Melanotan 1 vs LL-37
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Immune SupportRecovery & Repair
LL-37- 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.
- LL-37 is the only known human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. It kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses by disrupting their membranes, while simultaneously modulating immune responses. Used for antimicrobial protection, immune priming, and wound healing.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Very short (~1–2 hours) in plasma due to protease degradation; topical use bypasses systemic clearance
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, Topical, Intranasal
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 100–300 mcg
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- 2–3x per week
- 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
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial (bacteria, fungi, viruses)
- Promotes wound healing and angiogenesis
- Immune system modulation — enhances innate immunity
- Reduces LPS-mediated endotoxemia
- Anti-biofilm activity against resistant organisms
- Promotes tissue regeneration and keratinocyte migration
- May protect against sepsis
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Injection site redness and irritation
- Mild inflammatory response at injection site
- Potential pro-inflammatory at high doses
- Rare: fever or flu-like symptoms at initiation
- Stacks With
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