
MOTS-C (5 mg Vial)
MOTS-C is a 16‑amino-acid mitochondrial‑derived peptide encoded in the mtDNA 12S rRNA region. Discovered in 2015, it enhances metabolic homeostasis through AMPK activation, increases sharply with exercise (~12‑fold in muscle), and declines with age. This educational protocol presents a once‑daily subcutaneous approach aligned with preclinical findings and emerging clinical use.
- Dose
- 5–15 mg per injection
- Frequency
- 2–3 times weekly
- Timing
- Pre-workout preferred
- Duration
- 8–12 weeks
Mitochondrial peptide. Improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic flexibility. Exercise mimetic properties.
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 500 mcg (0.5 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 1000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 60 units (0.60 mL) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 1500 mcg (1.5 mg) | 90 units (0.90 mL) |
| Weeks 7–8 | 2000 mcg (2.0 mg) | 120 units (two 60‑unit injections)\* |
- •Peptide Vials (MOTS-C, 5 mg each):
- •Insulin Syringes (U‑100):
- •Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use ~3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- •Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
Journal of Translational Medicine (2023)
Wan W, et al. Mitochondria‑derived peptide MOTS‑c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and aging
View sourceCell Metabolism (2015)
Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial‑derived peptide MOTS‑c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance (PMID: 25738459)
View sourceNature Communications (2021)
Reynolds JC, et al. MOTS‑c is an exercise‑induced mitochondrial‑encoded regulator of age‑dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20790-0)
View sourceCell Metabolism (2018)
Kim KH, et al. The Mitochondrial‑Encoded Peptide MOTS‑c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress (PMID: 29983246)
View sourceRapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry (2019)
Knoop A, et al. Development of an MS‑based detection method for the mitochondrion‑derived peptide MOTS‑c in plasma for doping control (DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8337)
View sourceAlzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (2021)
Cognitive Vitality Profile: MOTS‑c (evidence review detailing preclinical findings and safety)
View sourceCDC
Vaccine Administration: Administering Vaccines (subcutaneous route guidance; angle, site, no aspiration)
View sourceCDC
Subcutaneous Injection Technique (PDF diagram and site guidance)
View sourceNCBI Bookshelf
Best Practices for Injections: asepsis, preparation, administration, and site rotation
View sourcePMC (Pharmacologic Review)
Pharmacologic considerations of the subcutaneous route for biologics and peptides
View sourceBachem
Handling and Storage Guidelines for Peptides (manufacturer best‑practices for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides)
View sourcePeptide Crafters (2025)
Stability Study of MOTS‑c Peptide Following Reconstitution and Refrigerated Storage (lab report with purity data over 30 days)
View sourceGenScript
Peptide Storage and Handling Guidelines (freeze‑thaw considerations and best practices)
View sourceSigma‑Aldrich
Handling and Storage Guidelines for Peptides and Proteins (moisture control, temperature recommendations)
View source
Educational content adapted from peptidedosages.com. Not medical advice.