MOTS-c
A mitochondria-derived peptide studied for metabolism and exercise capacity.
Overview
A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA. In mice it improves insulin sensitivity, protects against diet-induced obesity and boosts exercise capacity. Human data is just starting.
How it works
Activates AMPK and shifts cellular metabolism, mimicking some exercise effects.
Evidence
2/5
Mostly mouse studies; very early human work (levels rise with exercise).
Half-life
Short
Known as
Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA-c
Compound facts
- Type
- Mitochondrial-derived peptide
- Amino Acids
- 16
- Sequence
- MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
- Molecular Weight
- 2,174.6 g/mol
- Formula
- C101H152N28O22S2
- Encoded in
- 12S rRNA (mtDNA)
Reported benefits
Insulin sensitivity
Reversed diet-induced insulin resistance in mice.
Exercise capacity
Improved endurance in aged mice.
Fat loss
User reports; no controlled human data.
“Anecdotal” means reported by users, not shown in controlled trials.
Community-reported regimens
Not recommendations. These are commonly cited ranges, shown so you can see what real-world use looks like.
| Plan | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Range 5–10 mg per dose cited by users. | 5000 mcg | 3× per week | 4–8 weeks | Subcutaneous |
Reconstitution calculator
Set up for MOTS-c. Switch peptide or vial size any time.
1Mix
Add 2 mL water for 5 mg/mL
2Draw
Draw to 100 units = 1 mL = 5 mg
Drag the plunger to set your dose.
3Inject
Next site
Right belly, upper
Tap a site after you inject to keep a rotation.
Pinch the skin, stay 2 in. from the navel, then into a sharps bin.
- Doses per vial
- 2
- Vial lasts
- 5 days
- Good once mixed
- ~28 days
- Syringe
- 100-unit, 1 mL
Math only: concentration (mg/mL) = vial mg ÷ mL of water; units = dose (mg) ÷ concentration × 100. Always double-check against your own vial label and a clinician. This tool does not recommend a dose.
Reconstitution
Diluent: Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) — allows multiple draws from one vial.
- Wipe both vial tops with an alcohol swab and let dry.
- Draw the diluent, then inject it slowly down the inside wall of the vial — never straight onto the powder.
- Swirl gently or let it sit; do not shake. Foam can damage peptides.
- Solution should be clear. Cloudy, stringy or discolored = discard.
- Common mix: 10 mg + 2 mL = 5 mg/mL (5 mg = 100 units).
Storage
Powder
Freezer / fridge
Keep sealed vial in the freezer (−20 °C) for long-term storage; fridge (2–8 °C) is fine for a few weeks. Keep dry and out of light.
After mixing
~28 days
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Never freeze after mixing. Keep upright, capped, and out of light.
Travel
Keep cool
Short trips at room temperature are generally fine for powder; keep mixed vials cold.
- Large dose volumes — consider a 1 mL syringe.
Side effects & cautions
Reported side effects
- Injection-site irritation
- Fatigue
- Occasional flushing
Cautions
- Limited human safety data.
- Monitor blood sugar if using diabetes medication.
FDA & international status
Not FDA-approved
Research-stage only; no clinical approval anywhere. It was in FDA compounding Category 2 until April 2026, when its nomination was withdrawn. In July 2026 an FDA advisory committee voted 7–5 to recommend adding it to the 503A bulks list; a recommendation is not approval, and FDA's final decision is pending.
Regulations change often — verify with the FDA, EMA, MHRA, Health Canada, TGA and WADA before acting.
Where to buy
MOTS-c vials
Shop this product ↗| Size | Price | Per mg | Stock | Latest COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | $39.99 | $4.00 | In stockBuy ↗ | 99.81% pure, lot MTC0003 ILS Labs, tested 2026-07-30 |
| 40 mg | $134.99 | $3.37 | In stockBuy ↗ | 99.88% pure, lot MTC0004 ILS Labs, tested 2026-07-30 |
Past COAs (5 lab reports)
- 2026-07-30, 10 mg, lot MTC0003, 99.81% pure, measured 10.62mgILS Labs, passedView PDF
- 2026-07-30, 40 mg, lot MTC0004, 99.88% pure, measured 42.79mgILS Labs, passedView PDF
- 2026-05-29, 10 mg, lot MTC0001, 99.53% pure, measured 10.34mgILS Labs, passedView PDF
- 2026-05-29, 40 mg, lot MTC0002, 99.39% pure, measured 41.39mgILS Labs, passedView PDF
- 2026-02-04, 10 mg, lot M0022, 99.81% pure, measured 8.95mgLab not statedView PDF
Amino Club list prices as of 2026-10-07, before promo codes. Multi-buy: 2+ units 5% off, 3+ units 7.5% off, 10+ units 40% off. Prices change; confirm on the product page. Mixing? Their bacteriostatic water is Amino H2O from $19.99.
MOTS-c at Amino Club
Check sizes, current price and the certificate of analysis (COA) on the product page. Sold for in-vitro research only.
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- Look for a batch-specific COA with HPLC purity (≥98%) and mass-spec identity.
- Typical vial sizes: 10, 40 mg.
FAQ
Do doses really reach 5 mg?
Yes — community doses are high compared to most peptides, so vial size and cost matter.