Melanotan 1 vs Thymalin
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Immune SupportAnti-Aging & Longevity
Thymalin- 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.
- Thymalin is a polypeptide complex isolated from calf thymus glands (developed by the Russian Gerontology Institute), shown to restore immune function, extend lifespan, and reverse thymic involution. Clinical studies demonstrate improved immune parameters and up to 40% reduction in mortality in elderly patients.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Not well characterized as a complex extract; individual peptides have varying kinetics
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, IM
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 10 mg IM or SC daily
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Once 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
- Restores thymic function and T-cell immunity
- Extends healthy lifespan (documented in long-term studies)
- Reduces infectious disease incidence in elderly
- Normalizes immune parameters in immunodeficiency
- Anti-tumor immune surveillance
- Improves vaccine response in elderly
- Reduces cardiovascular mortality (40% in landmark Russian study)
- Normalizes neuroendocrine function
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Very well tolerated in decades of Russian clinical use
- Mild injection site reactions
- Rare: mild allergic reaction (natural extract)
- Transient flu-like symptoms on initiation (immune activation)
- Stacks With
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