MOTS-C

Half-life

~3 hours

Short

minsdays

Route

SubQ injection

Evidence

Early human data

Risk

Standard

Overview

Known for

Mitochondria-derived peptide. Regulates metabolic homeostasis, improves insulin sensitivity, enhances exercise capacity, and promotes fat oxidation. Sometimes called 'exercise in a peptide'. Also has anti-aging properties.

Mechanism

Mitochondrial-derived peptide (encoded by mtDNA) — "exercise mimetic." Activates AMPK, improves glucose metabolism, enhances physical performance. Endogenous (body makes it).

Key facts

Format

Lyophilized powder

Mechanism targets

Classification

Secondary

Supply & nature

Natural / Topping UpNatural

FDA category

Preclinical only

Evidence & standing

Evidence base

Early human data

Risk level

Standard

Best studies

5 references

Lee et al. (2015) Cell Metab 21:443-54 — Discovery paper, exercise mimetic
Kim et al. (2018) J Am Geriatr Soc — Aging and physical capacity
Mitochondrial-derived peptide — endogenously produced
NOT FDA APPROVED
Limited human data — primarily preclinical/observational

Dosage & protocol

Typical dose

5-10mg

Research range

5–10 mg

Cycle

4 weeks on / 4 weeks off

Onset

10 days first effects

Full effect

42 days

Half-life

~2-4h

~Hours (estimated — limited PK data)

Protocol

5-10mg SubQ 3-5x per week. Some protocols use 10mg daily for metabolic conditions.

Time to effects

EARLY: 1-2 weeks

FULL: 4-8 weeks

Week 1-2: Improved exercise performance and endurance. Better glucose metabolism. Some feel more energetic.

Week 2-4: Enhanced fat oxidation during exercise. Improved insulin sensitivity measurable on blood work.

Week 4-8: Significant metabolic improvements. Body composition shift. Exercise capacity enhanced.

Effects on exercise performance are often noticed quite quickly. Minimum commitment: 4 weeks. Best assessed with blood work (fasting glucose, HbA1c).

Recommended vial

20mg or 30mg vials

At 5mg 3x/wk, 10mg = ~4.7 days, 20mg = ~9 days, 30mg = ~14 days ✓. All sizes work. 20-30mg for less frequent reconstitution.

Reference figures only

Dosing reflects published laboratory protocols and is not guidance for use in any living subject.

Safety

Reversibility

Fully Reversible

Side effects

Limited data: injection site reaction, mild GI (reported). No significant adverse events in limited human studies.

Interactions

Metformin (similar AMPK mechanism — potentially additive), other AMPK activators

Handle with research caution

No strict contraindications with other peptides on this list.

Storage & handling

Lyophilised

12–24 months

2–8°C

Reconstituted

4–6 weeks

2–8°C

Videos & talks

Independent educational content from researchers, clinicians and science communicators — not affiliated with Pepnerd.

Educational resources only. Videos are independent third-party content. Pepnerd is not affiliated with these creators and does not endorse or make claims based on their content. All products are for in-vitro research.