Acetyl tetrapeptide-5
is used in cosmetic eye formulations to decrease puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles by reducing edema and protecting proteins such as SOD from glycation
Alanine
Ala / A · hydrophobic residue · neutral charge
AOD-9604
is studied as an anti-obesity peptide that can reduce weight gain and increase fat oxidation in obese animal models with generally neutral effects on IGF-1 and glucose metabolism in early human trials
Arginine
Arg / R · basic residue · positive charge
Argireline
is a topical cosmetic peptide reported to decrease dynamic wrinkles by partially mimicking the mechanism of botulinum toxin in a non-invasive manner
Asparagine
Asn / N · polar residue · neutral charge
Aspartic acid
Asp / D · acidic residue · negative charge
BPC-157
is investigated for accelerating healing of gastrointestinal mucosa, tendons, ligaments, bone, and nervous tissue in preclinical models, with anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects
Comparison
While Melanotan I is approved in some regions for prevention of phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria and is studied as a skin-darkening, photoprotective peptide3444, Setmelanotide is approved for chronic weight management in patients with POMC, PCSK1, LEPR deficiencies and Bardet–Biedl syndrome by reducing hunger and promoting weight loss92.
While Melanotan I works as a linear 13-amino-acid analog of α-MSH (afamelanotide) that selectively activates MC1R on melanocytes, increasing eumelanin synthesis and providing photoprotection3444, Setmelanotide is a potent synthetic melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist derived from a POMC/α-MSH–related sequence that restores downstream MC4R signaling in genetic obesity syndromes3192100.
Melanotan I
POMC
Setmelanotide
POMC
Melanotan I and Setmelanotide sit closest together within the Melanocortin family, which gives them a broadly related biological identity. Their typical research and application settings separate fairly clearly: Melanotan I is more often discussed in the realm of Dermatology and aesthetics, whereas Setmelanotide is more often associated with the realm of Metabolic and endocrine. Mechanistically, both point toward Receptor agonist and converge on Melanocortin receptor, although the downstream emphasis is not identical. Melanotan I has a more synthetic analog origin, while Setmelanotide is closer to synthetic design background and their development context also differs, with Melanotan I approved for Research use only while Setmelanotide is approved. Melanotan I takes the form of a linear peptide, whereas Setmelanotide is closer to a cyclic peptide.
No related articles are linked to these peptides yet.