Confronto
Afamelanotide vs. Semax
Due peptidi a confronto — identità, base di evidenze, stato legale ed eventi avversi noti.
Identità
Categoria
Ricerca (altro)
Ricerca (altro)
N. CAS
75921-69-6
80714-61-0
Peso molecolare
1646.87 g/mol
813.92 g/mol
Emivita
12 h
0.3 h
Sequenza
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-ProMeccanismo d'azione
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.
Semax
Semax is a tetracosactide fragment analog without hormonal activity at MC2R. Proposed mechanisms include elevation of BDNF and NGF in hippocampus and striatum (in animal models), modulation of dopamine metabolism, and neuroprotective effects via anti-apoptotic pathways. A clear primary receptor is not established.
Base di evidenze
Evidenza più alta
RCT sull'uomo
Studio sull'uomo
Studi
4
4
di cui sull'uomo
4
2
Effetti registrati
4
3
Contraddizioni aperte
1
1
Eventi avversi documentati
4
1
Stato legale
Voci complete
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Afamelanotide and Semax?
- Afamelanotide is classified as "Ricerca (altro)", while Semax is classified as "Ricerca (altro)". 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. Semax: Synthetic heptapeptide derived from the N-terminal fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4-10). Approved in Russia for ischaemic stroke, cognitive function and ADHD in children. Western phase-3 trials absent. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Afamelanotide or Semax?
- The highest available evidence level is "RCT sull'uomo" for Afamelanotide and "Studio sull'uomo" for Semax. 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 Semax in Germany and the United States?
- Germania: Afamelanotide — Su prescrizione, Semax — Non approvato. Stati Uniti: Afamelanotide — Su prescrizione, Semax — Non approvato. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.