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ToolsCompareFollistatin 344 vs Melanotan II

Follistatin 344 vs Melanotan II

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

Anabolic & IGF
Follistatin 344
Sexual Health & Libido
Melanotan II
Summary
Follistatin 344 is a recombinant form of the endogenous follistatin protein. It inhibits myostatin and activin — the primary negative regulators of muscle growth — potentially removing the genetic ceiling on muscle development. It is one of the most theoretically powerful anabolic compounds but is experimental with limited human data.
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that stimulates melanin production (skin tanning), suppresses appetite, and enhances sexual function. It is not FDA-approved and has significant safety concerns including mole changes and cardiovascular effects.
Half-Life
~24–36 hours
1–2 hours
Admin Route
SubQ, IM
SubQ
Research
Typical Dose
100 mcg
0.25–0.5 mg
Frequency
Once daily
Once daily
Key Benefits
  • Inhibits myostatin — removes muscle growth ceiling
  • Significant increases in muscle mass and strength
  • Reduces fat mass
  • Promotes bone density
  • May stimulate hair follicle cycling
  • Anti-fibrotic effects in muscle tissue
  • Synergistic with IGF-1 and other anabolic peptides
  • Promotes skin tanning and melanin production
  • Reduces UV exposure needed to tan
  • Enhances libido and sexual function
  • May suppress appetite
  • Faster, deeper tan development
  • Longer-lasting tan maintenance
  • Potential photoprotective effects
Side Effects
  • Muscle soreness (from rapid hypertrophy)
  • Potential reproductive effects (activin inhibition)
  • Unknown long-term safety profile
  • Possible esophageal effects at high doses (animal data)
  • Nausea (very common, especially in first days)
  • Facial flushing
  • Spontaneous erections in men
  • Darkening or changes in existing moles (monitor closely)
  • +3 more
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