Melanotan 1 vs Survodutide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Survodutide- 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.
- Survodutide is a once-weekly GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma. Phase 2 trials demonstrated up to 18.7% body weight reduction at 46 weeks, among the highest reported for a dual agonist. It is being studied for obesity and MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis), where the glucagon component drives hepatic fat clearance.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- ~7 days
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 0.6 mg → 2.4 mg → 4.8 mg → 6 mg
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Once weekly
- 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
- Up to 18.7% body weight reduction at 46 weeks (Phase 2)
- Strong MASH activity — Phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE-NASH trials ongoing
- Reduces hepatic fat content via glucagon receptor-driven liver oxidation
- Once-weekly subcutaneous injection
- Greater weight loss potential than GLP-1 monotherapy
- Improvements in liver fibrosis markers in early data
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Nausea (most common during titration)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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