Comparison Centre
Two compounds, the same questions, no cherry-picking
Marketing compares compounds on whichever measure flatters them. This compares them on the same fields every time — including the awkward ones like how much human safety data exists. Every score here rates the evidence, not the compound: a higher number means stronger or more mature research, not that something is safer or works better.
Sharing keeps the two compounds you picked.
How to read these scores
Every number here rates the evidence, not the compound. They are editorial 0-100 strength ratings, not percentages, and not a rating out of five stars.
- Human efficacy evidence strength — Higher = more and better-quality human evidence. It does not mean the effect is bigger or that the compound works for you.
- Preclinical evidence strength — Higher = more animal, tissue or cell research. Preclinical results are a starting point, not proof of a human benefit.
- Human safety evidence strength — Higher = more mature, better-documented human safety data. It does not mean the compound is safer than one with a lower number. A score of 80 does not mean “80% safe”.
- Evidence level (L0-L5) — the strongest type of study behind the compound, from anecdote (L0) to large replicated human trials (L5). It is a description of the study evidence, not a quality, safety or recommendation rating.
- Confidence — how likely we think it is that this rating changes as new research lands. Low confidence means the picture is unsettled, not that the compound is bad.
None of these ratings is medical advice, a safety guarantee, or a recommendation to use anything. How we grade evidence.
Afamelanotide
An approved melanocortin implant for a rare light-sensitivity disease — not a tanning drug, whatever the internet says.
Melanotan II
A synthetic melanocortin peptide sold for tanning — unapproved everywhere, and routinely confused with genuinely approved melanocortin medicines.
How far human research has progressed
Afamelanotide
Approved orphan medicine with completed pivotal trialsMelanotan II
Limited early human study; no approved development programmeClaim-specific benefit evidence
A human exposure study or trial registration does not establish that the claimed benefit occurs.
Afamelanotide
Not separately assessed; see the full profile.Melanotan II
Not separately assessed; see the full profile.Human research context
Afamelanotide
Approved orphan medicine with completed pivotal trialsMelanotan II
Limited early human study; no approved development programmeHuman efficacy evidence strength
Higher = more and better-quality human evidence. It does not mean the effect is bigger or that the compound works for you.
Afamelanotide
Melanotan II
Preclinical (animal / lab) evidence strength
Higher = more animal, tissue or cell research. Preclinical results are a starting point, not proof of a human benefit.
Afamelanotide
Melanotan II
Human safety evidence strength
Higher = more mature, better-documented human safety data. It does not mean the compound is safer than one with a lower number.
Afamelanotide
Melanotan II
Regulatory status (legal position, not proof it works)
Afamelanotide
Named regulators: FDA (US)
FDA-approved (Scenesse) for increasing pain-free light exposure in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic disorder of severe light sensitivity. Approval is specific to that orphan indication.
Melanotan II
Check jurisdiction-specific details in the profile.
Not an approved medicine in any major region and identified by FDA as a bulk substance presenting significant safety risks for compounding. It must not be confused with the approved melanocortin medicines bremelanotide, afamelanotide and setmelanotide, each of which has its own narrow, specific indication.
Common claims
Afamelanotide
- · Increases pain-free light exposure in EPP
- · Confused online with unapproved 'melanotan' tanning products
Melanotan II
- · Tans the skin without sun exposure
- · Suppresses appetite
- · Increases libido
How settled our evidence rating is
Afamelanotide
Melanotan II
Cancer-related questions raised by the biology
These are theoretical or monitored questions raised by how a compound works. They are not evidence that it causes cancer.
Afamelanotide
Because it stimulates melanocytes, melanoma surveillance is part of its clinical monitoring. That is a monitored precaution, not a demonstrated cancer risk.Melanotan II
A recurring concern is that stimulating melanocytes could interact with melanoma risk. No human data demonstrate that Melanotan II causes cancer — and none establish it is safe in that respect. Unstudied is not reassuring.What this adds up to, in plain English
Afamelanotide
Repeated large human trials support specific uses in the groups studied. That is strong evidence something works there — not proof it suits everyone or is free of risk.Melanotan II
The interesting work is in animals and lab studies. Treating it as an established human treatment is not supported by evidence.A comparison is not a recommendation