What are the research benefits of MOTS-c?

Research for MOTS-c often focuses on mitochondrial and related mechanisms. Research is ongoing. This page is for education only; discuss any use with a qualified healthcare provider.

Where can I buy MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use. PeptIQ does not sell peptides and does not list or recommend vendors. Talk with a licensed healthcare provider. This is educational only — not medical advice and not a prescription.

Is MOTS-c legal to buy in the US?

MOTS-c is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use. PeptIQ does not sell peptides or list vendors. Talk with a licensed clinician. Regulations vary by jurisdiction. This is not legal advice.

What is the typical dose of MOTS-c?

Based on research protocols, typical doses for MOTS-c are 5–10 mg weekly (research protocols) administered Injectable. Half-life is approximately ~1 hour (estimated). These are research protocols only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for dosing guidance.

What are the side effects of MOTS-c?

Side effects of MOTS-c depend on dose, route of administration, and individual response. Side effects are compound-specific and not fully characterized in human studies. This page is for educational reference only. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

MOTS-c: Dosing, Side Effects & FDA Status

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome — one of only a few proteins known to be encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Early human studies and animal research show it activates AMPK signaling, improves insulin sensitivity, enhances exercise capacity, and reduces age-related metabolic decline. Research only.

Mechanism of Action

AMPK activation via AICAR-independent pathway; modulation of ETAR (endothelin A receptor); improves mitochondrial energy coupling; translocates to nucleus to regulate stress response gene expression

Target: AMPK, ETAR (endothelin A receptor), mitochondrial genome

Research / educational reference. Educational research index only — not medical advice. Literature maturity is not a verdict on whether a compound works in people. Community reports are not evidence of efficacy.

Evidence at a glance

Derived · maturity-1.0

Human efficacy is unproven unless an approved label or completed published efficacy program says otherwise. Counts reflect indexed literature volume/kind — never a verdict on effect.

Literature maturity

emerging 39/100

PubMed hits

255

CT.gov trials

Strong-human apps

Sample papers

Sample articles by era

pre-20181
2018-20201
2021-20236
2024-202616

Application grades (curated)

Human-grade apps1
Animal / in-vitro0
Mechanistic0

Does literature support studied applications?

Grades reflect cited literature posture — not a treatment recommendation. Community notes are never efficacy evidence.

Application	Cited evidence	Grade	Community
Metabolic / exercise biology (preclinical + early human)	Mitochondrial-encoded peptide with metabolic findings in animals and limited human observational work.	Limited human	Community reports vary; not evidence of efficacy.

Pharmacology

Mechanism of action

•AMPK activation via AICAR-independent pathway; modulation of ETAR (endothelin A receptor); improves mitochondrial energy coupling; translocates to nucleus to regulate stress response gene expression
•Primary target framing: AMPK, ETAR (endothelin A receptor), mitochondrial genome

Half-life

~1 hour (estimated)

Identity & chemistry

CAS: 1627580-64-6
PubChem: CID 146675088
Formula: C101H152N28O22S2
Molar mass: 2174.6 Da
InChIKey: WYTHCOXVWRKRAH-LOKRTKBUSA-N

Identity cross-checked with PubChem where available. Compass HTML used only as a bootstrap checklist — not republished as product copy.

Storage & stability

Lyophilized: 2–8°C; lyophilized typical shelf 18–24 months
Reconstituted: 2–8°C; in-use window often 21–30 days (product-dependent)
Tell-tale degradation: !Cloudiness, clumping, or particles after mixing
!Discoloration versus the expected clear/colorless (or labeled) solution
!Failed or incomplete reconstitution of lyophilized cake

Educational estimates. Prefer product labeling and peptide shelf-life tool.

Lab handling posture

Research / educational handling notes only. Not a substitute for an SDS.

