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ToolsCompare5-Amino-1MQ vs Melanotan 1

5-Amino-1MQ vs Melanotan 1

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Fat Loss & Metabolic
5-Amino-1MQ
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1
Summary
5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule NNMT (Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) inhibitor that raises intracellular NAD+ levels and promotes fat burning. It is notable for targeting adipose tissue directly, reducing fat cell size and number while increasing metabolic rate.
Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of α-MSH that selectively stimulates melanogenesis (tanning) through MC1R activation. It provides UV-independent skin pigmentation and is FDA/EMA-approved under the name SCENESSE for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and vitiligo.
Half-Life
Estimated 4–8 hours
~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
Admin Route
Oral
SubQ
Research
Typical Dose
50–100 mg
0.5–1 mg
Frequency
Once to twice daily
Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
Key Benefits
  • Raises intracellular NAD+ levels
  • Directly targets adipose tissue for fat reduction
  • Reduces fat cell size and differentiation
  • Increases basal metabolic rate
  • SIRT1 activation for metabolic regulation
  • No stimulant cardiovascular side effects
  • Synergistic with intermittent fasting and caloric restriction
  • May have anti-aging metabolic benefits
  • Induces skin pigmentation/tanning without UV exposure
  • Provides photoprotection in photosensitivity conditions (EPP)
  • FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria (SCENESSE)
  • Approved in EU for EPP treatment
  • Anti-inflammatory via MC1R
  • Mild libido enhancement
  • Potential skin cancer prevention through melanin protection
Side Effects
  • Generally well-tolerated in available studies
  • Mild GI discomfort (rare)
  • Limited long-term human data
  • Nausea (especially at higher doses)
  • Facial flushing
  • Fatigue
  • Injection site reactions
  • +3 more
Stacks With