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MOTS-c: the complete guide

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA. It is studied for its role in metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity, and exercise-like cellular effects.

Written by Peptide Protocol Editorial Medically reviewed per our review process Last reviewed
ClassMitochondrial-derived peptide (16 amino acids)
Half-lifeShort (minutes systemically); downstream effects persist longer
Typical dose5–10 mg per injection, 2–3x weekly
CategoryMetabolic / longevity
Research useMetabolic health, insulin sensitivity, exercise mimetic research
FDA statusNot FDA approved. Research use only.

How MOTS-c works

MOTS-c activates AMPK signaling, promotes glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation, and appears to mimic aspects of exercise adaptation at the cellular level.

Typical MOTS-c dosage

Commonly reported research ranges: 5–10 mg per injection, 2–3x weekly.

Dose should always be individualized. Factors that influence it include bodyweight, research goal, tolerance, and specific compound batch. The information below is educational, not a prescription.

How to reconstitute MOTS-c

A widely used reconstitution for a 10 mg vial is 2 ml of bacteriostatic water. With a typical 10000 mcg dose this works out to the unit count shown in the calculator below.

Open the MOTS-c reconstitution calculator →

Pre-filled with the common 10 mg + 2 ml ratio. Adjust for your own vial.

Half-life and administration frequency

Short (minutes systemically); downstream effects persist longer.

This half-life informs how often MOTS-c is typically dosed. Shorter half-lives usually mean more frequent dosing to maintain plasma levels; longer half-lives allow daily, weekly, or less-frequent administration depending on the compound.

Reported side effects

This list reflects effects reported in available literature or user logs. It is not exhaustive. Adverse reactions should be discussed with a qualified clinician.

Common MOTS-c stacks

Storage and handling

Lyophilized refrigerated. Reconstituted: refrigerated, use within 28 days.

FDA and regulatory status

Not FDA approved. Research use only.

MOTS-c clinical trials and evidence

For clinical-trial and primary-literature context, start with the sources below. We prioritize official drug labels, ClinicalTrials.gov records, and PubMed-indexed literature when available.

Track your MOTS-c protocol on iPhone

Peptide Protocol logs every dose, calculates reconstitution for you, and keeps your full protocol on one calm screen.

See the app →

Frequently asked questions

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA. It is studied for its role in metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity, and exercise-like cellular effects.

How does MOTS-c work?

MOTS-c activates AMPK signaling, promotes glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation, and appears to mimic aspects of exercise adaptation at the cellular level.

What is a typical MOTS-c dose?

Commonly reported ranges are 5–10 mg per injection, 2–3x weekly. This is research information, not a recommendation — dosing should be individualized under clinical guidance.

What is the half-life of MOTS-c?

Short (minutes systemically); downstream effects persist longer. This influences how often it is administered.

How do you reconstitute MOTS-c?

A common approach is to add 2 ml of bacteriostatic water to a 10 mg vial. Use the reconstitution calculator for exact unit counts.

What are the side effects of MOTS-c?

Limited human data; Injection-site reactions reported anecdotally.

Is MOTS-c FDA approved?

Not FDA approved. Research use only.

Are there clinical trials for MOTS-c?

Registered or published clinical-trial sources for MOTS-c are listed in the references section below. Evidence depth varies widely by compound, so check the cited trial registries and primary literature before relying on any claim.

References

  1. MOTS-c literature (PubMed) — National Library of Medicine. Primary research on the mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c and metabolic regulation
  2. Lee et al. — The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis — PubMed. Discovery-group landmark paper on MOTS-c biology and AMPK pathway
  3. MOTS-c clinical trial records — ClinicalTrials.gov. Registered human trials (limited — most evidence remains preclinical)

Sources listed above were used to verify the claims on this page. See our editorial policy for how we source information.

Educational use only. Peptide Protocol is an informational tool. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice. Many peptides are prescription-only or restricted in your jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before injecting any compound.