§ 01 Overview
Overview
Mitochondrial-derived peptide that acts as an exercise mimetic, improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic flexibility.
Strong preclinical data in mice; early human pharmacokinetic studies. No Phase III human outcome trials.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA. It activates AMPK, enhances glucose uptake, and translocates to the nucleus under stress to regulate adaptive nuclear gene expression.
- 01Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose handling
- 02Enhanced exercise capacity
- 03Mitochondrial biogenesis support
- 04Reductions in visceral adiposity
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Vial
- 10 mg
- BAC Water
- 2 ml BAC water
- Dose Range
- 5 – 10 mg per dose
- Starting Dose
- 5 mg
- Route
- SubQ
- Timing
- AM, pre-workout
- Frequency
- 3x per week
- Cycle
- 8–12 weeks
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
Strong preclinical data in mice; early human pharmacokinetic studies. No Phase III human outcome trials.
FDA Status
Not FDA-approved.
§ 05 Stacks
Common stacks
§ 06 News
In the news
8 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly
Retatrutide Vs SS-31 & MOTS-C: Choosing The Right Strategy For Fat Loss | Part - 05 Olivia Culpo (NmDdTneTAb) - Fathom Journal
Retatrutide Vs SS-31 & MOTS-C: Choosing The Right Strategy For Fat Loss | Part - 05 Olivia Culpo (NmDdTneTAb) Fathom Journal
MOTS-c: The 16 Amino Acid Peptide Your Body Makes That Acts Like Cardio (Without the Cardio) - BoxLife Magazine
MOTS-c: The 16 Amino Acid Peptide Your Body Makes That Acts Like Cardio (Without the Cardio) BoxLife Magazine
MOTS-c: Metabolic Intelligence and Adaptive Stress Coordination - Indian Television Dot Com
MOTS-c: Metabolic Intelligence and Adaptive Stress Coordination Indian Television Dot Com
FDA mulls compounding for peptides previously flagged over safety risks - BioSpace
FDA mulls compounding for peptides previously flagged over safety risks BioSpace
“The War on Research Peptides Has Begun — And Retatrutide + MOTS-c Patients Are Moving to Medical-Grade Stacks” – California Trim Clinic Reveals the Next Evolution in Fat Loss - PR Underground
“The War on Research Peptides Has Begun — And Retatrutide + MOTS-c Patients Are Moving to Medical-Grade Stacks” – California Trim Clinic Reveals the Next Evolution in Fat Loss PR Underground
Beginner’s Map to Peptide Categories: Metabolic (GLP-1), GH & Mitochondrial (SS-31/MOTS-c), Cell Repair (GHK-Cu/KPV) - Technology Org
Beginner’s Map to Peptide Categories: Metabolic (GLP-1), GH & Mitochondrial (SS-31/MOTS-c), Cell Repair (GHK-Cu/KPV) Technology Org
Why Are People Injecting Themselves with Peptides? - The New Yorker
Why Are People Injecting Themselves with Peptides? The New Yorker
Medicines watchdog to investigate UK peptide clinics over health claims - The Guardian
Medicines watchdog to investigate UK peptide clinics over health claims The Guardian
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
Restricted from compounding
Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales.
International · 1
Rupharma
12+ year Russian pharmacy reseller. Reviews.io 4.84/5 (81+). Has a genuine US warehouse for common peptides.
Research-use-only · 1
Core Peptides
Broad catalog, widest payment range. Mid-credibility: Knoji 2.5/5 and one scam-impersonation report.
Listings are informational, not endorsement. Verify credentials and flags against FDA and PCAB databases before purchasing. Full directory & how to verify →
§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Mild injection site irritation
- 02Limited long-term safety data
Contraindications
None specified.