Sermorelin vs Melanotan II
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of GHRH consisting of the first 29 amino acids of the natural hormone. It was previously FDA-approved for GH deficiency diagnosis and treatment in children.
Full details →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 →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Sermorelin | Melanotan II |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland to stimulate natural GH production and release. Maintains the body's natural feedback mechanisms for GH regulation. | Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist affecting MC1R (tanning), MC3R and MC4R (sexual function and appetite). This broader activity explains its multiple effects beyond tanning. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical dosing: 200-500mcg administered once daily, usually before bed. Some protocols use twice daily dosing. | 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. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, preferably at bedtime to work with natural GH release patterns. Can be combined with GHRPs for synergistic effects. | Subcutaneous injection. Usually combined with UV exposure for tanning effects. Nasal spray formulations exist but have lower bioavailability. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions, headache, flushing, or dizziness. Less side effects than direct GH administration. | Nausea (common initially), facial flushing, spontaneous erections, increased libido, appetite suppression, and mole darkening. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Sermorelin and Melanotan II are commonly used for: