Peptide

MOTS-c

Peptide derived from mitochondrial DNA (16 amino acids) that activates AMPK under metabolic stress; popularized as "exercise in an injection" with no human evidence for injection.

Regulatory status

Not approved

FDA (U.S.): Not approved. The FDA stated that there are no human exposure data and insufficient safety information (proposed compounding nomination withdrawn).

EMA (EU): Not approved.

How to take it

No validated human regimen. Endogenous plasma levels increase with HIIT (×1.6 in plasma, ×11.9 in muscle). Not approved in any jurisdiction.

Safety

Zero human trials with injected MOTS-c. Association between low levels and aging/diabetes, but association does not imply causation.

Effect by goal · level of evidence

AMPK activation / metabolism

improves Low preclinical (A)

Preclinical only

In mice and cells, MOTS-c activates the AMPK pathway, improves insulin sensitivity, and prevents diet-induced obesity. There are no human trials with injected MOTS-c.

View the study (preclinical) →

Insulin resistance

association Low review (A)

Association

Review: blood MOTS-c levels tend to be lower with age and, in some studies, with type 2 diabetes. It is an association, not proof that giving it as a drug helps.

View the study (review) →

Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.