Melanotan 1 vs FOXO4-DRI
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Anti-Aging & Longevity
FOXO4-DRI- 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.
- FOXO4-DRI is a D-retro-inverso peptide derived from the FOXO4 protein that selectively induces apoptosis in senescent cells. By disrupting the FOXO4-p53 interaction that keeps senescent cells alive, it triggers programmed cell death specifically in these aging, pro-inflammatory cells while sparing healthy tissue.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Estimated 2-4 hours (D-amino acid confers resistance to proteolysis)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Subcutaneous, Intraperitoneal (research)
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 5 mg/kg in rodent studies; human equivalent approximately 0.5-1 mg/kg
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- 3 consecutive days per cycle
- 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
- Selectively clears senescent cells (senolytics)
- Reduces senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and chronic inflammation
- Demonstrated restoration of physical fitness in aged mice
- May improve healthspan and reduce age-related tissue dysfunction
- Potential for treatment of age-related pathologies driven by cellular senescence
- Does not affect healthy non-senescent cells at therapeutic doses
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Limited human data; largely preclinical evidence
- Possible temporary inflammatory response as senescent cells are cleared (senolytic effect)
- Weight loss observed at high doses in rodent studies
- Unknown long-term safety profile in humans
- Stacks With
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