Melanotan 1 vs Dulaglutide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Dulaglutide- 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.
- Dulaglutide (brand name Trulicity) is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes management and cardiovascular risk reduction. It consists of two GLP-1 analog chains fused to a modified IgG4 Fc fragment, extending its half-life to approximately 5 days. While primarily a diabetes medication, it produces meaningful weight loss and has established cardiovascular outcomes data from the REWIND trial.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- ~5 days
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 0.75 mg → 1.5 mg
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Once weekly
- 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
- FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
- Once-weekly subcutaneous dosing via auto-injector pen
- Reduces HbA1c by approximately 1.1–1.6%
- Modest weight loss of 1.5–3 kg at approved doses
- Demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction (REWIND trial)
- Established long-term safety profile
- Renal protective effects in CKD
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Nausea (most common, typically transient)
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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