Vergelijking
Afamelanotide vs. Melanotan II
Twee peptiden naast elkaar — identiteit, bewijsbasis, juridische status en bekende bijwerkingen.
Identiteit
Categorie
Onderzoek (overig)
Onderzoek (overig)
CAS-nr.
75921-69-6
121062-08-6
Molecuulmassa
1646.87 g/mol
1024.18 g/mol
Halfwaardetijd
12 h
1 h
Sequentie
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2Werkingsmechanisme
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.
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.
Bewijsbasis
Hoogste bewijs
Humane RCT
Humane studie
Studies
4
9
waarvan bij mensen
4
5
Geregistreerde effecten
4
4
Openstaande tegenstrijdigheden
1
1
Gedocumenteerde bijwerkingen
4
6
Juridische status
Volledige vermeldingen
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Afamelanotide and Melanotan II?
- Afamelanotide is classified as "Onderzoek (overig)", while Melanotan II is classified as "Onderzoek (overig)". 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. Melanotan II: Cyclic hepta-peptide and non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist. Originally researched at the University of Arizona as a sun-protection concept — never approved as a medicine. Widespread on the black market; regulatory warnings for cardiovascular and oncological risks. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Afamelanotide or Melanotan II?
- The highest available evidence level is "Humane RCT" for Afamelanotide and "Humane studie" for Melanotan II. 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 Melanotan II in Germany and the United States?
- Duitsland: Afamelanotide — Op recept, Melanotan II — Niet goedgekeurd. Verenigde Staten: Afamelanotide — Op recept, Melanotan II — Niet goedgekeurd. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.