Shop by goal

  • Metabolic Research
  • GH-Axis Research
  • Muscle & IGF Research
  • Tissue and Cellular Models
  • Regenerative Research
  • Cellular Senescence Research
  • Cognitive Research
  • Multi-Compound Blends
  • Accessories
  • All compounds →

    • Popular compounds

  • BPC-157
  • TB-500
  • GHK-Cu
  • GLP1-RC-RT
  • GLP1-RC-SM
  • Ipamorelin
  • All bestsellers →

    • Research resources

  • Research Glossary
  • Peptide Guides
  • Delivery Guide
  • Track Order

    • Recently viewed

  • Peptide 101
  • Research Areas
  • Peptide Blog
  • Community Forum
  • Crypto Blog
  • Research Glossary
  • Reconstitution Calculator
  • Peptide Tracker
  • Research Protocol Tools
  • Peptide Guides
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Track My Order
  • Refer a Friend
  • My Account
  • My Orders
  • My Referrals
  • Log Out
    • How-to guides
  • Shop
  • Metabolic Research
  • MOTS-C

    • MOTS-C

    MOTS-c mitochondrial-derived peptide activates AMPK via folate-AICAR pathway to regulate glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and lipid oxidation.

    This strength is out of stock. Pick another strength, or check back soon — restocks are frequent.

    MOTS-C

    Compare pack sizes

    Tap a pack to select it in the purchase panel above

    Buy the 10-pack - save 67%/mg. Single vials welcome — checkout needs 5+ vials or any 10-vial pack - build a custom vial pack

    Lab-direct quality — full packs or single-vial samples

    Every batch ships straight from the lab that synthesises it — sealed, tamper-evident, and verified to >99% HPLC purity with a published batch Certificate of Analysis. View the batch Certificate of Analysis → Buying direct means you pay the lab-direct rate on every vial, with nothing stacked on top.

    Order a sealed 10-vial research pack , or add a single-vial laboratory sample alongside your pack to evaluate a compound at smaller scale first. Same source, same purity specification — scaled to whatever your research needs.

    What It's Researched For

    In plain terms, MOTS-c is studied mainly as an energy, exercise and metabolism compound. Here is what that looks like across the research.

    Energy & mitochondria

    Research explores how this peptide from inside mitochondria flips on the cell main energy sensor and builds more mitochondria.

    Endurance & exercise

    Animal studies look at how it copies many effects of a workout, including restored running capacity in older mice, earning it the nickname exercise mimetic.

    Blood sugar & metabolism

    Preclinical research investigates better blood-sugar handling and insulin response in obesity and ageing models.

    Fat loss & body composition

    Animal studies look at reductions in body fat that track with the exercise-like metabolic shift.

    Cellular ageing & longevity

    Widely used in metabolic-ageing research as a probe for how mitochondrial signalling changes with age. Circulating MOTS-c is reported to be ~11-21% higher in young donors than in middle-aged and older donors.

    Heart & inflammation

    Review-level work explores AMPK-dependent protection against cardiac dysfunction and pathological remodeling, alongside a shift toward anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles in animal models.

    Overview

    In short: MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide that functions as an exercise-mimicking metabolic regulator - activating AMPK, improving insulin sensitivity, and increasing exercise capacity in preclinical aging models.

    Key research facts

  • Activates AMPK signaling via folate-methionine cycle disruption and intracellular AICAR accumulation
  • Upregulates GLUT4 expression and translocation to enhance skeletal muscle glucose uptake
  • Promotes mitochondrial biogenesis through increased TFAM, COX4, and NRF1 gene expression
  • Enhances NRF2 antioxidant signaling and binds nuclear AREs under metabolic stress conditions
  • Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in preclinical models of metabolic dysfunction

    • These points summarise lab themes, not human outcomes.

    MOTS-c was one of the first peptides ever discovered to be encoded by mitochondrial DNA rather than the nuclear genome. Lee and colleagues reported it in 2015 as a short open reading frame hidden inside the 12S ribosomal RNA gene of the mitochondrial genome, and its unusual origin is part of why it quickly became a hot topic in longevity research.

    Functionally, MOTS-c acts like a molecular signal that something metabolically demanding is happening - exercise, fasting, or mitochondrial stress. It activates AMPK (the master energy sensor) through the folate-methionine cycle, which then promotes glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and improved insulin sensitivity. In animal models, giving exogenous MOTS-c reproduces many of the metabolic benefits of exercise without the workout.

    That "exercise mimetic" behaviour is why MOTS-c is such a popular research target in metabolic and longevity science. It is supplied here as sterile lyophilised powder for in-vitro and preclinical research.

