Metabolic

MOTS-c peptide reference

Mitochondrial-derived peptide. Insulin sensitivity and metabolic flexibility research.

Peppi reviewing MOTS-c notes
Default dose label5 mg
Preferred routeSubQ
Frequency label1× every 2–3 days, or daily during loading
Storage window30 days mixed

Evidence snapshot

Human data

Evidence maturityHuman data
Animal studies and Phase 1 clinical trials; recently entered human research

Investigational / research chemical

Route map

How records are usually labeled

1 SubQ

Rotate within abdomen.

Vial timeline

Storage cues to log

Before mixRefrigerate 2–8 °C; freeze long-term.
After mixRefrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 30 days.
Use-by cue30 days after mixing
Mixed vial window30 days
Use this as a record-keeping cue, not a replacement for product labeling.

Peppi workflow

From vial to review

Vial 10 mg vial
Dose 5 mg
Route SubQ
Review 30d storage

Peppi turns scattered dose, vial, route, storage, note, and report details into one record trail.

Educational reference only

This page helps you understand what to track for MOTS-c. It is not medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation to use this peptide. Discuss dose, route, timing, storage, and safety with a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene — one of a small family of 'mitochondrial-derived peptides.' It activates AMPK signalling, improves insulin sensitivity, regulates metabolic homeostasis, and has been studied in models of obesity, T2D, and aging. Levels decline with age in humans, generating interest as a longevity-research target.

Also known as: Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c.

Insulin sensitivity researchMetabolic flexibility / fat oxidationHealthspan / longevity research

Mechanism and timing snapshot

Activates AMPK, improving glucose uptake, mitochondrial biogenesis, and metabolic flexibility. Translocates to nucleus to regulate stress-response gene expression. Endogenous levels fall with aging and metabolic disease.

Onset label30 min
Catalog onset field, when available.
Half-life label1 hr
Plasma half-life ~30–60 min; downstream metabolic effects persist longer
Duration label12 hr
Catalog duration field, when available.
subQ Moderate
IP High (animal studies)
oral Low

Tracking defaults

These values come from Peppi's catalog so records can be prefilled consistently. They should be reviewed against your clinician's instructions before logging real-world use.

Catalog default dose5 mg
Catalog dose range5 mg - 10 mg
Default routeSubQ
Frequency label1× every 2–3 days, or daily during loading
Best time labelMorning, fasted; pairs with fasted training.
Food noteTake fasted for AMPK signal alignment.

Catalog protocol note

5–10 mg subQ every 2–3 days for 4–8 weeks. Pre-fasted dosing leverages AMPK pathway.

Routes and site notes

Available route labelsSubQ
Preferred route labelSubQ
Common site labelsAbdomen
Site rotation noteRotate within abdomen.

Chemistry

SequenceMet-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg
Amino acids16
Molecular formulaC100H149N29O22S2
Molecular weight2174.55 Da

Vial, reconstitution, and storage

Supply formLyophilized powder
Typical vial size10 mg
DiluentBacteriostatic water
Diluent volume2 mL
Concentration note10 mg in 2 mL → 1.0 mL = 5 mg (100 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe).
Before reconstitutionRefrigerate 2–8 °C; freeze long-term.
After reconstitutionRefrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 30 days.
Reconstituted shelf life30 days
Light sensitiveYes
Freeze/thaw warningYes

Safety notes

Common and rare side effects listed in the catalog

  • Generally well-tolerated
  • Mild injection-site reactions
  • Hypoglycemia in fasted state
  • Headache

Contraindications and warnings

  • Pregnancy
  • Active cancer (unknown effects on cancer-cell metabolism)
  • Not FDA-approved.
  • Long-term safety data in humans is very limited.

Other considerations

  • Acts via AMPK — overlaps with metformin and exercise mechanisms.
  • Effects on insulin sensitivity build over weeks.
  • Pre-fasted dosing is the published research protocol; eating first blunts the signal.

Evidence and regulatory context

Evidence levelAnimal studies and Phase 1 clinical trials; recently entered human research
FDA approvedNo
Regulatory statusInvestigational / research chemical
Prescription requiredNo
Approved countriesNot listed

Stacking and cycle notes

Stacks well withNot listed
Avoid combining noteNot listed
Typical cycle label4–8
Typical break label4
Cycle guidanceCycle to assess effect; long continuous use is uncharacterised.

Tracking tips

  • Dose fasted for AMPK alignment — eating before blunts the signal.
  • Effects build over weeks; not an acute fat-loss tool.
  • Don't stack with metformin without monitoring — overlapping AMPK activation.

References

Track it in Peppi

Keep MOTS-c records organized.

Use Peppi for dose logs, vial inventory, storage dates, reminders, journal notes, photos, and clinician-ready reports.

FAQ

What should I track for MOTS-c?

Track the peptide name, dose amount and unit, route, vial label, timing, reconstitution or expiration dates, storage notes, and any symptoms or questions for clinician review.

Does Peppi tell me how to use MOTS-c?

No. Peppi organizes educational reference and your own records. Protocol decisions should come from a qualified healthcare professional.

Can I export MOTS-c records?

Peppi is designed to keep dose logs, vial inventory, journal notes, and reports easier to review and export.

Last reviewed: May 6, 2026