PEG-MGF vs Setmelanotide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
PEG-MGF
PEG-MGF (PEGylated Mechano Growth Factor) is a variant of IGF-1 that is produced in response to muscle damage. PEGylation extends its half-life from minutes to several hours, making it practical for use.
Full details →Setmelanotide
Setmelanotide (Imcivree) is an FDA-approved MC4R agonist for chronic weight management in patients with obesity due to specific genetic conditions (POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency).
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | PEG-MGF | Setmelanotide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) and promotes their fusion to existing muscle fibers for repair and growth. MGF is produced naturally in response to mechanical stress on muscles. | Selective agonist of melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) in the hypothalamus, restoring the satiety signaling pathway that is disrupted in certain genetic obesity syndromes. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 200-400mcg injected into targeted muscle groups 2-3 times weekly, usually post-workout. | Adults: Start 2mg daily, titrate based on tolerability up to 3mg daily. Pediatrics (6+): Weight-based dosing starting at 1mg daily. |
| Administration | Intramuscular injection, ideally into muscles trained that day. Best administered post-workout when satellite cell activation is relevant. | Subcutaneous injection once daily. Requires genetic testing to confirm eligible mutations before prescribing. |
| Side Effects | Injection site soreness, potential hypoglycemia, and localized swelling. Generally well-tolerated. | Injection site reactions, skin hyperpigmentation, spontaneous penile erections, depression, and suicidal ideation (boxed warning). GI effects less common than GLP-1s. |
| Best For |