NOT MEDICAL ADVICE

MOTS-c

Estimated Market Price
$139.99 $154.99
Based on verified supplier pricing for research-grade compounds
Mitochondrial peptide for metabolic optimization, exercise performance, and longevity. The exercise-mimetic peptide.
How it works

Acts as an exercise mimetic by activating the AMPK energy-sensing pathway, boosting glucose uptake and fat burning. Your natural levels decline with age, and restoring them improves metabolic function.

Longevity

Recovery & Longevity

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What to Expect
Week 1 AMPK activation begins; subtle increase in energy levels. Slightly more energy during workouts.
Week 2–3 Glucose uptake improving; enhanced exercise performance. Exercise feels easier; endurance improving.
Week 4–5 Fatty acid oxidation elevated; improved insulin sensitivity. Body starting to lean out; metabolism feels faster.
Week 6–8 Full metabolic optimization; exercise-mimetic effects peak. Athletic performance noticeably better; body composition changing.

Verified Suppliers

For research purposes only. These suppliers have been independently verified by PepSpace. We do not process sales directly.

PepSpace is not affiliated with any listed supplier
Protocol & Dosage
Typical Dosage 5–10 mg SC, 3x weekly
Administration Subcutaneous injection
Schedule Three times weekly (e.g., Mon/Wed/Fri), AM preferred
Protocol Duration 4–8 weeks
Half-Life Not well established
Side Effects & Safety
Tolerability Profile Mild

Generally well tolerated; side effects are mild and transient

Common Side Effects

  • Injection site rednessmost users
  • Mild fatigue post-injectionsome users

Less Common

  • Muscle soreness (exercise-mimetic effect)occasional
  • Headacheoccasional
  • Mild GI discomfortoccasional
  • Transient blood sugar fluctuationoccasional

Discontinue If

  • Symptoms of hypoglycemia (shaking, sweating, confusion)
  • Persistent fatigue or malaise
  • Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling)

Contraindications

  • Insulin-dependent diabetes (unmonitored)
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Active metabolic crisis

Data note: Endogenous mitochondrial-derived peptide. Safety profile expected to be favorable but human trial data is limited.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. This information is for research reference only and does not constitute medical advice.

Ask about MOTS-c
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How to Apply

1

Gather

Peptide vial, BAC water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringe

2

Sanitize

Wipe tops of both vials with alcohol swabs

3

Draw

Pull 1–2 mL of BAC water into syringe

4

Add Water

Release water slowly along vial wall, not directly on powder

5

Swirl

Roll between palms until dissolved. Never shake.

6

Store

Refrigerate 2–8°C, use within 30 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) is required to reconstitute lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides. It contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol which prevents bacterial growth, keeping your reconstituted peptide safe for multiple uses over up to 30 days.

Unreconstituted: store at -20°C (freezer) for long-term, or 2–8°C (fridge) for short-term. After reconstitution: always refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 30 days. Keep away from direct sunlight.

Results vary by individual and protocol. In research settings, measurable effects are typically observed within 1–4 weeks depending on the specific peptide, dosage, and application. Consult a qualified professional for guidance.

Verified suppliers typically include a full third-party COA verifying purity (99%+), identity, and sterility. We recommend only sourcing from vendors that provide batch-specific testing data.

We list verified suppliers above that have been independently reviewed for product quality, testing transparency, and shipping reliability. Always verify COA data before sourcing.

Compound Profile

Scientific data & classification for MOTS-c

Also Known As Mitochondrial ORF of the Twelve S rRNA type-c
Classification Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide · Metabolic
Sequence Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg (16 aa)
Molecular Formula C₁₀₁H₁₅₂N₂₈O₂₂S₂
Molecular Weight 2,174.56 Da
CAS Number 1627580-64-6
Half-Life Not well established
Origin Encoded by mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene - first mitochondrial-derived peptide hormone
Administration Subcutaneous injection
Status Research compound
Mechanism of Action Acts as an exercise mimetic by activating the AMPK energy-sensing pathway, boosting glucose uptake and fat burning. Your natural levels decline with age, and restoring them improves metabolic function.
Research Overview MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide first identified in 2015 by Dr. Changhan David Lee and colleagues at the University of Southern California in a groundbreaking study published in Cell Metabolism. The discovery of MOTS-c fundamentally expanded our understanding of mitochondrial biology by demonstrating that the mitochondrial genome - previously thought to encode only 13 proteins, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs - actually contains additional functional genes encoding bioactive peptides within ribosomal RNA sequences. MOTS-c is encoded within the 12S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA and consists of 16 amino acids with the sequence MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR. The peptide's primary metabolic mechanism involves activation of the AMPK pathway through accumulation of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR), an intermediate in de novo purine biosynthesis that acts as an endogenous AMPK activator. AMPK activation triggers a cascade of metabolic adaptations including enhanced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, increased fatty acid oxidation, improved mitochondrial biogenesis, and suppression of de novo lipogenesis. A 2021 study published in Nature Communications demonstrated that MOTS-c functions as an exercise-induced peptide - its levels increase in skeletal muscle and plasma during physical activity, and exogenous MOTS-c administration in sedentary aged mice improved physical capacity, muscle glucose metabolism, and overall metabolic health to levels approaching those of exercised animals. This positioned MOTS-c as one of the most promising exercise mimetics identified to date. Population genetics studies have revealed that a naturally occurring variant of MOTS-c (K14Q) is associated with exceptional longevity in Japanese centenarians, providing human genetic evidence linking this mitochondrial-derived peptide to the aging process.

Citations

Published findings on MOTS-c from peer-reviewed journals.

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