•Use PPE appropriate for peptide powder/solution handling
•Avoid inhalation of lyophilized powder; handle spills per institutional policy
•Do not present research materials as medicines

Sample indexed literature

MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation.
Frontiers in endocrinology · 2023 · PMID 36761202
The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c relieves hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus.
Pharmacological research · 2022 · PMID 34798268
MOTS-c modulates skeletal muscle function by directly binding and activating CK2.
iScience · 2024 · PMID 39559755
The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance.
Cell metabolism · 2015 · PMID 25738459
Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Suppresses Ovarian Cancer Progression by Attenuating USP7-Mediated LARS1 Deubiquitination.
Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · 2024 · PMID 39321430
Mitochondrial-derived microprotein MOTS-c attenuates immobilization-induced skeletal muscle atrophy by suppressing lipid infiltration.
American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism · 2024 · PMID 38170165

Research Indications

Energy MetabolismEffective

Research supports improvements in mitochondrial bioenergetics and ATP production

Metabolic HealthEffective

May improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism

Longevity MarkersModerate

Early research suggests potential effects on cellular aging markers

Research Protocols

These are commonly discussed research protocols — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

Goal	Dose	Frequency	Route
Starting Dose	Low dose	Per protocol	Varies
Standard Dose	Titrated	Per protocol	Varies

Peptide & Drug Interactions

Always consult your healthcare provider before combining with other compounds. Use our Interaction Checker for reference.

Consult prescriber before combining with any medicationCaution

BPC-157Compatible

NAD+Compatible

Vitamin DCompatible

How to Reconstitute & Inject

Use bacteriostatic (BAC) water only. Avoid saline — may cause precipitation. Refrigerate and use within 28 days.

1
Remove MOTS-c vial from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes)
2
Clean vial top with alcohol swab and allow to air dry completely
3
Using a sterile syringe, draw the calculated volume of bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
4
Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial — do not aim directly at the powder
5
Gently swirl in circular motions — DO NOT shake vigorously as this degrades the peptide
6
Allow 2–3 minutes for full dissolution — solution should be clear and colorless
7
Draw calculated dose into an insulin syringe for subcutaneous injection
8
Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
9
Store reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8°C) and use within 28 days

What to Expect

Week 1–2

Initial effects and adaptation period. Monitor for any adverse reactions.

Week 2–4

Primary effects begin to manifest. Adjust dosing as recommended by your provider.

Week 4–8

Main therapeutic effects should be established. Assess progress with your provider.

Week 8+

Evaluate results and determine continuation, cycling, or dose adjustments.

Side Effects & Safety

Injection site reactions (redness, bruising, mild pain)
Potential for allergic reaction — discontinue if rash or hives occur
Individual reactions vary — start at the lowest dose and monitor carefully
Consult your healthcare provider before use and report any unusual symptoms

FDA Status & Regulatory Info

Research Only

Rx Required: No

503A Ban: No

Telehealth: Available

Full FDA Status Tracker

Frequently Asked Questions

Research References

External links for education only. We do not control third-party content.

Community-reported data

The information below reflects self-reported experiences from PeptIQ app users. It is not clinical evidence and should not replace professional medical advice.

Community Intelligence

What 113 users report

113 community reports

Overall experience

From check-in ratings — separate from side effects logged below. Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.

Favorable 18% · Mixed 2% · Unfavorable overall 80%

Most reported benefits

Benefits users selected when logging a favorable or mixed check-in.

Appetite

230

Energy

Recovery

Mood

Cognition

Most logged side effects

Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.

Injection site irritation

191

Self-reported dose per injection

Median bucket: 2–3 mg · Most common: 5+ mg

Reports span 0.01 to ≥ 5 mg (open-ended top bucket)

0.01–0.025 mg

0.1–0.2 mg

0.2–0.4 mg

0.4–0.6 mg

0.6–1 mg

1–2 mg

2–3 mg

3–5 mg

5+ mg

107

Anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users — not prescribing guidance. Buckets group similar logged amounts; open-ended top buckets mean “at least” that dose.

Commonly stacked with

How repeat users are trending

Among repeat reporters, 56% said they felt similar to their last entry, 31% more positive, and 13% more negative.

Overall, repeat reporters leaned more positive than their previous entry.

Median gap between entries: 44 days · Based on 45 repeat reporters

Share Your Experience

Rate MOTS-c in the PeptIQ app and help the community make informed decisions.

Download PeptIQ Google Play

Educational information only

This page is for educational reference. It is not medical or legal advice. PeptIQ does not sell peptides or list vendors. Consult the FDA and a licensed healthcare professional for current regulations and individualized guidance.

MOTS-c