Head to head
Melanotan I against Melanotan II
One of these is an approved medicine and one is not, and the names invite people to treat them as versions of the same thing. Melanotan I is approved to protect people with a rare light-sensitivity disorder; Melanotan II is unapproved, less selective, and the source of the safety reports.
Column A
Melanotan IAfamelanotide (Melanotan I)
An FDA-approved melanocortin agonist that increases skin pigmentation to protect people with a rare light-sensitivity disorder.
Column B
Melanotan IIMelanotan II (melanocortin receptor agonist)
An unapproved melanocortin agonist studied for skin pigmentation and libido, with notable safety concerns.
Side by side, on the facts we can check
| Attribute | Melanotan I | Melanotan II |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Melanocortin | Melanocortin |
| FDA status | FDA-approved (Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria | Not approved; flagged by regulators |
| Half-life | ~30 minutes (implant provides sustained release) | ~1 hour |
| Molecular weight | 1,646.9 Da | 1,024.2 Da |
| Mechanism | Agonizes the melanocortin-1 receptor to stimulate eumelanin production, increasing photoprotective skin pigmentation. | Broadly agonizes melanocortin receptors, stimulating melanogenesis (MC1R) and central pathways affecting appetite and sexual function (MC4R). |
| Human studies cited | 2 | 3 |
| Legal status, US | FDA-approved for a specific indication, prescription only | Not approved; research use only |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Melanotan I and Melanotan II?
Melanotan I: An FDA-approved melanocortin agonist that increases skin pigmentation to protect people with a rare light-sensitivity disorder. Melanotan II: An unapproved melanocortin agonist studied for skin pigmentation and libido, with notable safety concerns.
Which has stronger research evidence, Melanotan I or Melanotan II?
This database does not grade compounds. It counts what was run in people: 2 of the 2 studies cited on the Melanotan I profile were human work, against 3 of 3 for Melanotan II. Those counts are of our own citation lists and understate any larger literature, and neither is a recommendation.
Are Melanotan I and Melanotan II FDA-approved?
Melanotan I: FDA-approved (Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Melanotan II: Not approved; flagged by regulators.
Related posts
Blog articles that cover Melanotan I or Melanotan II, newest first.
Reviewed Sep 2026. This page sets two published records side by side. It is educational, it is not medical advice, and it contains no dosing protocols or recommendations for personal use.