    Mechanism of Action

    MOTS-c activates AMPK by perturbing the folate-methionine cycle, raising intracellular AICAR, and turning on metabolic signals that normally appear only during exercise or stress.

    Pathway Effect Why it matters AMPK activation Raises intracellular AICAR via folate-methionine disruption Triggers the master energy-sensor pathway that exercise normally activates GLUT4 translocation Increases glucose uptake in skeletal muscle Improves insulin sensitivity independently of insulin Mitochondrial biogenesis Upregulates TFAM, COX4, and NRF1 Builds more mitochondria - the root of improved aerobic capacity Nuclear ARE binding Translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress Directly regulates antioxidant and stress-response gene expression Adipose reduction Decreases white adipose tissue mass Body-composition shift consistent with exercise mimetic effect Cardioprotection AMPK-dependent protection against cardiac dysfunction and remodeling Extends the metabolic-stress signal to cardiovascular tissue in animal models Anti-inflammatory shift Lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines and raises anti-inflammatory factors Links mitochondrial signalling to systemic inflammatory tone Deeper dive for scientific readers

    Lee et al. (Cell Metabolism, 2015) introduced MOTS-c as an encoded regulator from MT-RNR1 and showed that exogenous administration improves insulin sensitivity in aged mice at 15 mg/kg three times weekly. Kim et al. (Cell Metabolism, 2018) later demonstrated stress-dependent nuclear translocation, where MOTS-c binds antioxidant response elements directly. A 2023 review in Frontiers in Endocrinology (Zheng, Wei & Wang) synthesises the broader preclinical picture - AMPK-driven glucose handling, cardioprotection against pathological remodeling, anti-inflammatory cytokine shifts, and an age-related decline in circulating MOTS-c (roughly 11-21% lower in older than younger donors). There is still no formal human pharmacokinetic data, but endogenous plasma MOTS-c rises with exercise, which gives researchers a natural baseline for dosing.

    Common Questions People Are Asking

    What is MOTS-c?

    MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open-reading-frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA. It acts as a metabolic signalling peptide, notably activating the AMPK energy-sensing pathway. It is supplied as a lyophilised research-grade powder for laboratory use only.

    What does MOTS-c do?

    In research models MOTS-c activates AMPK and influences metabolic homeostasis - glucose handling, insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial energy metabolism - which is why it is studied as a candidate "exercise-mimetic" signalling peptide. These are findings in cell and animal models; New-U supplies it for laboratory research only and implies no human effect.

    What is MOTS-c used for?

    In the research literature MOTS-c is used as a tool compound to study mitochondrial signalling, AMPK activation, metabolic and exercise-physiology endpoints, and age-related metabolic decline. New-U supplies it strictly for in-vitro and animal-model research.

    What is a mitochondrial-derived peptide?

    A mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) is a short bioactive peptide encoded directly by mitochondrial DNA - specifically by small open reading frames hidden inside genes for mitochondrial ribosomal RNAs. MOTS-c (from 12S rRNA) and humanin (from 16S rRNA) are the two best-studied examples. Their discovery made mitochondria into a genuine endocrine organ that signals to the rest of the body.

    Is MOTS-c actually an exercise mimetic?

    In preclinical models, yes. MOTS-c reproduces several characteristic metabolic effects of exercise - AMPK activation, improved insulin sensitivity, increased mitochondrial biogenesis, restored running capacity in aged animals - without the animal actually exercising. Whether those effects translate to humans in comparable ways is still an open research question.

    When is MOTS-c best administered in research protocols?

    Morning administration, 30-60 minutes before fasted exercise, is the pattern most commonly used. The timing aligns exogenous MOTS-c with the window where endogenous production naturally peaks during exercise, and fasted state maximises AMPK responsiveness.

    Is MOTS-c legal, and is it banned by WADA?

    MOTS-c is sold strictly as a research-use-only laboratory compound; it is not an approved drug or supplement for human use anywhere. For competing athletes it is a WADA-prohibited substance, so it should never be used in or out of competition by anyone subject to anti-doping rules. New-U supplies it for in-vitro and animal-model research only.

    How is MOTS-c different from 5-Amino-1MQ?

    Both are studied for metabolism, but they are not the same kind of molecule. MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide that activates AMPK as an "exercise mimetic" and is injected. 5-Amino-1MQ is an orally active small-molecule NNMT inhibitor that preserves NAD+ and SAM pools. One is a signalling peptide; the other is an enzyme inhibitor - they reach overlapping metabolic endpoints by different routes.

    Does MOTS-c decline with age?

