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Specimen Atlas of Research Peptides30 plates · MIT
PeptidesDBan atlas
Side-by-side · Research reference

Melanotan-IIvsTesofensine

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

APhase 1Reviewed9/43 cited
BPhase 3Draft10/40 cited
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
Tesofensine
SNDRI · Phase 3 obesity candidate
0.25–0.5 mgDaily doseAstrup 2008
9.2 kgWeight ↓ (24 wk)Astrup 2008
Phase 3Evidence levelAstrup 2008
Oral · Once daily morning

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter
Melanotan-II
Tesofensine
Primary target
MC1R (skin) + MC3R + MC4R (CNS sexual / appetite)Dorr 1996
Serotonin / norepinephrine / dopamine transporters (SERT / NET / DAT)Astrup 2008
Pathway
MC1R agonism → melanocyte tyrosinase → eumelanin synthesis. MC4R → autonomic sexual arousal centresDorr 1996Simerly 2023
Triple monoamine reuptake inhibition → ↑synaptic 5-HT, NE, DA → appetite suppression + thermogenesisAstrup 2008
Downstream effect
Skin darkening, photo-protection, increased sexual desire / spontaneous erectionDorr 1996
Strong appetite suppression, mild thermogenic effect, weight lossAstrup 2008
Feedback intact?
—
—
Origin
Cyclic 7-AA modified α-MSH analog; designed at University of ArizonaDorr 1996
Small molecule developed by NeuroSearch (Denmark) for CNS indications, repurposed for obesityAstrup 2008
Antibody development
—
—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter
Melanotan-II
Tesofensine
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.
—
Frequency
Daily during loading; 1–2× per week maintenance
Once daily, morning
Lower / starter dose
0.1 mg / day
Conservative starter — assess tolerability for nausea.
0.125 mg / day
Evidence basis
Phase 1 + anecdotalDorr 1996
Phase 2b + ongoing Phase 3Astrup 2008
Duration
8–12 weeks per cycle
24 weeks per studied cycle
Reconstitution
Bacteriostatic water; protect from light
—
Timing
Evening preferred (24h tan-development cycle)
Morning to avoid sleep disruption
Half-life
~1 hour plasma; effects on melanocytes persist days
~9 days (very long)
Standard dose
—
0.25–0.5 mg / dayAstrup 2008
Form
—
Oral capsule

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter
Melanotan-II
Tesofensine
Nausea
Common, especially loading phase
Common
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
—
Pregnancy / OB
Contraindicated
Contraindicated
Heart rate / BP
—
Dose-dependent ↑ HR + BPAstrup 2008
Insomnia
—
Dose-related; mitigate with morning timing
Dry mouth
—
Common
Mood changes
—
Anxiety / agitation possible
Cardiovascular events
—
Phase 3 trial monitoring; not yet FDA-cleared
Absolute Contraindications
Melanotan-II
  • ·History of melanoma or atypical mole syndrome
  • ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
  • ·Active uncontrolled hypertension
Tesofensine
  • ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
  • ·Severe cardiovascular disease
  • ·Concurrent MAOI use
Relative Contraindications
Melanotan-II
  • ·Significant freckling / dysplastic nevus
  • ·Personal or family melanoma history
Tesofensine
  • ·Hypertension
  • ·Anxiety disorder
  • ·Insomnia

05Administration Protocol

Parameter
Melanotan-II
Tesofensine
1. Reconstitution
Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 10 mg vial → 5 mg/mL = 500 mcg per 0.1 mL. Light-protected.
Oral capsule (investigational; not commercial).
2. Injection site
SQ — abdomen. Rotate sites.
Swallow whole with water, morning only.
3. Timing
Evening preferred. UV exposure (sunlight or tanning bed) helps develop tan.
Morning to mitigate insomnia. Do not dose evening.
4. Storage
Lyophilised: refrigerate, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.
Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.
5. Needle
29–31G insulin syringe.
Monitor BP + HR + mood. Avoid stimulants + MAOIs.