Melanotan 1 vs SLU-PP-332
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Recovery & RepairFat Loss & Metabolic
SLU-PP-332- 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.
- SLU-PP-332 is a small molecule exercise mimetic that activates estrogen-related receptors ERRalpha and ERRdelta (ERRa/d), transcription factors that drive oxidative metabolism programs. In animal studies it significantly enhanced endurance capacity and metabolic fitness without exercise, mimicking many of the cardiovascular and metabolic adaptations of aerobic training.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Not established in humans; rodent pharmacokinetics suggest hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Oral (research), Subcutaneous (research)
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- Not established for humans; rodent studies used ~100 mg/kg/day
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Once daily in rodent studies
- 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
- Significant enhancement of aerobic endurance capacity
- Increases mitochondrial density and oxidative metabolism in muscle
- Promotes beneficial shift toward oxidative muscle fiber phenotype
- Improves cardiac efficiency and cardiovascular fitness markers
- Potential for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart failure treatment
- Exercise mimetic for populations unable to exercise (disability, frailty, disease)
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Limited human data; all studies are preclinical (rodent)
- Unknown cardiovascular effects with long-term or high-dose use in humans
- Potential hormonal interactions via ERR pathway (ERRs modulate estrogen-related signaling)
- Off-target effects not fully characterized
- Stacks With
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