MOTS-c

Mechanism of action: Activates AMPK signaling; Improves glucose utilization; Enhances mitochondrial function; Promotes metabolic flexibility; Influences nuclear gene expression during metabolic stress

Proposed indications: Insulin resistance; Obesity; Exercise performance; Healthy aging; Sarcopenia

Commonly reported by peptide clinics†: 5-10 mg, 2-3 times per week, subcutaneous

Peptide clinics commonly report 5-10 mg, 2-3 times per week, by subcutaneous injection. No published human dosing regimen exists -- a Phase 2a human trial is reportedly recruiting as of this writing, but no results are published yet, so this figure reflects clinic convention only, not evidence.

†Reported by peptide clinics and compounding pharmacies -- not derived from human clinical trials. Not an individualized recommendation. Actual use should be supervised by a qualified provider.

Typical clinical dosing schedule: No approved dosing regimen. Human administration has been limited to research studies.

Administration: Experimental subcutaneous injection in research settings — No approved dosing regimen

Compare with: SS-31 (Elamipretide)AOD-9604Tesamorelin

An "emerging / limited evidence" rating means rigorous research hasn't caught up yet -- not that this peptide doesn't work. Many peptides in this category are newer or simply understudied rather than proven ineffective.

Evidence rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ — Strong mechanistic and animal data with limited human studies.

Landmark trials: Lee C, et al. (2015) — Initial discovery identified MOTS-c as a mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating metabolism.; Subsequent animal studies — Demonstrated improved insulin sensitivity and exercise capacity in animal models.

Common side effects: Human safety profile remains incompletely characterized.

Serious risks: Unknown long-term safety.

Drug interactions: Unknown.

Monitoring: Fasting glucose, HbA1c, Body composition, Lipid profile (research only)

Legal status: Not FDA-approved for human use. This is a research compound, not a medication — any use should only occur under the direction of a licensed healthcare provider, and its legal availability varies and changes frequently. Verify current status independently before considering use.

Regulatory status: Research peptide • Not FDA approved

Contraindications: Not established. Avoid in:; Pregnancy; Active malignancy; Children; Significant uncontrolled illness outside research

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid.

Lee C, et al. (2015). The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis. Cell Metabolism. Reynolds JC, et al. (2021). Reviews on mitochondrial-derived peptides.