Adipotide vs Melanotan 1
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Fat Loss & Metabolic
AdipotideSkin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1- Summary
- Adipotide (FTPP) is a chimeric proapoptotic peptide that selectively targets and destroys blood vessels feeding white adipose tissue. It binds prohibitin on the vasculature of fat tissue, delivering a proapoptotic sequence that induces cell death in fat-specific blood vessels, causing targeted fat tissue regression.
- 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 2-4 hours
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Admin Route
- Subcutaneous, Intravenous (research)
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- Not established for humans; primate studies used 0.1-1 mg/kg
- 0.5–1 mg
- Frequency
- Daily for 4 weeks (research protocol)
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Key Benefits
- Targeted reduction of white adipose tissue
- Promotes fat vasculature apoptosis without systemic toxicity
- Demonstrated significant fat loss in primate studies
- Potential for visceral and subcutaneous fat reduction
- Novel non-hormonal mechanism distinct from GLP-1 agonists
- Explored for obesity and metabolic syndrome
- 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
- Renal toxicity observed in primate studies (transient, dose-dependent)
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in research
- Weight regain upon cessation
- Limited human data; side effect profile largely from animal studies
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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