Melanotan-1 vs PT-141
Key differences, research and prices — side by side.
Both are melanocortin agonists derived from alpha-MSH, and both are FDA-approved for different conditions. Afamelanotide (Melanotan-1) acts on the MC1R receptor in pigment cells (Scenesse, for erythropoietic protoporphyria). Bremelanotide (PT-141) acts on MC4R in the brain (Vyleesi, for hypoactive sexual desire disorder).
| Melanotan-1 | PT-141 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). | PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a synthetic peptide derived from melanotan-2. |
| How it works | It activates the melanocortin-1 receptor on pigment cells, increasing production of eumelanin, the skin’s dark protective pigment. | It activates melanocortin receptors in the brain (mainly MC4R) that are involved in sexual arousal pathways, rather than acting on blood flow. |
| Research areas |
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| Evidence | Approved drug | Approved drug |
| Regulatory status | FDA-approved in 2019 as an implant (Scenesse) for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare light-sensitivity disorder. | FDA-approved in 2019 (Vyleesi) for premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. |
| Research area | Melanocortin | Reproductive |
| Sequence | — | — |
| Lowest price | $3.40/mg → | $3.82/mg → |
| Tested vendors | 2 | 2 |
| Third-party lab results | 3 COAs | 4 COAs |
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Educational comparison of published research — not medical advice, and not a recommendation of either compound. Prices are for reference only. Compounds referenced are sold by third parties for laboratory research use only and are not for human consumption.