Melanotan 1 vs Follistatin 315
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Anabolic & IGF
Follistatin 315- 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.
- Follistatin 315 is a splice variant isoform of follistatin produced by alternative mRNA processing. Unlike Follistatin 344 which is tethered to cell surfaces via heparan sulfate proteoglycans, FST-315 circulates freely in the bloodstream and has broader systemic distribution. It is the predominant circulating form and exerts systemic myostatin inhibition as well as FSH suppression, making it relevant to both muscle growth and reproductive endocrinology.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- ~3–5 hours (longer systemic circulation vs FST-344)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, IM
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- No established human dosing protocol
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Research use only
- 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
- Systemic myostatin inhibition for whole-body muscle growth
- Freely circulating — broader tissue distribution than FST-344
- Strong FSH-suppressive activity useful in certain hormonal protocols
- Potential for greater anabolic effect across multiple muscle groups simultaneously
- May be more relevant to reproductive endocrinology applications
- Studied in gene therapy approaches for muscular dystrophy
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Systemic FSH suppression — significant concern for fertility
- Greater potential for off-target effects vs FST-344 due to systemic distribution
- Limited human safety data
- Potential cardiac hypertrophy with prolonged high-dose exposure
- Stacks With
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