Melanotan 1 vs PEG-MGF
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Anabolic & IGF
PEG-MGF- 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.
- PEG-MGF (Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor) is a modified form of MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) where polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains have been attached to extend its half-life from minutes to days. Native MGF is released locally in muscle in response to mechanical stress and quickly degrades. PEGylation allows systemic administration with sustained circulation, enabling whole-body muscle repair and anabolic signaling rather than the purely local effect of native MGF.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- ~3 days (due to PEGylation)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 200–400 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
- Extended half-life (~3 days) vs native MGF (minutes)
- Systemic muscle satellite cell activation via subcutaneous injection
- Promotes muscle fiber repair and hypertrophy throughout the body
- Enhanced recovery from intense training or muscle injury
- Synergistic with IGF-1 LR3 and growth hormone peptides
- Useful in sarcopenia, post-injury recovery, and athletic performance
- Single injection provides multi-day anabolic signaling
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Water retention and localized swelling
- Potential hypoglycemia at high doses
- Theoretical cancer growth risk (growth factor)
- Injection site reactions
- +1 more
- Stacks With
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