MT-1 vs MT-2 in the UAE: differences, prices, suppliers and clinic listings

MT-1 and MT-2 are related, but not the same

MT-1 usually refers to Melanotan I, a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Its main research theme is pigmentation: activating melanocortin pathways that influence the production of eumelanin in skin.

MT-2 means Melanotan II. It is also a synthetic melanocortin peptide, but it interacts more broadly with melanocortin receptors. That broader activity is why research and online marketing may also discuss appetite or sexual-function effects alongside pigmentation. Those discussions do not make MT-2 an approved treatment for tanning, weight management or sexual health.

For a consumer comparing listings, the practical difference is simple: check the exact compound name. A product labelled MT-1 is not an MT-2 substitute, and neither should be assessed only by the word “melanotan”.

What current UAE clinic data shows

Dynamic Life Clinics is the only clinic in the current directory that explicitly names Melanotan II. Its public peptide page lists Melanotan II at AED 2,499. Confirm directly whether that figure includes consultation, product, clinical assessment, monitoring, follow-up and VAT.

No clinic in the current directory explicitly names MT-1 or Melanotan I. That does not prove no UAE clinic offers it; it means we have not recorded a qualifying first-party clinic page that names it.

A clinic service page is not proof that a particular finished product is registered in the UAE. Ask the clinic for the product name, manufacturer, registration evidence, intended indication and the clinician responsible for care.

Current research-supplier listings and AED prices

The current public product snapshot shows SHLABZ listing Melanotan 1 (MT-1) 10mg vial at AED 349.99. SHLABZ also lists Melanotan 2 (MT-2) 10mg vial at AED 349.99.

Nova BioLabs currently lists Melanotan II (MT-2) 10mg vial at AED 250 and an MT-2 10mg pen at AED 580. The current BodyPharm snapshot does not contain a direct MT-1 or MT-2 match.

These are supplier-provided, research-only catalogue listings rather than clinic treatment prices. Format matters: a vial and a pen should not be treated as equivalent simply because the stated compound and strength look similar.

• MT-1: SHLABZ 10mg vial — AED 349.99 in the current snapshot.
• MT-2: Nova BioLabs 10mg vial — AED 250 in the current snapshot.
• MT-2: SHLABZ 10mg vial — AED 349.99 in the current snapshot.
• MT-2: Nova BioLabs 10mg pen — AED 580 in the current snapshot.
• Clinic signal: Dynamic Life Clinics lists Melanotan II at AED 2,499.

Use cases people search for—and what the evidence actually means

Most MT-1 and MT-2 searches are about tanning or increasing skin pigmentation. The biological rationale is melanocortin-receptor signalling and increased melanin production. That is not the same as evidence that an unapproved supplier product is safe, accurately labelled or suitable for cosmetic use.

MT-1-related research is also discussed in photoprotection because afamelanotide, a closely related regulated medicine, is authorised in the European Union as Scenesse for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare condition that causes painful light sensitivity. That approval is for a specific implant, indication and specialist pathway—not for cosmetic tanning and not for generic MT-1 vials sold online.

MT-2 has been researched beyond pigmentation because of its broader receptor activity. Online pages may connect it with appetite or sexual response, but MT-2 remains an unapproved drug in the FDA record and should not be presented as an established treatment for those goals.

Why Scenesse does not validate an online MT-1 listing

This is the most important naming trap. Melanotan I is closely associated with the development history of afamelanotide, but a research vial labelled “MT-1” is not automatically Scenesse.

Scenesse is a defined afamelanotide 16mg implant authorised in the EU for prevention of phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria. The EMA describes specialist prescribing, trained administration and product-specific monitoring. An online supplier listing has a different manufacturer, formulation, quality pathway and intended context.

European authorisation also does not establish UAE registration. For the UAE, verify the exact finished product in the MOHAP registered medical product directory and ask the provider to explain the local legal basis.

Safety points that matter in the UAE sun

A darker appearance is not proof of protection from ultraviolet damage. The Australian TGA specifically warns that an artificially increased tan from melanotan does not replace suitable sunscreen or other sun protection.

The TGA lists commonly reported melanotan effects including headache, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss and facial redness. It also notes reports associated with Melanotan II involving increased moles and freckles, kidney dysfunction and swelling of the brain.

The product-quality question is separate from the peptide itself. With an unapproved product, the label does not independently confirm identity, purity, sterility or dose accuracy. UAE heat and delivery conditions also make storage and handling claims worth checking rather than assuming.

Questions to ask before comparing MT-1 or MT-2

Use the exact product and purpose to structure the conversation. Vague answers such as “it is just a tanning peptide” are not enough to compare a clinic service or research listing.

• Is the compound MT-1, MT-2, afamelanotide or a blend?
• What is the exact finished product, manufacturer, strength and format?
• Is the proposed use cosmetic tanning, a diagnosed medical condition or laboratory research?
• Can the provider show UAE registration for the exact finished product and indication?
• If it is clinic care, who prescribes, monitors skin changes and manages side effects?
• What does the clinic price include beyond the product itself?
• What batch-level identity, purity and sterility documentation exists for a supplier listing?
• What sun-protection advice still applies regardless of skin pigmentation?

Frequently asked questions