    Research suggests it does. A 2023 Frontiers in Endocrinology review reports that circulating MOTS-c is roughly 11-21% higher in young donors than in middle-aged and older donors, which is one reason it is studied as a mitochondrial-signalling probe for age-related metabolic decline. These are observational preclinical findings.

    What does MOTS-c do beyond metabolism and exercise?

    Beyond its best-known AMPK and exercise-mimetic effects, review-level preclinical work also describes AMPK-dependent cardioprotection against cardiac dysfunction and pathological remodeling, and a shift toward anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles in animal models. These are early-stage research observations in cell and animal systems, not demonstrated human effects; New-U supplies MOTS-c for laboratory research only.

    How should MOTS-c be stored?

    Keep the lyophilised powder frozen at −20 °C. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 1-6 °C and protect from light. MOTS-c is reasonably stable in solution within the normal peptide-handling window.

    What happens if you stop taking peptides?

    MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied as a metabolic/AMPK-signalling molecule rather than a hormone. In the research models, its short residence time means that once administration stops the peptide clears and the metabolic signalling it stimulated returns toward baseline; the literature does not describe a hormonal suppression or withdrawal effect. These are preclinical research observations.

    Where can I buy MOTS-C?

    Right here - MOTS-C is supplied directly by New-U Research Compounds on this page. Every batch is independently third-party tested to >99% HPLC purity with a batch-linked Certificate of Analysis, supplied as lyophilised research-grade material, and shipped direct from source worldwide in discreet, tracked packaging.

    How much does MOTS-C cost?

    MOTS-C pricing is shown live on this page, per pack size - 10-vial research packs as standard, with single-vial sample options on selected compounds. Larger vial strengths lower the per-mg cost, the batch Certificate of Analysis is published on this page, and shipping is free on orders over $350.

    Is MOTS-C third-party tested?

    Yes. Every MOTS-C batch is verified by independent laboratories (Janoshik Analytics and Freedom Diagnostics) for identity and purity, with a batch-linked Certificate of Analysis confirming >99% HPLC purity. Current batch certificates are published on this page and on our COA page rather than packed with orders. View the MOTS-C Certificate of Analysis →

    How do I buy MOTS-C?

    Add the MOTS-C pack size you need to your cart and check out: enter your shipping details, then choose your payment method - cryptocurrency or card - on the next step. The batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) is published on this page, so you can check it before you order.

    What payment methods can I use to buy MOTS-C?

    At checkout you can pay by card or crypto. New-U supports BTC and selected stablecoin and network-asset payments across Ethereum, Solana, TRON, Polygon, Base, BNB Chain and Linea. You choose your method after confirming your order.

    How fast is shipping, and do you ship worldwide?

    Yes - we ship worldwide in discreet, unmarked, tracked packaging; lyophilised peptides are stable through the tracked transit window. Delivery typically takes 6–14 business days, and shipping is free on orders over $350.

    Research use only - all claims made on this site are for testing and research use only.

    Pharmacokinetics

    Stability Lyophilised powder: store in freezer (−20 °C). Reconstituted: refrigerate 1–6 °C, away from sunlight. Use within the validated stability window for the specific batch and formulation. Notes Estimated circulating half-life of 1–2 hours based on post-exercise endogenous kinetics. Morning administration 30–60 minutes before fasted exercise is preferred to align with physiological production patterns. No formal human pharmacokinetic studies published; dosing derived from preclinical protocols (15 mg/kg 3x/week in aged mice, Lee et al., 2015).

    Evidence Tier

    Overall: Tier 2: Animal / preclinical

    MOTS-c evidence is preclinical - rodent and cell-based studies of AMPK activation, insulin sensitivity, exercise-mimetic metabolic endpoints, cardioprotection and anti-inflammatory signalling, consolidated in a 2023 Frontiers in Endocrinology review - with no formal human pharmacokinetic or efficacy data published. It is not approved for any indication (and is WADA-prohibited for competing athletes) and is supplied as unapproved laboratory material.

