MOTS-C (5mg)
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 functions as a metabolic 'stress signal' that helps optimize energy use during dietary stress or exercise. Its primary mechanism is **AMPK activation** via inhibition of the folate cycle, causing an accumulation of AICAR (an AMP analog). Activated AMPK shifts cells into an energy-efficient mode—enhancing glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial respiration, while reducing fat storage and gluconeogenesis. MOTS-c can also translocate to the nucleus under stress conditions and upregulate antioxidant and stress response genes. Its action mimics that of exercise and metformin at a cellular level.
Quick Start
- Reconstitution: Add 1.0 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 — the whole vial.
- Storage: Lyophilized: −20 °C; reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within 28 days.
Literature-reported ranges (1.0 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 1.0 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: 1 × 5 mg (one vial per injection).
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
- Discontinue and consult a healthcare provider if concerning symptoms appear.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- Metabolic Health: Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in mouse models; prevents diet-induced insulin resistance.
- Weight & Fat: Prevents obesity and reduces visceral fat via increased energy expenditure.
- Postmenopausal Metabolism: Mitigates metabolic decline in ovariectomized mice.
- Physical Performance: Enhances exercise endurance; old mice ran 2× longer in treadmill tests.
- Organ Protection: Reduces fatty liver, improves cardiac function.
- Bones & Immunity: Promotes osteoblast activity; regulates immune aging.
Potential Side Effects:
- No adverse events reported in preclinical studies; human tolerability is unknown.
- A modified analogue (CB4211) showed good tolerability in a Phase 1 trial.
⚠️ 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) — MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis, reduces obesity and insulin resistance
View Source - J Translational Medicine (2023) — MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms of stress, metabolism, and aging
View Source - J Mol Medicine (2019) — MOTS-c regulates lipid homeostasis in an ovariectomy model
View Source - Nature Communications (2021) — MOTS-c regulator of age-related physical decline and muscle homeostasis
View Source - USADA Spirit of Sport (2023) — What is the MOTS-c peptide?
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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