Peptide Encyclopedia / MOTS-c
EncyclopediaMOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide that activates AMPK and regulates insulin sensitivity and metabolism. The FDA has not approved it, exogenous MOTS-c sells only as a research chemical, and efficacy evidence comes from mouse models rather than controlled human trials. Educational only, not medical advice.
| Also known as | MOTS-c, Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c, Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c |
| Regulatory status | MOTS-c is not FDA-approved for any indication. |
MOTS-c is not FDA-approved for any indication. It is an endogenous mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in research settings; exogenous MOTS-c is available only as a research chemical and is not an approved or compounded therapeutic in the US.
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA. It regulates insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis largely via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), in part by inhibiting the folate cycle and de novo purine biosynthesis. Under metabolic stress it translocates to the nucleus and modulates nuclear gene expression (e.g., antioxidant/metabolic response genes). Skeletal muscle is a principal target tissue. Pharmacokinetics (half-life No validated human pharmacokinetic half-life established for exogenous MOTS-c.): Endogenous MOTS-c is detectable in human plasma and skeletal muscle and rises with exercise; in one human study muscle MOTS-c increased ~12-fold and plasma ~50% acutely with exercise. However, formal PK parameters (half-life, clearance, bioavailability) for administered exogenous MOTS-c in humans have not been established. No verified human PK half-life found.
Evidence for metabolic and exercise-performance benefits is robust in mouse models (improved insulin sensitivity, reduced diet-induced obesity, enhanced running capacity across ages). Human data are observational/associative (endogenous MOTS-c correlates with exercise and metabolic status); there are no completed controlled human efficacy trials of administered MOTS-c. Honest level: animal-only for therapeutic efficacy, with supportive human biomarker/observational data. Reported use: Community- and clinic-reported use frames MOTS-c as a subcutaneous injectable for metabolic and exercise-performance goals. Because no controlled human dosing trials exist, no validated dose, frequency, or duration can be cited; reported protocols are anecdotal and are described here only as reported practice, not as a recommendation.
No controlled human safety data exist for exogenous MOTS-c. Animal studies have not reported major toxicity at studied doses, but human tolerability, long-term safety, and adverse-event profile are unknown. As a research-grade injectable, sterility and product-purity risks also apply. No verified human safety dataset found..
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (no safety data), No established clinical contraindications due to absence of human trials.
No documented drug interactions in peer-reviewed human literature; theoretical interaction with AMPK-activating agents (e.g., metformin) is unstudied
Log every dose and injection site, get the reconstitution and units math automatically, follow your cycle, and record how you feel, then export a provider report. MOTS-c tracker, free to start.
PepWise is an informational and educational tracking tool, not medical advice and not a medical device. MOTS-c may be experimental, restricted, or prescription-only; many research peptides are not FDA-approved. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any protocol. Operated by STC Consulting, Inc.
