Comparison
Melanotan II vs. Tesamorelin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Growth
CAS no.
121062-08-6
901758-09-6
Molecular weight
1024.18 g/mol
5135.83 g/mol
Half-life
1 h
0.4 h
Sequence
Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2trans-3-hexenoyl-Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-Gln-Gln-Gly-Glu-Ser-Asn-Gln-Glu-Arg-Gly-Ala-Arg-Ala-Arg-Leu-NH2Mechanism of action
Melanotan II
Melanotan II binds non-selectively to all five melanocortin-receptor subtypes (MC1R-MC5R). Via MC1R in melanocytes, eumelanin synthesis is stimulated (pigmenting effect). Via MC4R and MC3R in the CNS, appetite, sexual function and blood pressure are modulated. The cyclic structure and D-amino acids increase stability compared to natural α-MSH.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is an N-terminally modified 44-amino-acid version of human GHRH(1-44). A 3-hexenoyl modification protects against rapid dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV cleavage. Binding to the pituitary GHRH receptor stimulates endogenous pulsatile growth-hormone secretion and consequently hepatic IGF-1 production.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
5
2
of which in humans
5
2
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
0
0
Documented adverse events
3
2