Melanotan II vs MK-677
Well Studied vs Well Studied
monitor Mechanism-based · 51% Both Melanotan II and MK-677 can raise blood pressure. Monitor BP regularly and consider adding cardiovascular support (cardarine, telmisartan, or similar).
Molecular Data
Melanotan II MK-677
Weight — 624.77 Da
Half-life ~2 hours ~24 hours
Type Synthetic alpha-MSH analog Non-peptide ghrelin receptor agonist
Key Benefits
Melanotan II
01 Rapid tanning without UV exposure
02 Enhanced sexual function and libido
03 Appetite suppression
04 Improved mood via melanocortin activation
05 Photoprotection through increased melanin
MK-677
01 97% increase in 24-hour growth hormone secretion
02 40-72% elevation in IGF-1 levels
03 Enhanced sleep quality with improved REM patterns
04 Preferential lean tissue gains of 1.1-2.7kg over 8-12 months
05 15% basal metabolic rate increase within 2 weeks
06 Oral administration (no injections required)
Dosing Protocols
Melanotan II
Loading: Start 0.25mg daily, increase to 0.5-1mg; Maintenance: 0.5-1mg 2-3x weekly / Loading phase: Daily for first week, then tanning maintenance 2-3x weekly or as needed for sexual enhancement
Initial loading phase 0.25mg 1x daily
Tanning maintenance 0.5-1mg 2-3x weekly
Sexual enhancement 0.5-1mg As needed
Minimal side effects 0.1-0.25mg Every other day
Photoprotection 0.5mg 2x weekly
MK-677
Start 12.5mg daily, increase to 25mg based on tolerance / Once daily, preferably at bedtime on empty stomach
Side Effects
Melanotan II
Nausea (pre-treatment with antiemetics recommended)
Facial flushing
Temporary blood pressure elevation
Fatigue
Spontaneous erections
MK-677
Appetite stimulation (>50% of users)
Water retention (30-40%)
Lethargy (20-30%)
Fasting glucose elevation (5-15mg/dL)
Note on testosterone suppression: at doses up to 20 mg daily, MK-677 is unlikely to cause significant testosterone suppression on its own. Above 20 mg daily, the likelihood of suppression and other side effects (insulin resistance, water retention, lethargy) increases. The case report documenting 85.7% testosterone suppression involved co-administration with LGD-4033, a SARM known to be profoundly suppressive, making the SARM the likely primary driver of that suppression.
Contraindications
History of melanoma or dysplastic nevi
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Cardiovascular conditions
Uncontrolled hypertension
Heart disease or congestive heart failure
Diabetes or pre-diabetes
Active cancer
Severe cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Research Evidence
Melanotan II MK-677
Status Well Studied Well Studied
References 4 studies 7 studies
Latest 2024 July 2024
FDA Approved No No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.