Comparison
Abaloparatid vs. Afamelanotide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
247062-33-5
75921-69-6
Molecular weight
3960.6 g/mol
1646.87 g/mol
Half-life
1.7 h
12 h
Sequence
Ala-Val-Ser-Glu-His-Gln-Leu-Leu-His-Asp-Lys-Gly-Lys-Ser-Ile-Gln-Asp-Leu-Arg-Arg-Arg-Glu-Leu-Leu-Glu-Lys-Leu-Leu-Aib-Lys-Leu-His-Thr-Ala-NH2Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2Mechanism of action
Abaloparatid
Abaloparatide is a synthetic analogue of the first 34 amino acids of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP). Like parathyroid hormone and teriparatide it binds the PTH-1 receptor, but the literature describes it as preferentially engaging the so-called RG conformation of the receptor, which is associated with shorter signaling duration. As for the entire drug class, intermittent receptor activation is regarded as the mechanistic basis for the stimulation of bone-forming osteoblasts observed in studies, whereas continuously elevated exposure would tend to favor bone resorption. From this binding behavior the literature derives a discussed balance between bone formation and bone resorption.
Afamelanotide
Afamelanotide is a synthetic analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It differs from native α-MSH by two substitutions — norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7 — which make it metabolically more stable and more potent. As an agonist at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, it activates adenylate cyclase, raises cAMP and increases tyrosinase activity via the transcription factor MITF. This shifts pigment synthesis toward eumelanin, which absorbs UV and visible light and has antioxidant properties — the presumed mechanism of photoprotection in EPP.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
4
4
Effects recorded
4
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
2
4
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Abaloparatid and Afamelanotide?
- Abaloparatid is classified as "Research other", while Afamelanotide is classified as "Research other". Abaloparatid: Abaloparatide is a synthetic 34-amino-acid analogue of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP 1-34). It is regulatory-approved and studied in the scientific literature as a bone-anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high fracture risk. Like the related teriparatide, studies describe it as stimulating new bone formation, but it exhibits a distinct receptor-binding profile. Afamelanotide: Afamelanotide (brand name Scenesse) is a synthetic 13-amino-acid analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and a melanocortin-1 receptor agonist. Unlike most peptides covered here, it is a regularly approved medicine: EMA approval in 2014/2015, FDA approval in 2019, in each case as a subcutaneous implant for the prevention of phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). It promotes eumelanin formation in the skin. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Abaloparatid or Afamelanotide?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Abaloparatid and "Human RCT" for Afamelanotide. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Abaloparatid and Afamelanotide in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Abaloparatid — Prescription, Afamelanotide — Prescription. United States: Abaloparatid — Prescription, Afamelanotide — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.