Setmelanotide vs Epigen
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
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 →Epigen
Epigen is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family. It plays roles in skin regeneration and has been studied for wound healing and anti-aging applications.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Setmelanotide | Epigen |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Selective agonist of melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) in the hypothalamus, restoring the satiety signaling pathway that is disrupted in certain genetic obesity syndromes. | Binds to and activates the EGF receptor (EGFR), promoting cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Involved in skin homeostasis and repair processes. |
| Typical Dosage | Adults: Start 2mg daily, titrate based on tolerability up to 3mg daily. Pediatrics (6+): Weight-based dosing starting at 1mg daily. | Topical: Typically used at low concentrations (ppm to low %) in cosmetic formulations. Research applications vary. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once daily. Requires genetic testing to confirm eligible mutations before prescribing. | Primarily topical application for skincare. Research may use other routes for systemic effects. |
| Side Effects | Injection site reactions, skin hyperpigmentation, spontaneous penile erections, depression, and suicidal ideation (boxed warning). GI effects less common than GLP-1s. | Topical use generally well-tolerated. Theoretical concerns about promoting cell proliferation. |
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