MOTS-c

Longevity Research Compound

Mitochondrial-derived peptide

Mechanism of Action

May improve metabolic function, insulin sensitivity, and exercise capacity. Research is emerging.

MOTS-c: A Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide Under Active Investigation

MOTS-c is one of the few peptides encoded directly by mitochondrial DNA. Preclinical research indicates a single dose improved mouse running distance by 15%, earning it the label "exercise-mimetic peptide." With 84 published articles and 7 clinical trials to date, studies are exploring its potential roles in insulin sensitization, glucose utilization, and metabolic regulation. It remains a research compound with no FDA approval for human use.

607
Community Posts
180
Users Discussing
84
Research Articles
7
Clinical Trials

Reported Outcomes

Clinical grade reflects published research; Community grade reflects user reports (n=607).

Energy Levels

Changes in energy and fatigue levels

Clinical: B
Community: B
39% (143)

MOTS-c acts as an exercise mimetic; a single dose in mice improved running time by 12% and distance by 15%. Late-life administration also significantly increased physical capacity and healthspan.

Sleep Quality

Effects on sleep quality

Clinical: B
Community: B
28% (70)
Metabolic Health

Metabolic and cellular health improvements

Clinical: C
Community: B
24% (59)

MOTS-c promotes cold adaptation by upregulating brown adipose tissue thermogenic genes and inducing white fat browning. It also reduces lipid trafficking to the liver and prevents metabolic disorders in obesity models.

Mental/Mood

Effects on mood and cognitive function

Clinical: D
Community: B
14% (36)

In a mouse model of traumatic brain injury (TBI), MOTS-c administration improved memory, learning, and motor function impairments while reducing neuroinflammation.

Anti-Aging

Anti-aging and regenerative effects

Clinical: C
Community: C
7% (15)

Late-life intermittent MOTS-c treatment has been shown to increase physical capacity and healthspan in mice, and prevent pancreatic islet cell senescence.

Who Discusses MOTS-c

From community reports with demographic data.

Gender

Male 59%
Female 41%

n=46

Age Distribution (limited data)

47
median age
range: 35-65
30s
40s
50s
60+

n=13

Side Effects

Limited data

Based on 7 user reports (n=7). Frequency indicates how often each was mentioned.

Common (>5%)

Insomnia
Mild 2 reports 15.4%

Uncommon (1-5%)

Injection Site Pain
Mild 1 reports 7.7%
Injection Site Reaction
Mild 1 reports 7.7%
Lump
Mild 1 reports 7.7%
Pain At Injection Site (Pip
Mild 1 reports 7.7%
Isr) From Ghk-Cu
Mild 1 reports 7.7%
Extreme Fatigue
Mild 1 reports 7.7%
Hair Thinning
Mild 1 reports 7.7%

Risks & Warnings

Important safety considerations based on clinical data and community reports.

!

Psychiatric Effects

3 mentions

Monitor for mood changes. Report any concerning psychiatric symptoms to healthcare provider.

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Injection Site Reactions

97 mentions

Local reactions are common and usually mild. Rotate injection sites.

Dosing

Standard Protocol

Starting Dose
5-10mg weekly
Titration
No established protocol
Half-life
Unknown in humans
Administration
Subcutaneous injection

Community Dosing Patterns

Based on 94 mentions

Community-reported patterns, not medical advice.

5mg 3x/week
11
5mg weekly
3
10mg weekly
3
2.5mg 3x/week
2
10mg EOD
2

Pricing

Research-grade reference pricing for 10mg vial. Prices vary by vendor and quantity. Research chemicals require self-mixing and lack medical oversight. Shipping is not included.

We do not list vendors. Prices are aggregated from community reports and should be treated as rough ranges.

US Research Grade

$46.75

Single small vial from US domestic vendors

US Research (Bulk)

$36.13

Per-dose equivalent when buying larger US vials

China Research

$4.5

Per-vial when buying 10-pack from Chinese vendors

Research

84
Total Articles
7
Clinical Trials
15
Reviews

Key Studies

Circulating levels of MOTS-c in patients with breast cancer treated with metformin Clinical Trial

Aging (Albany NY) (2022)

Serum MOTS-C Levels are Decreased in Obese Children and Associated with Vascular Endothelial Function Clinical Trial

Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes (2023)

Alterations in circulating mitochondrial signals at hospital admission for COPD exacerbation Clinical Trial

Chron Respir Dis (2023)

Role of MOTS-c in the regulation of bone metabolism Review

Front Physiol (2023)

The specific mitochondrial unfolded protein response in fast- and slow-twitch muscles of high-fat diet-induced insulin-resistant rats Preclinical

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) (2023)

Commonly Stacked With

Based on 607 community posts mentioning MOTS-c.

Retatrutide 113 mentions (18.6%)
GHK-Cu 34 mentions (5.6%)
Cagrilintide 32 mentions (5.3%)
BPC-157 31 mentions (5.1%)
TB-500 30 mentions (4.9%)

Switching Patterns

Based on 47 discussions about switching to or from MOTS-c.

← Switching TO

Retatrutide 4 mentions

Users who switched from MOTS-c