.
Typical DosageTypical 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.Due to extremely short half-life (minutes), typical protocols use 100-200mcg injected directly into target muscles immediately post-workout.
AdministrationSubcutaneous injection. Usually combined with UV exposure for tanning effects. Nasal spray formulations exist but have lower bioavailability.Intramuscular injection into trained muscles within minutes of workout completion. Must be used immediately after reconstitution due to instability.
Side EffectsNausea (common initially), facial flushing, spontaneous erections, increased libido, appetite suppression, and mole darkening.Injection site soreness, potential hypoglycemia, localized swelling. Short half-life limits systemic effects.
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Key Differences

Unique to Melanotan II:

Unique to MGF (Mechano Growth Factor):

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