Thymosin Alpha-1 vs Melanotan 1
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Immune SupportAnti-Aging & Longevity
Thymosin Alpha-1Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1- Summary
- Thymosin Alpha-1 is a naturally occurring 28-amino acid peptide derived from the thymus gland. It is a powerful immune modulator approved in many countries for treating chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and as an adjunct in cancer immunotherapy.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- 2–3 hours
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.8–1.6 mg
- 0.5–1 mg
- Frequency
- Twice weekly
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Key Benefits
- Enhances T-cell and NK cell activity
- Supports recovery from viral and bacterial infections
- May reduce inflammation systemically
- Supports healthy aging and immune resilience
- Improves vaccine response
- Supports liver health
- May help with chronic fatigue syndrome and post-viral conditions
- Approved in multiple countries for hepatitis B and C treatment
- 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
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Mild flu-like symptoms initially (immune activation)
- Fatigue (rare)
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Stacks With
- —
- —