Comparison

Melanotan IPT-141

Both are melanocortin agonists, but with different selectivity and entirely different goals. MT-1 is MC1R-selective — pigmentation (FDA-approved Scenesse for EPP). PT-141 is MC4R-selective — central sexual stimulation (FDA-approved Vyleesi for HSDD in women).

Spec	A Melanotan I	B PT-141
Primary receptor	MC1R (melanocytes)	MC4R (hypothalamus)
Structure	Linear 13-aa analog (NDP-α-MSH)	Cyclized 7-aa analog
Primary effect	Melanogenesis → pigmentation (requires UV)	Sexual arousal (central)
FDA status	Approved (Scenesse, 2019) — EPP	Approved (Vyleesi, 2019) — HSDD in women
Dosing	250-500 mcg s.c. daily (loading)	1.0-1.75 mg s.c. as needed (max 8/month)
Primary side effect	Nausea, mole darkening	Nausea (40%), transient ↑BP

Choose A when

Melanotan I

For research on induced pigmentation without appetite/sexual side effects. Linear structure is more MC1R-selective than MT-2.

See full profile

Choose B when

PT-141

For central sexual arousal research — the only FDA-approved melanocortin for HSDD.

See full profile

Verdict

Not alternatives — different receptors, different effects. MT-1 for pigmentation, PT-141 for sexual arousal. Both FDA-approved for specific indications.

Other comparisons

Keep exploring

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide

Semaglutide vs Retatrutide

Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide

BPC-157 vs TB-500

Last reviewed: 6 May 2026by PeptidLabs Editorial

Comparison

Melanotan IPT-141

Spec	A Melanotan I	B PT-141
Primary receptor	MC1R (melanocytes)	MC4R (hypothalamus)
Structure	Linear 13-aa analog (NDP-α-MSH)	Cyclized 7-aa analog
Primary effect	Melanogenesis → pigmentation (requires UV)	Sexual arousal (central)
FDA status	Approved (Scenesse, 2019) — EPP	Approved (Vyleesi, 2019) — HSDD in women
Dosing	250-500 mcg s.c. daily (loading)	1.0-1.75 mg s.c. as needed (max 8/month)
Primary side effect	Nausea, mole darkening	Nausea (40%), transient ↑BP

Choose A when

Melanotan I

For research on induced pigmentation without appetite/sexual side effects. Linear structure is more MC1R-selective than MT-2.

See full profile

Choose B when

PT-141

For central sexual arousal research — the only FDA-approved melanocortin for HSDD.

See full profile

Verdict

Not alternatives — different receptors, different effects. MT-1 for pigmentation, PT-141 for sexual arousal. Both FDA-approved for specific indications.

Other comparisons

Keep exploring

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide

Semaglutide vs Retatrutide

Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide

BPC-157 vs TB-500

Last reviewed: 6 May 2026by PeptidLabs Editorial