Comparison
Afamelanotide vs. DSIP
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
75921-69-6
62568-57-4
Molecular weight
1646.87 g/mol
848.81 g/mol
Half-life
12 h
0.1 h
Sequence
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-GluMechanism of action
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.
DSIP
DSIP was described in 1977 by the Schoenenberger-Monnier group in Basel as a blood-borne substance reported to induce EEG changes similar to delta sleep in animal models. The exact mechanism remains undefined to this day: no defined receptor, proposed modulation of opioid, GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. Most mechanistic findings stem from preclinical studies of the 1980s and 1990s and were later subjected to contested replication attempts.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human trial
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
4
1
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
4
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Afamelanotide and DSIP?
- Afamelanotide is classified as "Research other", while DSIP is classified as "Research other". 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. DSIP: Synthetic nonapeptide isolated in 1977 by Guido Monnier and Marcel Schoenenberger from the blood of rabbits in delta sleep. Despite the name, the role in sleep regulation is contested and not confirmed by Western RCTs in larger populations. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Afamelanotide or DSIP?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Afamelanotide and "Human trial" for DSIP. 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 Afamelanotide and DSIP in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Afamelanotide — Prescription, DSIP — Unapproved. United States: Afamelanotide — Prescription, DSIP — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.