How MOTS-c works
A peptide the body makes; injection benefits and safety remain unproven.
Also called: MOTS-C, Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c.
Mitochondrial-derived peptides · 16-amino-acid mitochondrial signaling peptide.
In cells and mice, MOTS-c changes fuel use and activates AMPK, a signal that helps cells respond to low energy. It can also move into the cell nucleus and change stress-response genes. A direct drug receptor has not been established.
- Folate/purine pathway and AMPK: Laboratory work links altered fuel metabolism with AMPK activation.
- Nuclear stress-response genes: Under metabolic stress, MOTS-c can move into the nucleus and alter gene activity.
Half-life: Human injection half-life is unknown; laboratory breakdown in blood does not establish whole-body clearance.
Related to MOTS-c
- Humanin: A peptide the body makes; injection benefits and safety remain unproven.
- Retatrutide: An experimental weekly injection with phase 3 weight-loss results.
- Ipamorelin: An experimental peptide that triggers growth hormone release.
- NAD+ and precursors: NAD+ helps cells use energy; wellness injection benefits remain unproven.
- Tesamorelin: A peptide approved for deep abdominal fat in adults with HIV lipodystrophy.
- SS-31 (elamipretide): A peptide approved for Barth syndrome muscle strength; benefit needs confirmation and broader energy benefits remain unproven.
Sources
- 503B Bulk Drug Substances List, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Bulk Drug Substances Nominated for Use in Compounding Under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Cellulitis, NHS · NHS · 2026
- Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks, FDA · FDA · 2026
- FDA Briefing Document: MOTS-c-Related Bulk Drug Substances (MOTS-c (free base) and MOTS-c acetate), FDA · 2026
- Federal Register: nonbinding draft HHS interim policy, October 30 2026, 2026
- Find product information about medicines, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency · MHRA · 2026
- HHS 503A peptide interim enforcement policy and conditions, October 30 2026, 2026
- July 23-24, 2026: Meeting of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee - 07/23/2026, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Medicines, European Medicines Agency · European Medicines Agency · 2026
- Peptide products, Therapeutic Goods Administration · TGA · 2026
- Risks of buying peptide products online, Therapeutic Goods Administration · 2026
- The 2026 Prohibited List, World Anti-Doping Agency · WADA · 2026
- Think twice before injecting peptides bought online: unauthorized products can seriously harm you, Health Canada · Health Canada · 2026
- Anaphylaxis, NHS · NHS · 2023
Sources checked: 2026-10-18.
Information only, not medical advice. Peptifacts does not sell anything and does not link to sellers.