MOTS-c

Key points

• MOTS-c is a 16 amino acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, one of a small family of mitochondrial signalling peptides.
• It is studied for insulin sensitivity, glucose handling and age related metabolic decline.
• Almost all the evidence is from cells and animals. There are no completed large human trials.
• It is not a licensed medicine in the UK and is sold only for research use.

Quick facts

What it is

Mitochondrial derived peptide, 16 amino acids

Studied for

Metabolism, insulin sensitivity, ageing

UK status

Not a licensed medicine; sold for research use

Human evidence

Very limited; mostly animal and cell studies

How it works

Mitochondria are the parts of the cell that make energy, and they send out signals about how that is going. MOTS-c is one of those signals. Under stress it can move into the cell nucleus and influence which genes are switched on, and in muscle it is reported to activate AMPK, an enzyme that senses energy and helps cells take up glucose. Levels are reported to fall with age, which is why it is of interest in ageing research.

What the evidence shows

The groundwork is a 2015 mouse study, followed by further animal and cell research suggesting effects on metabolism and insulin sensitivity. What is missing is human evidence: there are no completed mid or late stage trials, no established human dose, and no clear picture of how it behaves in the body. The animal doses used do not translate reliably to people.

What it does not settle

• Whether it works in humans is untested in proper trials.
• There is no established safe dose, route or half life in people.
• Long term safety is unknown, and products are not quality assessed.

Side effects

Common

• In animal studies no significant toxicity was reported at research doses, but this says little about people.
• As with any injected peptide, reactions at the injection site would be expected.

Less common but serious

• Combining it with insulin or other glucose lowering medicines could in theory add to the risk of low blood sugar.
• Because there is no licensed product, the dose, purity and contents of material bought online cannot be verified.

Report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

UK legal status and access

MOTS-c has no UK marketing authorisation, so it is not a licensed medicine and is not offered by registered clinics or pharmacies. It is sold online labelled for research use. A research label does not mean a product has been assessed for safety, quality or dose.

Common questions