    Tier 2 · Animal

  • Lee et al. (Cell Metabolism, 2015; PMID 25738459) - exogenous MOTS-c improved insulin sensitivity in aged mice
  • Kim et al. (Cell Metabolism, 2018) - stress-dependent nuclear translocation and antioxidant-response-element binding
  • Reynolds et al. (Nature Communications, 2021; PMID 33473109) - exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis in mice
  • Zheng, Wei & Wang (Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2023; PMID 36761202) - review synthesising preclinical evidence for metabolic regulation, cardioprotection, anti-inflammatory signalling and age-related decline of circulating MOTS-c

    • Certificates, databases & peer-reviewed sources

    Last reviewed: 23 July 2026 · New-U Research Compounds

  • Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism. · 2015 · PMID: 25738459 · DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.009
  • Reynolds JC, et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nature Communications. · 2021 · PMID: 33473109 · DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20790-0
  • Zheng Y, Wei Z, Wang T. MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation. Frontiers in Endocrinology. · 2023 · PMID: 36761202 · DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1120533
  • PubMed: peer-reviewed literature on MOTS-C
  • ClinicalTrials.gov: registered studies on MOTS-C
  • MOTS-C: Wikipedia
  • WebMD: consumer health reference
  • BBC News: Health
  • CNN Health: “Peptides: what to know about the wellness trend”
  • Sky News: “Can peptides make America healthy again?”
  • Sky News: “Inside the exploding US peptides craze” (video)
  • Sky News Australia: “Black market peptide trade explodes as influencers fuel uptick in use”
  • Sky News Australia: “Backyard peptide boom sparks alarm” (video)
  • Sky News Australia: “Oprah reveals struggle with shame of weight-loss drugs”

    • Key Characteristics

  • 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide
  • Encoded by MT-RNR1 (mitochondrial DNA, not nuclear)
  • First-discovered member of mitochondrial-derived peptide class
  • Acts through AMPK / folate-methionine pathway
  • Exercise-mimetic metabolic profile
  • Typical research dose 5-10 mg SC three times weekly
  • Plasma levels rise endogenously with exercise
  • Research-grade purity: >99% HPLC

    • Specifications

    Molecular Formula C 100 H 151 N 29 O 22 S 2 Molecular Weight 2174.6 Da Sequence Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg Purity >99% (HPLC) Form Lyophilised powder Half-life ~1-2 h (estimated) Route Subcutaneous injection Research schedule Typically 3× weekly for 4-6 weeks, then weekly Storage Lyophilised: −20 °C freezer. Reconstituted: 1-6 °C, away from light.

    About MOTS-C: Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide & Exercise Mimetic Research Guide

    MOTS-c belongs to a novel class of signalling molecules called mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). Until the 2000s, it was assumed that mitochondrial DNA only encoded components of the electron transport chain and a few RNA species for local translation. The discovery that short open reading frames inside mitochondrial rRNA genes actually produce secreted bioactive peptides - MOTS-c is encoded in the 12S rRNA region and was identified at USC in 2015 - turned mitochondria into a genuine endocrine organ in their own right.

    Functionally, MOTS-c is perhaps the cleanest molecular "exercise mimetic" that has been characterised to date. In aged mice, exogenous MOTS-c administration has restored insulin sensitivity toward young-mouse levels, improved running and exercise capacity, increased mitochondrial biogenesis, and reduced white adipose mass - exactly the profile of responses you would expect from a well-designed exercise programme. Researchers use it as a tool compound to isolate which effects of exercise trace back to mitochondrial AMPK signalling versus other physiological systems.

    New-U Research Compounds supplies MOTS-c as a research-grade lyophilised powder at >99% HPLC purity, verified by independent third-party labs. All material is strictly for in-vitro and preclinical research use. MOTS-c is a WADA-prohibited substance for competing athletes, is not approved for human therapeutic use, and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice.

  • MOTS-c - Wikipedia
  • AMP-activated protein kinase - Wikipedia
  • Mitochondrion - Wikipedia
  • Insulin sensitivity - Wikipedia

    • Customer Reviews

    Smooth delivery

    Ordered MOTS-c online from New-U and delivery was straight forward. Tracking worked, parcel arrived discreetly and the vial was sealed.

    - Elena P****** · 30 August 2026

    Well packed vial

    The MOTS-c vial was protected properly inside the parcel. No damage, no loose packaging and the label was easy to read.

    - Jade W***** · 30 August 2026

    New-U MOTS-c order

    First time ordering MOTS-c from New-U Research Compounds. Product page was clear, checkout was simple and delivery updates came through properly.

