Melanotan 1 vs Eloralintide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Eloralintide- 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.
- Eloralintide is a long-acting amylin analog under development by OPKO Health. Amylin is co-secreted with insulin and regulates post-meal glucose by slowing gastric emptying, suppressing glucagon, and promoting satiety. Eloralintide is designed for once-weekly dosing, differentiating it from the short-acting pramlintide (Symlin). It is being studied for obesity and type 2 diabetes as a complement to GLP-1 based therapies.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- ~7 days (estimated, long-acting design)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- Under investigation in Phase 1/2 trials
- 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
- Once-weekly dosing (vs multiple daily injections for pramlintide)
- Appetite suppression via central amylin receptor activation
- Reduction in post-meal glucagon secretion
- Complementary mechanism to GLP-1 agonists for combination therapy
- Slows gastric emptying for prolonged satiety
- Potential additive weight loss when combined with GLP-1 agents
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Injection site reactions
- +1 more
- Stacks With
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