KPV vs Melanotan I
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
KPV
KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It retains the potent anti-inflammatory properties of the parent hormone without the tanning or other melanocortin effects.
Full details →Melanotan I
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic disorder causing severe sun sensitivity.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | KPV | Melanotan I |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Inhibits NF-κB activation and reduces inflammatory cytokine production. Enters cells and directly modulates inflammatory signaling without requiring melanocortin receptors. | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. |
| Typical Dosage | Oral/sublingual: 200-500mcg 1-3 times daily. Topical formulations for localized inflammation. Also used in enemas for gut inflammation. | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. |
| Administration | Can be taken orally, sublingually, or as suppositories/enemas for gut inflammation. Topical use for skin conditions. Stable orally unlike most peptides. | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. |
| Side Effects | Generally very well-tolerated. Minimal systemic effects due to targeted anti-inflammatory action. | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both KPV and Melanotan I are commonly used for: