Comparison
Afamelanotide vs. Octreotide
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
83150-76-9
Molecular weight
1646.87 g/mol
1019.24 g/mol
Half-life
12 h
1.7 h
Sequence
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2D-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Thr(ol)Mechanism 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.
Octreotide
Octreotide is a cyclic octapeptide that selectively binds somatostatin-receptor subtypes SSTR2 and SSTR5. Via G-protein-coupled signalling, adenylyl cyclase is inhibited, reducing the secretion of multiple hormones (growth hormone, IGF-1, glucagon, insulin, VIP, serotonin). Structural stabilisation via a disulfide bridge and D-amino acids extends the half-life relative to natural somatostatin (minutes to several hours).
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
4
5
of which in humans
4
4
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
4
2
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Afamelanotide and Octreotide?
- Afamelanotide is classified as "Research other", while Octreotide 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. Octreotide: Synthetic octapeptide somatostatin analog with a longer half-life than endogenous somatostatin. FDA- and EMA-approved since the 1980s for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Afamelanotide or Octreotide?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Afamelanotide and "Human RCT" for Octreotide. 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 Octreotide in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Afamelanotide — Prescription, Octreotide — Prescription. United States: Afamelanotide — Prescription, Octreotide — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.