ARA-290 vs Melanotan 1
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Immune SupportRecovery & Repair
ARA-290Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1- Summary
- ARA-290 is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix B region of erythropoietin (EPO). Unlike EPO, it selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) without stimulating hematopoiesis, providing tissue protection, anti-inflammation, and neuropathy relief.
- 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
- ~2–4 hours (SC administration)
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 4 mg (fixed dose)
- 0.5–1 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Key Benefits
- Reduces neuropathic pain from small fiber neuropathy
- Anti-inflammatory without immune suppression
- Tissue protection after ischemia/reperfusion injury
- Promotes nerve fiber regeneration
- Improves symptoms of sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
- May reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic health
- Shown to improve autonomic neuropathy symptoms
- 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
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fatigue at initiation
- Transient warm sensation post-injection
- Rare: mild headache
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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