MOTS-c
Also known as Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c
A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolism and insulin sensitivity, prohibited in sport.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Snipes, MD
Reviewed for clinical accuracy · Last reviewed July 22, 2026 · Review policy
Quick answer
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in animal models for metabolism, insulin sensitivity and exercise capacity. It is not FDA-approved, is prohibited in sport, and its compounding pathway was under FDA review at the July 2026 PCAC meeting.
- Type
- Mitochondrial-derived peptide
- FDA status
- Not approved; compounding under review
- Human evidence
- Minimal (mostly animal studies)
- Evidence grade
- D (Preclinical Only)
- Banned in sport
- Yes (WADA)
Key takeaways
- →MOTS-c is encoded within mitochondrial DNA and acts as a signaling peptide involved in metabolism.
- →Animal studies suggest effects on insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility and exercise capacity.
- →Human clinical evidence is minimal, and it is not FDA-approved.
- →It is prohibited in sport under WADA, and was reviewed at the July 2026 PCAC meeting for the 503A list.
MOTS-c is one of a small group of peptides encoded inside mitochondrial DNA rather than the cell nucleus. It has drawn interest as a metabolic signaling molecule, with animal research pointing to roles in insulin sensitivity and exercise physiology. As with the other research peptides, the human evidence has not caught up to the enthusiasm.
How MOTS-c works
MOTS-c appears to influence metabolic pathways, including AMPK signaling, which helps regulate how cells use energy. In animal models this has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic adaptation to exercise. These findings are preclinical and have not been confirmed in controlled human trials.
What the evidence shows, by use
Each use is graded on the same A-E scale, based on human-trial quality rather than popularity.
Metabolic health / insulin sensitivity
DPreclinical OnlyAnimal studies show metabolic benefits, but there is no completed randomized human trial demonstrating the same in people.
Exercise capacity / physical performance
EAnecdotalPopular for this use based on preclinical data and user reports; controlled human evidence is essentially absent, and it is banned in sport.
Dosing
There is no FDA-approved MOTS-c product and no validated human dose. Circulating protocols are extrapolated from animal work and community practice. Given unregulated supply of unverified purity, any use should be through a licensed clinician and legitimate pharmacy, not research-chemical vendors.
Side effects
- •Injection-site reactions · Reported
- •Fatigue or flushing · Reported
- •Headache · Reported
Legal & regulatory status
MOTS-c is not FDA-approved, is prohibited in sport, and its compounding pathway was under FDA review at the July 2026 PCAC meeting.
Is MOTS-clegal? Full regulatory status →Where to get it: TeleRanked independently ranks the telehealth providers that offer clinician-prescribed peptides. See our Peptide Therapy rankings. We rank providers, we do not sell compounds, and rankings are never for sale.
Frequently asked questions
What is MOTS-c used for?+
It has been studied for metabolism, insulin sensitivity and exercise capacity, based mainly on animal data. Human clinical evidence is minimal.
Is MOTS-c banned in sport?+
Yes. MOTS-c is prohibited under the WADA framework.
How we grade evidence
Grade D: Preclinical Only. Evidence is largely limited to animal or laboratory studies; human data is minimal or absent. Our A-E scale reflects the strength of human evidence, not how popular a compound is.
Sources
- 1.July 23-24, 2026: Meeting of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee · U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- 2.WADA Prohibited List · World Anti-Doping Agency
- 3.Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers · U.S. Food & Drug Administration