MOTS-c
Also called Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c
A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA, studied for energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity and exercise. The strongest treatment findings come from cells and animals; a human trial is registered but has no results yet.
Overview
What it is
A mitochondrial-derived peptide discovered in 2015. It is not a steroid or a GLP-1 medicine. CB4211 is a related but distinct investigational analogue.
How it works
In the original experiments, MOTS-c affected the folate cycle and purine metabolism and activated AMPK, the cell's energy sensor. Treated mice were protected against some diet- and age-related loss of insulin sensitivity.
What the research shows
A 2021 study linked MOTS-c to the exercise response and improved physical function in young and old mice. A 2026 study found it rose in fluid around working human muscle during exercise. The MOTS-MET phase 2a trial (NCT07505745, about 120 people, 12 weeks) is studying insulin sensitivity with no results posted. A completed phase 1 trial of the analogue CB4211 (NCT03998514) also has no posted results.
Studied for
- Insulin sensitivity and obesitymice
- Physical decline with agemice
- Natural levels during exercisehuman observation
- Insulin sensitivityphase 2a, ongoing
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
Human side-effect rates are unknown. FDA's 2026 staff review cited gaps in human data and concerns about immune reactions, aggregation and impurities. Occurring naturally in the body does not make a manufactured product safe.
Regulatory status
Not FDA approved. Reviewed by FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee in July 2026, which is not drug approval.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
MOTS-C (5 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 5 mg MOTS-C
- Add diluent
- 3 mL
- Concentration
- 1.67 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 16.67 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
Community-reported use
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 500 mcg (0.5 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 1000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 60 units (0.60 mL) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 1500 mcg (1.5 mg) | 90 units (0.90 mL) |
| Weeks 7–8 | 2000 mcg (2.0 mg) | 120 units (two 60‑unit injections)* |
What a 5 mg Vial Changes: Concentration and Vial Yield
| Chart amount | Calculated volume | U-100 marking | Nominal yield from 5 mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mcg | 0.30 mL | 30 units | 10 full amounts |
| 1,000 mcg | 0.60 mL | 60 units | 5 full amounts |
| 1,500 mcg | 0.90 mL | 90 units | 3 full amounts, with 500 mcg remaining |
| 2,000 mcg | 1.20 mL | 120 units total, displayed as two 60-unit injections | 2 full amounts, with 1,000 mcg remaining |
How to mix
- Clean the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and gather sterile supplies.
- Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Gently swirl or roll until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label the vial 1.67 mg/mL with the preparation date and keep it refrigerated.
Administration technique
- The chart labels the existing community-reported route as subcutaneous. General subcutaneous-injection guidance covers hand hygiene, a clean work area, single-use sterile equipment, skin preparation, site rotation, and immediate disposal of used needles in an approved sharps container. This general technique reference does not validate MOTS-C itself or the amounts and timing in the chart.
- Laboratory records should distinguish peptide mass from liquid volume. For this 5 mg preparation, a U-100 marking represents 0.01 mL per unit; it is not an international unit of MOTS-C. If a required volume exceeds the capacity or practical readable range of the selected syringe, that measurement constraint should be resolved in the written protocol rather than improvised during administration.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Does MOTS-c help with weight loss or belly fat?
That has not been shown in people.
Can it replace exercise?
No. Mouse findings do not show an injection replaces exercise in humans.
Is CB4211 the same as MOTS-c?
No. It is a related analogue; results should not be transferred.
Related in Metabolic Health
Sources and further reading (5)
- Lee C, et al. MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab, 2015.
- Reynolds JC, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced regulator of age-dependent physical decline. Nat Commun, 2021.
- ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07505745 (MOTS-MET); NCT03998514 (CB4211).
- FDA. MOTS-c bulk drug substances: staff evaluation, July 2026.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Laboratory research material: MOTS-C Research Use Only