Side-by-side · Research reference

AdamaxvsMT-1

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

AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED20/47 cited

BFDA-ApprovedHUMAN-REVIEWED9/51 cited

Adamax

ACTH(4-10) Analogue · Russian Nootropic

1.4×BDNF protein ↑Dolotov 2006

3×BDNF mRNA (exon III)Dolotov 2006

1.6×trkB phosphorylationDolotov 2006

Intranasal · Research Use Only

MT-1

α-MSH Analogue · FDA-Approved

16 mgImplant dose

13 AAPeptide lengthChawathe 2026

2019FDA approval

SQ Implant · 60-Day Release

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Adamax

MT-1

Primary target

Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex

Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytesLangan 2010

Pathway

ACTH(4-10) fragment → MC-R binding → BDNF/trkB upregulation → neurotrophic signaling

α-MSH analogue → MC1R activation → cAMP elevation → MITF transcription → eumelanin synthesis

Downstream effect

Increased hippocampal BDNF expression, trkB tyrosine phosphorylation, enhanced conditioned avoidance learning, circadian rhythm normalizationDolotov 2006 Arushanian 2008

Increased melanogenesis, photoprotection, reduced UV sensitivityLangan 2010

Feedback intact?

Non-endocrine — devoid of adrenal axis effectsvan 1978

Yes — exogenous MC1R agonism does not suppress endogenous α-MSH production

Origin

ACTH(4-10) fragment with modified amino acid sequence at positions 8, 9, 10Teter 2001

Synthetic 13-AA peptidomimetic with norleucine (position 4) and D-phenylalanine (position 7) substitutions for metabolic stabilityChawathe 2026

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Adamax

MT-1

Animal dose (rat)

50 mcg/kg body weightDolotov 2006

Single intranasal application; produced maximal BDNF response.

—

Route

IntranasalDolotov 2006 Smolnik 2000

Subcutaneous implant — upper arm or abdomen

Frequency

Single-dose or chronic administration protocols

Chronic dosing normalized circadian rhythms; single-dose produced acute BDNF elevation.

Every 60 days

Sustained release implant — no daily administration required.

Human dose (exploratory)

Not established — limited human data

ACTH(4-10) and analogs dosed 30–60 mcg intranasally in early human studies.

—

Evidence basis

Animal (rodent, rabbit) studies; minimal human RCT data

Phase 3 RCT / FDA-approved orphan drug

Timing

Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects

—

Standard dose

—

16 mg subcutaneous implant

FDA-approved formulation (Scenesse).

Indication

—

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)

Narrow FDA approval — not licensed for cosmetic tanning.

Duration

—

Seasonal use (spring–autumn typical)

Aligned with peak UV exposure months.

Stability

—

Norleucine/D-Phe substitutions enhance peptidase resistance

Modified structure vs endogenous α-MSH (Met⁴, L-Phe⁷).

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Adamax

MT-1

Cardiovascular effects

ACTH(4-10) fragments may have pressor and cardioaccelerator actions at high dosesGruber 1984

Effects attenuated by α/β-receptor antagonists; observed at 30–1000 nmol/kg IV in rats.

—

Natriuretic effect

ACTH(4-10) exhibited natriuretic activity at lower doses (7 nmol/kg)Gruber 1984

—

Behavioral suppression

Suppression of aggression, reduced orientation-cognition reactions in rabbitsTeter 2001

May reflect anxiolytic or stress-dampening profile.

—

Long-term safety

Unknown — chronic human safety data lacking

—

Nausea

—

Common (>10%) — mild, transient

Implant site reaction

—

Erythema, bruising, tenderness at insertion site

Hyperpigmentation

—

Generalised tanning (therapeutic effect), darkening of freckles/neviLangan 2010 Habbema 2017

Expected melanogenic response — complicates pigmented lesion surveillance.

Melanocytic changes

—

Rapid pigmentation of existing nevi; new melanocytic lesions reported with unregulated useHabbema 2017

Requires dermatologic monitoring; theoretical melanoma concern with chronic stimulation.

Headache

—

Occasional (MC1R-independent melanocortin effects)

Photosensitivity (paradoxical)

—

Rare phototoxic reactions despite melanin increase

Contamination risk (unregulated)

—

Impurity, infection, blood-borne virus transmission from illicit melanotan productsLangan 2010 Habbema 2017

Applies to internet/gym-sourced 'melanotan' — not FDA-approved Scenesse.

Absolute Contraindications

Adamax

·Pregnancy and lactation (precautionary; no data)
·Active cardiovascular instability (due to potential pressor effects)

MT-1

·Hypersensitivity to afamelanotide or excipients
·Hepatic impairment (no safety data)
·Renal impairment (no safety data)

Relative Contraindications

Adamax

·Hypertension (monitor BP if using higher doses)
·Renal impairment (natriuretic effects may alter electrolyte balance)

MT-1

·History of melanoma or atypical nevi (melanocortin receptor stimulation concern)Habbema 2017
·Pregnancy/lactation (insufficient data)
·Photosensitive dermatoses (other than EPP)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Adamax

MT-1

1. Reconstitution (if lyophilised)

Add sterile water or bacteriostatic water to lyophilised vial per manufacturer guidance. Roll gently — do not shake. Ensure clarity before use.

Performed by trained healthcare provider. Sterile technique. Small incision in upper arm (triceps) or lower abdomen using trocar. 16 mg rod (4 mm × 1.5 cm) inserted subcutaneously.

2. Route

Intranasal administration is the primary route in animal and exploratory human studies. Delivered via nasal spray or dropper to ensure mucosal absorption.Dolotov 2006 Smolnik 2000

Pressure applied post-insertion. Sterile dressing × 24 hrs. Avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hrs to prevent extrusion.

3. Timing

Variable. Single-dose protocols for acute cognitive tasks; chronic daily dosing for circadian rhythm normalization and sustained neuroprotection.

Slow biodegradable polymer matrix releases afamelanotide over 60 days, maintaining therapeutic plasma levels without daily dosing.

4. Storage

Lyophilised: room temperature, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within manufacturer-specified timeframe.

New implant every 60 days during high UV season (spring–autumn in temperate climates). Rotate implant sites to avoid scarring.

5. Monitoring

—

Baseline and periodic dermatologic exams to document pigmented lesions. Patient education on self-examination for new/changing nevi.

06Stack Synergy

Adamax

+ Semax

Moderate

View Semax →

Both Adamax and Semax are ACTH(4-10)-derived nootropics acting via melanocortin receptors and BDNF upregulation. Adamax has distinct amino acid modifications at positions 8-10, potentially offering complementary receptor binding profiles or metabolic stability. Stacking may amplify neurotrophic signaling and cognitive enhancement, though direct synergy studies are absent. Theoretical multi-pathway benefit.

Adamax: Research dose intranasal
Semax: 300–600 mcg intranasal
Frequency: Once daily, morning or pre-cognitive task
Primary benefit: Enhanced BDNF upregulation, cognitive performance, neuroprotection

MT-1

— no documented stacks