Melanotan 1 vs Cartalax
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Anti-Aging & Longevity
Cartalax- Summary
- 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.
- Cartalax is a tetrapeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson for cartilage and connective tissue. It is tissue-specific for chondrocytes and cartilaginous structures, supporting cartilage matrix synthesis, slowing degenerative changes, and promoting joint longevity. It is used in the context of osteoarthritis, joint aging, and athletic cartilage preservation.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Short (minutes); gene-regulatory effects are sustained
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, Oral
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 10 mg per day
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Daily for 10–30 days
- Key Benefits
- 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
- Supports cartilage matrix synthesis and maintenance
- May slow progression of osteoarthritic cartilage degradation
- Reduces chondrocyte apoptosis
- Promotes joint longevity in aging and high-impact sports
- Anti-aging effects on connective tissue
- Complementary to BPC-157 and TB-500 in joint recovery protocols
- Well tolerated in available human and animal research
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions
- No significant adverse events reported at standard doses
- Stacks With
- —
- —