Melanotan 1 vs VIP
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Immune SupportSleep Optimization
VIP- 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.
- VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with profound anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and immunomodulatory effects. It plays a critical role in gut motility, circadian rhythm, and immune tolerance. Used therapeutically for CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), MCAS, and inflammatory conditions.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- ~2 minutes in plasma (rapidly degraded by peptidases); intranasal delivery may extend local CNS effects
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Intranasal, SubQ, IV
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 50 mcg (4 sprays of 12.5 mcg each)
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- 4x 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
- Potent anti-inflammatory for CIRS and mold illness
- Improves pulmonary hypertension symptoms
- Regulates gut motility and IBS symptoms
- Modulates circadian rhythm and sleep quality
- Reduces mast cell activation (MCAS)
- Improves cognitive function in neuroinflammatory conditions
- Vasodilatory — reduces vascular resistance
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Facial flushing (transient, intranasal)
- Mild nausea
- Headache at initiation
- Hypotension at high doses
- +1 more
- Stacks With
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