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ToolsCompareCardiogen vs Melanotan 1

Cardiogen vs Melanotan 1

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

Anti-Aging & Longevity
Cardiogen
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1
Summary
Cardiogen is a tetrapeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson. It is a tissue-specific bioregulator for the heart and myocardium, designed to normalize cardiomyocyte function and support cardiac tissue regeneration. Research has demonstrated cardioprotective effects, improved cardiac rhythm, and benefits in recovery from ischemic injury.
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
Short (minutes); gene-regulatory effects persist longer
~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
Admin Route
SubQ, Oral
SubQ
Research
Typical Dose
10 mg per day
0.5–1 mg
Frequency
Daily for 10–30 days
Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
Key Benefits
  • Cardioprotective effects on myocardial tissue
  • Normalization of cardiomyocyte protein synthesis
  • May improve cardiac rhythm and conduction
  • Support for recovery from ischemic cardiac events
  • Anti-aging effects on heart tissue
  • Potential reduction in cardiac fibrosis
  • Often combined with Epithalon for comprehensive cardiovascular longevity support
  • 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 research
  • Mild injection site reactions
  • No significant adverse cardiovascular events reported at standard doses
  • Nausea (especially at higher doses)
  • Facial flushing
  • Fatigue
  • Injection site reactions
  • +3 more
Stacks With