MOTS-C (10mg)
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) studied as a metabolic regulator via AMPK activation. Research-use literature describes subcutaneous administration of 5 mg, 2–3 times weekly, in 4–8 week cycles.
Reviewed by the AllPeptides.eu Editorial Team·Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
⚠️ For informational/educational purposes only. Not medical advice. We do not sell any products. Self-treatment carries serious risks — consult a healthcare professional. Disclaimer
Research monograph
See the full MOTS-c encyclopedia page with mechanism, evidence tier, related variants and research context.
How It Works
MOTS-c acts as a metabolic 'stress signal'. Its primary mechanism is **AMPK activation** via inhibition of the folate cycle (leading to AICAR accumulation). AMPK shifts cells into an energy-efficient mode—enhancing glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial respiration. This action mimics that of exercise and metformin.
Quick Start
- Reconstitution: Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 5 mg/mL concentration.
- Literature-reported range: 5 mg per injection, 2–3 times weekly (10–15 mg/week).
- Easy measurement: At 5 mg/mL, 5 mg = 100 units (1.00 mL) on a U-100 syringe.
- Storage: Lyophilized: −20 °C; reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within 28 days.
Literature-reported ranges (2.0 mL = 5 mg/mL)
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: 2–3 times weekly
| Week | Dose | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 5 mg | 100 Units (1.00 mL) |
| Weeks 3–8 | 5 mg | 100 Units (1.00 mL) |
Research-use literature reports subcutaneous administration 2–3 times weekly (e.g., Monday/Wednesday/Friday) in 4–8 week cycles with a 4-week break. There is no validated human dosing.
Related compounds
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Swirl gently until fully dissolved — do not shake.
- Note the reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C.
Protocol Overview
- Literature-reported scope: Metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity and physical performance (mostly preclinical data).
- Literature-described schedule: 5 mg subcutaneously, 2–3 times weekly, for 4–8 weeks.
- Doses per vial: 2 × 5 mg.
Dosing Protocol
- Weeks 1–2: 5 mg × 2/week (10 mg/week).
- Weeks 3–8: 5 mg × 3/week (15 mg/week).
- Literature-described break: 4 weeks after each cycle.
- There is no validated human dosing — research context only.
- Break between cycles: After a 4–8 week cycle, the literature describes a 4-week break.
Washout & Cycle Restart
When can I restart?
After a 4–8 week cycle, the literature describes a 4-week break.
Minimum wait period: 4 weeks
Storage Instructions
- Lyophilized: −20 °C in dry, dark conditions.
- Reconstituted: 2–8 °C; use within 28 days.
- Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Important Notes
- Log doses and observations.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- Metabolic Health: Improves insulin sensitivity in mouse models.
- Weight & Fat: Reduces visceral fat through increased energy expenditure.
- Physical Performance: Enhances exercise endurance—aged mice showed 2× performance.
- Organ Protection: Reduces fatty liver, improves cardiac function.
- Fewer Vials: Larger vial size = more economical.
Potential Side Effects:
- No adverse events reported in preclinical studies.
- Human tolerability is under investigation.
⚠️ Serious Warnings & Long-Term Risks
The following warnings are based on published literature, FDA labels, and post-marketing surveillance. They do not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
AMPK regulation — effect on glucose metabolism
MOTS-c activates AMPK and modifies glucose metabolism. Combined with antidiabetic drugs, may theoretically cause hypoglycemia. Very few human studies.
📄 Cell Metab 2015References
- Cell Metabolism (2015) — Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance.
View Source - J Translational Medicine (2023) — MOTS-c: stress, metabolism, aging—a comprehensive review.
View Source - Nature Communications (2021) — Reynolds JC, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis.
View Source - Cell Metabolism (2018) — Kim SJ, et al. MOTS-c: an equal opportunity insulin sensitizer. J Mol Med. 2018;96(9):869-872.
View Source - Aging Cell (2019) — Zhai D, et al. MOTS-c peptide increases survival and decreases bacterial load in mice with MRSA sepsis. Mol Ther. 2019;27(Suppl 1):371.
View Source - GeroScience (2021) — Kim SJ, et al. Mitochondrial-derived peptides in aging and age-related diseases. GeroScience. 2021;43:1113-1121.
View Source - Diabetes (2019) — Ming W, et al. MOTS-c improves osteoporosis by promoting osteoblast differentiation via AMPK activation.
View Source - Aging (2020) — D'Souza RF, et al. Circulatory levels of MOTS-c in plasma are altered with aging and in response to exercise.
View Source
Recommended Supplements
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)
Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols)
External Sources & Regulatory Status
Regulatory Approvals
Research-only — Mitochondrial peptide
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
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