α-MSH analoguesα-MSH / melanocortin agonistA peptide that activates melanocortin receptors (an α-melanocyte-stimulating-hormone analogue), modulating pigmentation and other central pathways.
Melanotan-1 vs Melanotan-2
The table compares the compounds’ key data from their entry pages. Open each compound’s full entry for details. Educational content, not medical advice.
 Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide) |  Melanotan-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | α-MSH analog, approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria | Synthetic α-MSH analog: pigmentation and libido modulation |
| Type | α-MSH analog | Cyclic heptapeptide (MC1-5R agonist) |
| Structure | [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH | Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂ |
| Status | FDA approved (EPP) | — |
| Route | SC implant | — |
| Storage | 2–8°C | 2–8°C (reconstituted) |
| Source | Placeholder, image later | — |
| Molecular weight | — | ~1024 Da |
| Target area | — | Skin pigmentation, libido |
| Stability | — | 25–30 days (reconstituted) |
| Full entry | Open → | Open → |
What it is
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide)α-MSH analog, approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria
Melanotan-2Synthetic α-MSH analog: pigmentation and libido modulation
Type
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide)α-MSH analog
Melanotan-2Cyclic heptapeptide (MC1-5R agonist)
Structure
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide)[Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH
Melanotan-2Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂
Status
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide)FDA approved (EPP)
Melanotan-2—
Route
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide)SC implant
Melanotan-2—
Storage
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide)2–8°C
Melanotan-22–8°C (reconstituted)
Source
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide)Placeholder, image later
Melanotan-2—
Molecular weight
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide)—
Melanotan-2~1024 Da
Target area
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide)—
Melanotan-2Skin pigmentation, libido
Stability
Melanotan-1 (Afamelanotide)—
Melanotan-225–30 days (reconstituted)