§ 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
‘Gym coach gave me peptide shots for muscles. I had diabetes instead,’ says actor, 35: Here’s the dark side of weight loss hacks - The Indian Express
‘Gym coach gave me peptide shots for muscles. I had diabetes instead,’ says actor, 35: Here’s the dark side of weight loss hacks The Indian Express
“The War on Research Peptides Has Begun — And Retatrutide + MOTS-c Patients Are Moving to Medical-Grade - PR Underground
“The War on Research Peptides Has Begun — And Retatrutide + MOTS-c Patients Are Moving to Medical-Grade 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 - FinancialContent
“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 FinancialContent
MOTS‑c Peptide Dosage for Weight Loss in 2026: What Real People Actually Feel, Not Just Charts - CLGF
MOTS‑c Peptide Dosage for Weight Loss in 2026: What Real People Actually Feel, Not Just Charts CLGF
Diabetes, heart disease protection being engineered in Auckland - The Post
Diabetes, heart disease protection being engineered in Auckland The Post
Peptide Stacking Is Everywhere—But Should You Be Doing It? - Goop
Peptide Stacking Is Everywhere—But Should You Be Doing It? Goop
Diabetes damages the heart; a peptide protects it - University of Auckland
Diabetes damages the heart; a peptide protects it University of Auckland
Should You Try MOTS-c and BPC-157 Longevity Peptides? Separating Truth from Hype with Human Data Studies - Intelligent Living
Should You Try MOTS-c and BPC-157 Longevity Peptides? Separating Truth from Hype with Human Data Studies Intelligent Living
§ 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.