Melanotan 1 vs PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Sexual Health & Libido
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)- 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.
- PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a cyclic peptide melanocortin receptor agonist that enhances sexual desire and arousal through central nervous system mechanisms. It is FDA-approved as Vyleesi for premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- 2–3 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 0.5–1.75 mg
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- As needed (not daily)
- 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
- Enhances sexual desire and libido in both men and women
- Improves arousal through central nervous system activation
- Effective for psychological erectile dysfunction
- Works for female sexual arousal disorder
- May improve sexual satisfaction and intensity
- Fast-acting — effects within 45–60 minutes
- FDA-approved for HSDD in premenopausal women
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Nausea (most common — 40% of users in clinical trials)
- Facial flushing and warmth
- Transient blood pressure changes (typically increase then normalize)
- Headache
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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