MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolic regulation and as an exercise mimetic; research protocols typically use 2.5 mg subcutaneously 5×/week (Monday-Friday).
Best for
Adults with metabolic concerns (insulin sensitivity, sluggish energy, exercise-capacity limitations) or those seeking mitochondria-targeted longevity protocols
What to expect
Energy and exercise-capacity changes often within 4-6 weeks; metabolic-marker shifts (HbA1c, fasting glucose) over 8-12 weeks
Pairs with
Often paired with NAD+ for mitochondrial support, or with AOD-9604 / GHRH peptides for combined metabolic protocols
Subcutaneous injection. The reference (“Conservative”) protocol runs 1–1.5 mg on weekdays, four weeks on and two off; the goodtides app also carries a daily-intensive protocol (2–2.5 mg, five days on / two off) and a three-times-weekly pulse (4–5 mg on Monday, Wednesday and Friday).
- How often
- M–F (5×/week)
- When
- Pre-workout · Morning
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Vial & water
- 10 mg vial in 1 mL = 10 mg/mL · 1 mg = 10 units on a U-100 syringe
- Cycle
- 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off
Shown: the “Conservative” protocol. The goodtides app also carries “Daily intensive” and “Pulse 3×/wk”.
The same numbers the goodtides app and the Dose Calc use — a research reference, not a prescription. Responses are individual; research protocols start at the low end.
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide with a remarkable origin: it's one of the few peptides known to be encoded directly in mitochondrial DNA (within the 12S rRNA region) rather than nuclear DNA.
Not FDA-approved; available through compounding pharmacies for research and off-label use under physician supervision.
Discovered in 2015 by researchers at the University of Southern California, MOTS-c is considered a 'mitokine' (a signaling peptide secreted by mitochondria that communicates with the cell nucleus and broader systemic tissues). Research has characterized its role in AMPK pathway activation (a master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis), glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, insulin sensitivity, and exercise capacity.
Plasma MOTS-c levels decline with age and are inversely correlated with insulin resistance, suggesting it functions in part as an endogenous metabolic-flexibility signal. Animal studies have shown MOTS-c administration can reverse age-related insulin resistance and improve exercise performance metrics.
Human trials are early-stage but have demonstrated improvements in insulin sensitivity and exercise capacity in older adults. The discovery of MOTS-c has opened a new field of mitochondrial-derived peptide research.
Researchers are actively cataloguing related mitokines (SHLP1-6, humanin) that may contribute similar signals.
- Half-life
- ~30-60 min
- Peak
- ~30 min post-SC
- Absorption
- SC well-absorbed; mitochondrial-targeted
- Bioavailability
- SC ~80%
References3
- Lee C et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance (Cell Metab) (mouse model)
- Reynolds JC et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis (Nat Commun)
- Kim KH et al. MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism (Free Radic Biol Med)
Log every dose, count every vial, and verify your batches — free in the goodtides app.
This page is educational reference material about compounds studied in research settings. It is not medical advice, and nothing here is a recommendation to buy, possess, or use any compound. Research findings described are from published literature; individual compounds may not be approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician about anything that affects your health.