Comparison
Afamelanotide vs. Teriparatid
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
52232-67-4
Molecular weight
1646.87 g/mol
4117.8 g/mol
Half-life
12 h
1 h
Sequence
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2Ser-Val-Ser-Glu-Ile-Gln-Leu-Met-His-Asn-Leu-Gly-Lys-His-Leu-Asn-Ser-Met-Glu-Arg-Val-Glu-Trp-Leu-Arg-Lys-Lys-Leu-Gln-Asp-Val-His-Asn-PheMechanism 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.
Teriparatid
Teriparatide corresponds to the biologically active first 34 amino acids of human parathyroid hormone and binds the PTH-1 receptor on bone and kidney cells. The literature describes that intermittent receptor activation preferentially stimulates the activity of bone-forming osteoblasts, whereas continuously elevated PTH exposure (as in hyperparathyroidism) tends to favor bone resorption. This time-dependent difference is regarded as the mechanistic basis for the bone-anabolic effect observed in studies.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
4
4
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 Teriparatid?
- Afamelanotide is classified as "Research other", while Teriparatid 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. Teriparatid: Teriparatide is the recombinant N-terminal fragment 1-34 of human parathyroid hormone (PTH). It is regulatory-approved and studied in the scientific literature as a bone-anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis. Unlike antiresorptive agents, studies attribute to it an effect that stimulates new bone formation. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Afamelanotide or Teriparatid?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Afamelanotide and "Human RCT" for Teriparatid. 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 Teriparatid in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Afamelanotide — Prescription, Teriparatid — Prescription. United States: Afamelanotide — Prescription, Teriparatid — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.