Longevity
MOTS-c
The only peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA. MOTS-c acts as an exercise mimetic — activating AMPK, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting fat oxidation. Levels decline with age. Physician-prescribed and pharmacy-compounded for California patients.
Coming soon
Get notified when MOTS-c launches
MOTS-cisn't available to prescribe just yet. Leave your email and we'll let you know the moment it's ready in California — no spam.
Physician-reviewed peptide therapy, prescribed only when appropriate.
Protocol at a glance
- Dose
- 5–10 mg
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Frequency
- Daily to 3x/week
- Course
- 4–8 weeks on, 4 weeks off
- Typical cost
- $150–300/mo
Physician-reviewed. Prescribed only if appropriate after a telehealth consult — full refund if a licensed clinician determines it isn't right for you.
Why patients choose it
Why patients choose MOTS-c
Exercise in a vial
Activates AMPK — the same master metabolic switch flipped by physical exercise and metformin — to improve how your body handles glucose.
Metabolic flexibility
Increases glucose uptake into muscle and promotes fat oxidation, supporting insulin sensitivity and body composition.
A longevity signal
MOTS-c falls dramatically with age. Restoring it may be one mechanism behind the anti-aging metabolic effects of exercise.
Overview
What MOTS-c is
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome — making it unique among peptides, most of which are encoded in nuclear DNA. Discovered in 2015 by researchers at USC, it is produced in mitochondria and released into the bloodstream, where it acts as a hormone-like signaling molecule.
This mitochondrial origin gives MOTS-c a distinct role: it communicates between the mitochondria and the rest of the cell about the metabolic state of the organism. Its levels fall dramatically with aging in both humans and animals, correlating with declining metabolic health, increasing insulin resistance, and reduced exercise capacity.
Mechanism
Primary metabolic effects
MOTS-c acts as an 'exercise mimetic,' activating AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) — the same pathway targeted by physical exercise and metformin. In animal studies it prevented diet-induced obesity and improved insulin resistance even without exercise. The main effects:
- Insulin sensitization: increases GLUT4 translocation in muscle — improves glucose uptake without raising insulin
- Fat oxidation: promotes lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation in muscle and liver
- AMPK activation: the same master switch activated by exercise and metformin
- Anti-inflammatory: suppresses NF-κB and reduces inflammatory cytokines associated with obesity
- Exercise adaptation: enhances mitochondrial biogenesis and endurance capacity
Candidacy
Who it's for
MOTS-c is most commonly pursued by adults interested in metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and exercise performance. Animal studies show improved endurance and fatigue resistance even without training, and an enhanced metabolic response to exercise in those who do train.
It is administered by subcutaneous injection and is not bioavailable orally. Protocols range from daily injections of 5–10 mg to 3x weekly dosing, and it is often cycled (e.g. 4–8 weeks on, 4 weeks off) to maintain sensitivity. Some practitioners combine it with metabolic peptides like BPC-157 or with GLP-1 therapy for synergistic effects.
Safety
Side effects & contraindications
Human safety data is limited, but no significant adverse events have been reported at typical research doses. As a naturally occurring mitochondrial peptide, it is not expected to cause immune reactions.
As with all research peptides, quality sourcing from a regulated compounding pharmacy is essential. The compound is research-stage — discuss the full risk profile with your physician before starting.
Pricing
Cost in California
MOTS-c runs $150–300/month depending on dose and protocol. Consultation fees are $99–199 for the initial visit. See our full cost guide.
FAQ
MOTS-c questions
Related peptides
Often explored together
Get MOTS-c in California
Physician consultation, prescription, and pharmacy delivery. No clinic visit required.
Check Your EligibilityMOTS-c
Physician-reviewed