Alternatives to Melanotan II

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone.

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin.

PT-141, also known as Bremelanotide, is a synthetic peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It is the only FDA-approved treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It plays important roles in wound healing, tissue repair, and has shown anti-aging properties in research.

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It is FDA-approved under the brand name Egrifta for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy.

AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (HGH fragment 176-191). It was developed to have the fat-reducing effects of growth hormone without the adverse effects on blood sugar or growth.

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2 (GHRP-2) is considered one of the most potent GHRPs available. It provides strong GH release with moderate hunger increase compared to GHRP-6.

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.

MK-677, also known as Ibutamoren, is an orally active growth hormone secretagogue. Unlike peptides, it can be taken orally and has a long half-life, providing 24-hour GH elevation.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has revolutionized weight management and diabetes treatment. FDA-approved as Ozempic (diabetes), Wegovy (weight loss), and Rybelsus (oral form), it has become one of the most prescribed peptides worldwide.

Tirzepatide is a first-in-class dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. FDA-approved as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (weight loss), it has shown superior weight loss results compared to semaglutide in clinical trials.

Retatrutide is an investigational triple agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors. Phase 2 trials showed unprecedented weight loss of up to 24% at 48 weeks, making it potentially the most effective obesity treatment studied.

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.

Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) is a signal peptide that stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix production. It is one of the most well-studied anti-aging peptides with proven efficacy for wrinkle reduction.

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that plays a key role in metabolic regulation and has emerged as a significant longevity research target.

IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) is a modified version of IGF-1 with extended half-life and enhanced potency. The modifications prevent binding to IGF binding proteins, increasing bioavailability.

KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It retains the potent anti-inflammatory properties of the parent hormone without the tanning or other melanocortin effects.

SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a cosmetic peptide that reduces the appearance of wrinkles by modulating muscle contraction. It is often called 'topical Botox' though it works through a different mechanism.

Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) is a widely-used cosmetic peptide that reduces wrinkle depth by inhibiting neurotransmitter release. One of the first 'Botox-like' peptides developed for topical use.

Gonadorelin is a synthetic form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It stimulates the pituitary to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), supporting natural hormone production.

Kisspeptin-10 is the active fragment of kisspeptin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in initiating puberty and regulating reproductive function. It acts upstream of GnRH in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved as Victoza for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda for chronic weight management. It was one of the first daily GLP-1 agonists and paved the way for newer weekly options like semaglutide.

Exenatide was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved in the US, derived from a compound found in Gila monster saliva. Available as Byetta (twice daily) and Bydureon (once weekly extended-release).

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) is a lipopeptide that stimulates collagen production. It's one of two peptides in the Matrixyl 3000 complex, working synergistically with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.

Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes. Its larger molecular size from fusion with an Fc fragment extends half-life and may reduce some GI side effects.

Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog in development, showing promising results when combined with semaglutide (CagriSema). Amylin is a hormone co-secreted with insulin that promotes satiety.

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).

Mod GRF 1-29 (Modified GRF 1-29, also called CJC-1295 without DAC or Tetrasubstituted GRF 1-29) is a modified growth hormone-releasing hormone analog with improved stability over natural GHRH.

HGH Fragment 176-191 is the fat-reducing portion of the growth hormone molecule. Unlike AOD-9604 (which has an additional tyrosine), this is the exact fragment of HGH responsible for lipolytic effects.

Human Growth Hormone (somatropin) is a 191-amino acid protein identical to naturally produced GH. FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and other conditions. Widely used off-label for anti-aging and performance.

Syn-Ake (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate) is a synthetic tripeptide that mimics the effect of Waglerin-1, a peptide found in Temple Viper venom. It's used in cosmetics for anti-wrinkle effects.

Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) is a cosmetic peptide that reduces muscle tension through a mechanism similar to enkephalins. Often combined with Syn-Ake for enhanced anti-wrinkle effects.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is an anti-inflammatory peptide that reduces IL-6 secretion. Combined with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, it forms Matrixyl 3000, addressing both collagen production and inflammation.

AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3, Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is a copper peptide similar to GHK-Cu but with different properties. It's used for hair growth and skin rejuvenation applications.

SHLP2 (Small Humanin-Like Peptide 2) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide similar to humanin. It has shown insulin-sensitizing and cytoprotective effects in research, with potential metabolic benefits.

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.

Pramlintide (Symlin) is a synthetic analog of amylin, FDA-approved as an adjunct to insulin therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It helps control post-meal blood sugar spikes and promotes modest weight loss.