MOTS-c dosage and protocol
MOTS-c is a mitochondria-derived peptide that acts as a metabolic regulator. It activates AMPK, improves insulin sensitivity, promotes fat utilization, and has been reported to extend lifespan in limited preclinical animal studies. It is an active area of metabolic and aging research, with human evidence still thin.
- Vial size: 5 mg
- Reconstitution: 3 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 1.67 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Metabolic Health
- Fat Loss
- Anti-Aging
- Insulin Sensitivity
- Mitochondrial Function
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~1.67 mg/mL concentration
- Typical daily range: 500–2000 mcg once daily (gradual titration over 8 weeks)
- Easy measuring: At 1.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 16.7 mcg on a U-100 syringe
- Storage: Lyophilized at −20°C; after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 2–4 weeks
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 500 mcg (0.5 mg) | Once daily (SC) | 0.30 mL (30 units) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 1000 mcg (1.0 mg) | Once daily (SC) | 0.60 mL (60 units) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 1500 mcg (1.5 mg) | Once daily (SC) | 0.90 mL (90 units) |
| Weeks 7–8 | 2000 mcg (2.0 mg) | Once daily (SC) — given as 2 injections of 60 units each | 2 × 0.60 mL (60 units each) |
How it works
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome, in the region coding for 12S ribosomal RNA. It belongs to the group of mitochondria-derived peptides, signals that let mitochondria communicate with the rest of the cell and body. MOTS-c inhibits the folate cycle and de novo purine synthesis, which causes accumulation of AICAR, an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is a central energy sensor that increases glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation. Under metabolic stress, MOTS-c can also move into the nucleus and influence expression of stress-response and antioxidant genes. In mouse studies, MOTS-c injections prevented diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, improved glucose handling in skeletal muscle, and improved physical performance in both young and aged mice. Circulating MOTS-c levels fall with age and rise with exercise in humans, which has led to it being described as an exercise mimetic. Claims of lifespan extension rest on limited animal data and should be treated cautiously. Human evidence is thin. An analog (CB4211) entered early-phase clinical testing for fatty liver disease and obesity, but there are no completed efficacy trials of MOTS-c itself, and appropriate human doses are not established.
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake vigorously)
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8°C, protected from light; use within 2–4 weeks
Storage
Store lyophilized at −20°C in dry, dark conditions. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 2–4 weeks. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
Important notes
- Research use only
- Mitochondrial-derived — novel class of peptide
- Activates AMPK pathway (similar to metformin)
- May improve exercise tolerance and metabolic flexibility
- Promising anti-aging research in multiple animal models
Supplies
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs