MOTS-c

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA. It acts as a mitochondrial signaling molecule that regulates metabolic homeostasis. Animal studies show improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic function. Limited human data exists.

PubMed results: 228 · Human studies: 131 · Animal studies: 178

Ranges reflect protocols studied in published research and animal-model extrapolation. Presented for research purposes only, not a recommendation or instruction for human use.

• Subcutaneous — standard range 5-10 mg, 3 times per week

Unknown (low confidence)

• Metabolic homeostasis and insulin sensitivity research (Strong preclinical): MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-encoded peptide studied as a mitochondrial signaling molecule that regulates metabolic homeostasis; animal studies demonstrated improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic function markers
• Exercise and AMPK-linked metabolic signaling (Strong preclinical): Preclinical research suggests MOTS-c acts through pathways involving AMPK and related metabolic gene programs, supporting its use as a probe of mitochondrial-to-nuclear communication in energy balance models
• Type 2 diabetes–related research contexts (Limited): Investigational literature lists type 2 diabetes among research interest areas for MOTS-c, though controlled human efficacy datasets remain limited relative to approved metabolic agents
• Ototoxicity and sensory research applications (Limited): Research programs have examined MOTS-c–related pathways in hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, and aminoglycoside ototoxicity models; translational human data are still emerging

• No robust documented human adverse profile — Mild, Not established. Published human safety datasets for MOTS-c remain sparse; most evidence is preclinical or early investigational, so formal adverse-event rates are not well established
• Injection site reactions (research contexts) — Mild, Anecdotal. As with other research peptides administered parenterally, mild local injection-site reactions are theoretically possible though MOTS-c–specific rates are not systematically reported

• Insufficient clinical safety characterization (Theoretical / Preclinical): Limited controlled human safety data means firm clinical contraindications beyond general investigational peptide research cautions are not established
• Active malignancy theoretical concern (Theoretical / Preclinical): Metabolic and survival-signaling effects of mitochondrial peptides raise a theoretical concern in active cancer research contexts; direct clinical evidence for MOTS-c is lacking

Lyophilized (powder): Refrigerated (2-8°C), Up to 24 months. Light sensitive: yes, store dark

Reconstituted (solution): Refrigerated (2-8°C), 4-6 weeks. Solvent: Bacteriostatic water

• NCT06133946 — Cohort Of DEafness-gene Screening, status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING. Indications: Hearing Loss
• NCT04013568 — Exercise Post-Diagnosis of Breast Cancer (NA), status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING. Indications: Breast Cancer
• NCT03878706 — The Cardiovascular Effect of GLP-1 Agonist, SGLT2 Inhibitor and Their Combination, status: RECRUITING. Indications: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
• NCT06500975 — Long Term Outcomes After Vestibular Implantation (NA), status: RECRUITING. Indications: Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction, Bilateral Vestibular Deficiency, Bilateral Vestibulopathy, Gentamicin Ototoxicity, Aminoglycoside Toxicity, Vestibular Diseases, Sensation Disorders, Labyrinth Diseases, Other Disorders of Vestibular Function
• NCT07438002 — Analysis of Effects of High-intensity Physical Exercise in Subjects With Dialyzed Chronic Kidney Disease and in Conservative Treatment (NA), status: RECRUITING. Indications: Chronic Kidney Disease
• NCT04027712 — Platelet Reactivity, B-amyloid, MOTS-c and Mortality of Type II Diabetics With CAD, status: UNKNOWN. Indications: Diabetes, Clopidogrel Resistance, Amyloid, Insulin Resistance