DS5 vs Melanotan 1
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Sleep Optimization
DS5Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1- Summary
- DS5 is a synthetic variant of the delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP), a nonapeptide originally isolated from rabbit cerebrospinal fluid during slow-wave sleep. Like DSIP, DS5 is explored for sleep optimization, stress modulation, and circadian rhythm normalization, with proposed improvements in potency or stability over the parent molecule.
- 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 30-60 minutes (peptide degradation)
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Admin Route
- Subcutaneous, Intranasal (research)
- SubQ
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 200-500 mcg per dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- Frequency
- Once nightly
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Key Benefits
- Promotes delta-wave (deep) sleep and improves sleep quality
- May reduce sleep onset latency
- HPA axis modulation for stress reduction
- Non-addictive sleep support without tolerance development
- Potential circadian rhythm normalization
- Explored for insomnia, chronic stress, and PTSD-related sleep disturbance
- 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 research subjects
- Possible morning grogginess at higher doses
- Mild blood pressure fluctuations reported with DSIP
- Limited human safety data for DS5 specifically
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Stacks With
- —
- —