Thymosin Alpha-1 vs Melanotan I
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Thymosin Alpha-1
Thymosin Alpha-1 is a peptide naturally produced by the thymus gland that plays a crucial role in immune system modulation. It is approved in over 35 countries for various conditions including hepatitis B and C.
Full details →Melanotan I
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic disorder causing severe sun sensitivity.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Thymosin Alpha-1 | Melanotan I |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Enhances T-cell function and maturation, stimulates dendritic cell activity, and modulates cytokine production. Promotes the differentiation of stem cells into mature T lymphocytes. | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical dosing typically ranges from 1.6mg to 6.4mg administered subcutaneously 2-3 times weekly. Research protocols may vary. | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Often used in cycles or as part of comprehensive immune support protocols. | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. Rare side effects include injection site reactions, mild flu-like symptoms, and temporary fatigue. | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. |
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