MOTS-c
Peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, studied in mice for insulin resistance, obesity and exercise capacity.
What it is
In mouse and cell studies, MOTS-c acts mainly on skeletal muscle, where it inhibits the folate cycle and linked purine synthesis, leading to activation of the enzyme AMPK. Its mechanism in people is not established.
What it is studied for
MOTS-c has been studied in mice for diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance and age-related physical decline. A 2021 study also found that exercise raised natural MOTS-c levels in human muscle and blood.
What the evidence says
Mainly animal and laboratory evidence
Mouse studies reported prevention of diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, and better physical capacity when old mice were treated. These are animal results. FDA says it has found no human exposure data for MOTS-c drug products and lacks key information on whether it would cause harm in people.
How it was studied
The mouse studies gave MOTS-c by injection into the abdominal cavity. Dissolving strips, alone or combined with NAD+ and 5-amino-1MQ, were not the form studied.
Regulatory status
Not an approved medicine. FDA lists MOTS-c among compounding substances that may present significant safety risks, citing possible immune reactions, impurity concerns and no human exposure data by any route.
Where to find it
Lean Energy
- Dissolving strips NAD+ 80 mg, MOTS-c 2 mg and 5-Amino-1MQ 2 mg per strip, 30 strips
Sold by USA Standard Research, the team behind PeptidesGenie, for research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
Sources
- 1PubChem: MOTS-c, CID 146675088 Chemical reference
- 2
- 3Reynolds et al. (2021): MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis Animal study with human exercise measurements
- 4FDA: Bulk substances that may present significant safety risks FDA safety information
Source-checked · 27 Oct 2026