Side-by-side · Research reference

5-Amino-1MQvsMelanotan-II

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-StrongDraft8/38 cited

BPhase 1Reviewed9/43 cited

5-Amino-1MQ

NNMT inhibitor · Methylation / SAM modulation

100–200 mgDaily dose (oral)Neelakantan 2018

AnimalEvidence levelNeelakantan 2018

HoursHalf-life (est)

Oral · Once daily fasted

Melanotan-II

MC1R + MC4R agonist · Tanning + sexual response

0.25–1.0 mgPer doseDorr 1996

Phase 1Evidence levelDorr 1996

~1 hrHalf-life

SQ · Abdomen · Loading 5–7 days, then maintenance

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

5-Amino-1MQ

Melanotan-II

Primary target

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)Neelakantan 2018

MC1R (skin) + MC3R + MC4R (CNS sexual / appetite)Dorr 1996

Pathway

NNMT inhibition → preserved cellular SAM + NAD⁺ → restored methylation balance + ↑ thermogenic gene expressionNeelakantan 2018

MC1R agonism → melanocyte tyrosinase → eumelanin synthesis. MC4R → autonomic sexual arousal centresDorr 1996 Simerly 2023

Downstream effect

Reversal of HFD-induced obesity in murine models; improved metabolic profileNeelakantan 2018

Skin darkening, photo-protection, increased sexual desire / spontaneous erectionDorr 1996

Feedback intact?

—

Origin

Selective small-molecule inhibitor designed in academic medicinal chemistry programsNeelakantan 2018

Cyclic 7-AA modified α-MSH analog; designed at University of ArizonaDorr 1996

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

5-Amino-1MQ

Melanotan-II

Standard dose

100–200 mg / day oralNeelakantan 2018

Anecdotal community range; murine doses scaled.

—

Frequency

Once daily, fasted

Daily during loading; 1–2× per week maintenance

Lower / starter dose

50 mg / day

0.1 mg / day

Conservative starter — assess tolerability for nausea.

Evidence basis

Animal-strong; no human RCT dataNeelakantan 2018

Phase 1 + anecdotalDorr 1996

Duration

8–12 weeks per cycle

Form

Oral capsule

—

Timing

Morning fasted preferred

Evening preferred (24h tan-development cycle)

Half-life

Hours (estimated; no human PK published)

~1 hour plasma; effects on melanocytes persist days

Loading phase

—

0.25–0.5 mg/day SQ × 5–7 daysDorr 1996

Builds up to visible tan.

Maintenance

—

0.5–1.0 mg 1–2×/week

After visible tan develops; supports with UV exposure.

Reconstitution

—

Bacteriostatic water; protect from light

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

5-Amino-1MQ

Melanotan-II

GI symptoms

Mild nausea (anecdotal)

—

Methylation disruption

Theoretical risk if NNMT is over-inhibited (B vitamin metabolism)

—

Long-term safety

Unknown — no human trials

—

Cancer risk

Unclear — NNMT also studied in oncology contexts

—

Pregnancy / OB

Avoid

Contraindicated

Drug interactions

Theoretical with niacin / B-vitamin supplements

—

Nausea

—

Common, especially loading phase

Flushing

—

Common transient

Spontaneous erection

—

Common in men — MC4R cross-effectDorr 1996

Increased mole / freckle pigmentation

—

Existing moles darken; new lesions possible

Melanoma risk

—

Theoretical concern — increased melanocyte activity; CAUTION in melanoma history

Appetite suppression

—

MC4R-mediated; mild

Absolute Contraindications

5-Amino-1MQ

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Active malignancy

Melanotan-II

·History of melanoma or atypical mole syndrome
·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Active uncontrolled hypertension

Relative Contraindications

5-Amino-1MQ

·Methylation-sensitive conditions (MTHFR mutation)
·Concurrent niacin / NAD+ precursor supplementation (theoretical interference)

Melanotan-II

·Significant freckling / dysplastic nevus
·Personal or family melanoma history

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

5-Amino-1MQ

Melanotan-II

1. Form

Oral capsule. No injection.

Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 10 mg vial → 5 mg/mL = 500 mcg per 0.1 mL. Light-protected.

2. Administration

Take with water, fasted preferred.

SQ — abdomen. Rotate sites.

3. Timing

Morning fasted.

Evening preferred. UV exposure (sunlight or tanning bed) helps develop tan.

4. Storage

Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.

Lyophilised: refrigerate, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.

5. Caveat

Monitor B-vitamin status with chronic use.

29–31G insulin syringe.