Also known as: Mitochondrial peptide
A peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA that acts like an exercise signal.
Educational reference, not medical advice. Many compounds here are not approved, and products sold as research chemicals are not checked for purity. Plan any use with a licensed clinician.
How it works
Activates AMPK, improving glucose uptake into muscle and metabolic flexibility in animal studies.
Evidence by goal
| Goal | Grade | What the grade means |
|---|---|---|
| Blood sugar & metabolic | D | Animal or cell studies only |
| Longevity & energy | D | Animal or cell studies only |
| Fat loss & weight | D | Animal or cell studies only |
| Muscle & growth hormone | D | Animal or cell studies only |
At a glance
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Half-life
- Short
Reported dosing
5 to 10 mg per week, split into 2 or 3 doses (practitioner reports).
Timing: Morning or before exercise.
Cycle: 4 to 8 weeks.
From approved labels where they exist, otherwise from published trials and practitioner reports.
Side effects
- Injection-site reactions
- Fatigue in first days (reports)
Who should avoid it
- Pregnancy
Often combined with
With SS-31 or NAD+ in mitochondrial protocols.
Key findings
Improved insulin sensitivity and exercise capacity in mice. An analog (CB4211) had a small human trial with modest liver and glucose effects.
2026 update
Apr 2026: moved off the Category 2 list. Jul 2026: advisory committee recommended compounding; FDA decision pending.
Where it is legal (Oct 2026)
| US | Pending |
|---|---|
| Canada | Not approved |
| Mexico | Not approved |
| EU | Not approved |
Sources
Open MOTS-c in the Peptide Guide Compare all peptides by goal
Last reviewed November 2026. Regulatory status reflects the US unless noted and changes often.