§ 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
Exercise-linked muscle peptide reduces fatty liver through ACE2 in mice - Bioengineer.org
Exercise-linked muscle peptide reduces fatty liver through ACE2 in mice Bioengineer.org
Aerobic exercise induced skeletal muscle MOTS-c secretion: A novel therapy for MASLD via hepatic ACE2 regulation - Nature
Aerobic exercise induced skeletal muscle MOTS-c secretion: A novel therapy for MASLD via hepatic ACE2 regulation Nature
36.6 of 40: Crescent Bioresearch MOTS-c Endotoxin Sits 3.4 EU Below Its Limit, a Margin a Pass Alone Would Not Show - FinancialContent
36.6 of 40: Crescent Bioresearch MOTS-c Endotoxin Sits 3.4 EU Below Its Limit, a Margin a Pass Alone Would Not Show FinancialContent
Tiny Mitochondrial Peptide MOTS-c Shields Retinal Blood Vessels From Diabetes Damage - Bioengineer.org
Tiny Mitochondrial Peptide MOTS-c Shields Retinal Blood Vessels From Diabetes Damage Bioengineer.org
MOTS-c: The Tiny Mitochondrial Peptide That Behaves Differently in Health and Cancer - Bioengineer.org
MOTS-c: The Tiny Mitochondrial Peptide That Behaves Differently in Health and Cancer Bioengineer.org
Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c rescues vascular endothelial damage via PLA2G6 in diabetic retinopathy - Nature
Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c rescues vascular endothelial damage via PLA2G6 in diabetic retinopathy Nature
Umbrella Lab Announces Documentation And Traceability Update For MOTS-C Peptide - Yahoo Finance
Umbrella Lab Announces Documentation And Traceability Update For MOTS-C Peptide Yahoo Finance
What to Know About the 6 Peptides Backed by an FDA Advisory Panel - Verywell Health
What to Know About the 6 Peptides Backed by an FDA Advisory Panel Verywell Health
§ 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.
§ 10 Questions
MOTS-c FAQ
- What is MOTS-c?
- Mitochondrial-derived peptide that acts as an exercise mimetic, improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic flexibility. 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.
- What is MOTS-c used for?
- Reported uses include improved insulin sensitivity and glucose handling, enhanced exercise capacity, mitochondrial biogenesis support, and reductions in visceral adiposity. Evidence strength is rated Preclinical — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is MOTS-c dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is 5 – 10 mg per dose, typically 3x per week, administered SubQ. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- How do you reconstitute MOTS-c?
- For MOTS-c, vials commonly come in 10 mg and a common reconstitution is 2 ml BAC water. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert any vial size and water volume into exact insulin-syringe units.
- What are the side effects of MOTS-c?
- Commonly reported side effects include mild injection site irritation and limited long-term safety data. This list is not exhaustive.
- Is MOTS-c legal?
- 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. FDA status: Not FDA-approved..