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ToolsCompareMelanotan II vs PE-22-28

Melanotan II vs PE-22-28

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Sexual Health & Libido
Melanotan II
Cognitive Enhancement
PE-22-28
Summary
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that stimulates melanin production (skin tanning), suppresses appetite, and enhances sexual function. It is not FDA-approved and has significant safety concerns including mole changes and cardiovascular effects.
PE-22-28 is a synthetic analog of spadin derived from sortilin, designed to block TREK-1 potassium channels with rapid-onset antidepressant and neurogenic effects. It shows fast-acting depression relief (within 24 hours) and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis.
Half-Life
1–2 hours
Relatively short; CNS effects may persist due to neurogenic mechanisms
Admin Route
SubQ
SubQ, Intranasal
Research
Typical Dose
0.25–0.5 mg
200–400 mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Once daily
Key Benefits
  • Promotes skin tanning and melanin production
  • Reduces UV exposure needed to tan
  • Enhances libido and sexual function
  • May suppress appetite
  • Faster, deeper tan development
  • Longer-lasting tan maintenance
  • Potential photoprotective effects
  • Rapid-onset antidepressant effects (within 24 hours)
  • Promotes hippocampal neurogenesis
  • Improves cognitive performance and memory
  • Reduces anxiety and depressive behavior
  • Novel mechanism — does not act on serotonin/dopamine/GABA receptors directly
  • May help treatment-resistant depression
  • Neuroprotective effects
Side Effects
  • Nausea (very common, especially in first days)
  • Facial flushing
  • Spontaneous erections in men
  • Darkening or changes in existing moles (monitor closely)
  • +3 more
  • Generally well tolerated in animal models
  • Limited human data available
  • Possible mild headache or transient mood changes at initiation
  • Injection site reactions (SC)
Stacks With