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.
Setmelanotide
An MC4R agonist approved for specific genetic obesity syndromes — precision medicine, not a general weight-loss drug.
Afamelanotide
An approved melanocortin implant for a rare light-sensitivity disease — not a tanning drug, whatever the internet says.
How far human research has progressed
Setmelanotide
Approved across defined genetic obesity syndromes and acquired hypothalamic obesityAfamelanotide
Approved orphan medicine with completed pivotal trialsClaim-specific benefit evidence
A human exposure study or trial registration does not establish that the claimed benefit occurs.
Setmelanotide
Not separately assessed; see the full profile.Afamelanotide
Not separately assessed; see the full profile.Human research context
Setmelanotide
Approved across defined genetic obesity syndromes and acquired hypothalamic obesityAfamelanotide
Approved orphan medicine with completed pivotal trialsHuman 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.
Setmelanotide
Afamelanotide
Preclinical (animal / lab) evidence strength
Higher = more animal, tissue or cell research. Preclinical results are a starting point, not proof of a human benefit.
Setmelanotide
Afamelanotide
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.
Setmelanotide
Afamelanotide
Regulatory status (legal position, not proof it works)
Setmelanotide
Named regulators: FDA (US)
FDA-approved (Imcivree) for chronic weight management in adults and children with obesity due to specific genetically defined conditions (including POMC, PCSK1 or LEPR deficiency, and Bardet-Biedl syndrome, per current labelling). Separately, on 19 March 2026 the FDA approved Imcivree for reduction of excess body weight and long-term weight maintenance in adults and paediatric patients aged 4 years and older with acquired hypothalamic obesity — a distinct, defined population, not general obesity. Each indication stands on its own trial evidence and labelling; neither makes this a general weight-loss medicine.
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.
Common claims
Setmelanotide
- · Reduces weight in defined genetic obesity syndromes
- · Reduces weight in acquired hypothalamic obesity
- · Sometimes marketed as a general obesity drug
Afamelanotide
- · Increases pain-free light exposure in EPP
- · Confused online with unapproved 'melanotan' tanning products
How settled our evidence rating is
Setmelanotide
Afamelanotide
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.
Setmelanotide
No established human cancer signal within approved use.Afamelanotide
Because it stimulates melanocytes, melanoma surveillance is part of its clinical monitoring. That is a monitored precaution, not a demonstrated cancer risk.What this adds up to, in plain English
Setmelanotide
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.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.A comparison is not a recommendation