    - Rafael M***** · 30 August 2026

    More in Metabolic / Longevity

  • Metabolic / Longevity 5-Amino-1MQ 5-Amino-1MQ is a selective NNMT inhibitor that preserves intracellular NAD+ and SAM pools by blocking nicotinamide methylation in adipose tissue. 5-Amino-1MQ →
  • Metabolic / Longevity Epitalon Epitalon (AEDG) is a synthetic tetrapeptide telomerase activator that upregulates hTERT expression to elongate telomeres in human somatic cells. Epitalon →
  • Metabolic / Longevity FOXO4-DRI FOXO4-DRI is a D-retro-inverso senolytic peptide that disrupts the FOXO4-p53 nuclear interaction to selectively induce apoptosis in senescent cells. FOXO4-DRI →
  • Metabolic / Longevity SS-31 SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, binds cardiolipin, and restores electron transport chain efficiency in models of mitochondrial dysfunction. SS-31 →
  • Metabolic / Longevity Cartalax Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp / AED) is a synthetic short-peptide bioregulator from the Khavinson cytogen family, studied for tissue-specific gene modulation in cartilage and connective-tissue cell cultures. Cartalax →
  • Metabolic / Longevity Glutathione Glutathione (GSH) is the body’s principal endogenous antioxidant - a γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine tripeptide central to redox balance, Phase-II detoxification, and cellular thiol defence. Glutathione →

    • MOTS-C vs related Metabolic / Longevity compounds

    Compound Price Purity spec COA MOTS-C from $103 >99% HPLC 2 published batches 5-Amino-1MQ from $93 >99% HPLC On request Epitalon from $82 98.7% HPLC 1 published batch

    Descriptive catalog comparison for research sourcing decisions - not dosing guidance.

    More on MOTS-C

  • Metabolic Research research compounds
  • MOTS-C research guide
  • MOTS-C pricing and packs

    • Research this compound

  • Research guide MOTS-C research guide MOTS-c activates AMPK by perturbing the folate-methionine cycle, raising intracellular AICAR, and turning on metabolic signals that… Read the guide →
  • Compare Compare MOTS-C and AOD-9604 MOTS-C vs AOD-9604: mechanism, receptor profile and specifications side by side. Compare →
  • Analytical evidence View the MOTS-C COA Latest published certificate of analysis (purity and identity), dated 2026-04-28. View the COA →

    • Part of the Cognitive & longevity research research area — explore related compounds, guides and sources.

    From our community

    What people say on Facebook

    PRECISION. PURITY. PERFORMANCE.

    Research peptides. Third-party Certificates of Analysis (Janoshik Analytical & Freedom Diagnostics) are published on the website. Supplied strictly for laboratory research use.

    Shop

  • All research compounds
  • Price list
  • Where to buy peptides
  • Compare compounds
  • Compare vial sizes
  • Affiliate programme

    • Research

  • Peptide 101
  • Published COAs
  • Research areas
  • Research blog
  • How-to guides
  • Peptide guides
  • Research glossary

    • Support

  • Track your order
  • Contact us
  • Shipping & delivery
  • International shipping
  • FAQ
  • Community forum
  • Refund policy

    • Ways to Pay

  • Google Pay
  • Apple Pay
  • Venmo
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Crypto wallets
  • Cash App
  • Card payments
  • Bank transfer (SEPA)
  • Paying with crypto
  • Live crypto prices

    • Shop by goal

  • Metabolic Research
  • GH-Axis Research
  • Muscle & IGF Research
  • Tissue and Cellular Models
  • Regenerative Research
  • Cellular Senescence Research
  • Cognitive Research
  • Multi-Compound Blends
  • Accessories

    • Shop by compound

  • BPC-157
  • TB-500
  • GHK-Cu
  • Tesamorelin
  • Retatrutide
  • Semaglutide
  • Tirzepatide
  • CJC-1295 (without DAC)
  • All compounds →
    • Shop by region
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Canada (FR)
  • Ireland
  • Northern Ireland
  • Malta
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Portugal
  • Greece
  • Austria
  • Poland
  • Sweden
  • Finland
  • Denmark
  • Norway
  • Croatia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Estonia
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Czechia
  • Hungary
  • Romania
  • Bulgaria
  • Belgium
  • Belgium (FR)
  • Luxembourg
  • Deutsch
  • Ελληνικά
  • Español
  • Français
  • Italiano

    • Research use only - all claims made on this site are for testing and research use only. Purchasers must be 21 years of age or older.

    All rights reserved. Copyright of New-U held with Hilxera Distribution Services LLC 2026.

    Website & business operated by Hilxera Distribution Services LLC. Registered in Wyoming, ID: 2026-001928701.

    Principal office: 1712 Pioneer Ave., Ste. 500, Cheyenne, WY 82001, USA

    © 2026 New-U Research Compounds · new-u.io

    [image: MOTS-C research vial — Metabolic / Longevity compound supplied by New-U Research Compounds]

    [image: New-U Research Compounds on PepFinder, PepFinder rating 8.4 out of 10, store checked]

    Research use only — not for human consumption. All products are supplied strictly for laboratory research purposes.

    © 2026 New-U Research Compounds · new-u.io — Copyright held with Hilxera Distribution Services LLC. All rights reserved.