Melanotan 1 vs Pinealon
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Cognitive EnhancementAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pinealon- 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.
- Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation, designed to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and exert neuroprotective, neurogenic, and anti-aging effects by regulating pineal gland and brain cell function.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Short (peptides rapidly degraded), but epigenetic/gene regulatory effects persist
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, Oral, Intranasal
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 5–10 mg (oral) or 50–100 mcg (SC)
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Once daily for 10 days
- 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
- Neuroprotection against oxidative stress and hypoxia
- Promotes neuronal regeneration and repair
- Improves memory and cognitive function
- Enhances sleep quality via melatonin regulation
- Anti-aging effects on brain cells
- May slow cognitive decline in neurodegeneration
- Improves cerebrovascular circulation
- Reduces neuroinflammation
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Excellent safety profile in clinical use
- Rare: mild drowsiness
- Transient mild headache at initiation
- Injection site reaction (SC)
- Stacks With
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