Melanotan 1 vs Vesugen
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Anti-Aging & Longevity
Vesugen- 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.
- Vesugen is a tripeptide bioregulator (Lys-Glu-Asp) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson, tissue-specific for blood vessels and the vascular endothelium. It supports endothelial cell function, promotes vascular wall integrity, and is studied for atherosclerosis prevention, vascular aging, and cardiovascular health maintenance. It is one of the more broadly applicable Khavinson bioregulators given the ubiquity of vascular tissue.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Short (minutes); sustained gene-regulatory effects
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, Oral
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 10 mg per day
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Daily for 10–30 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
- Supports vascular endothelial cell function and integrity
- May reduce endothelial inflammation and dysfunction
- Anti-aging effects on blood vessel walls
- Potential benefits in early atherosclerosis and vascular aging
- Supports nitric oxide-mediated vascular tone
- Reduces endothelial apoptosis from oxidative stress
- Complementary to Cardiogen and Epithalon in cardiovascular longevity protocols
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions
- No significant vascular adverse events reported at standard doses
- Stacks With
- —
- —