Buy MOTS-c (10mg) – 99%+ Pure, COA Verified

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Certificate of Analysis Janoshik Analytical report #150240 Tested Apr 2026. Published online, not packed with orders.

Measured purity 99.637% Result Janoshik Analytical reported for the sample tested.

Vial strengths 5 mg · 10 mg · 20 mg · +2 more 5 strengths, all in stock. Pick one in the selector.

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Formats Single vial · 10-vial pack Price per vial and pack total update with your selection.

Form Lyophilised powder Supplied in sealed vials. Storage conditions are listed in the specifications.

Testing history 2 reports on file Earlier certificates stay published with their own test dates.

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

Available in 5 vial strengths, from 5 mg to 50 mg

Dispatched within 24 hours of confirmed payment on business days, shipped worldwide

Third-party tested by Janoshik Analytical

99.637% purity on the latest published report

Purity test report: PDF download

MOTS-C

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Single Vials (5)

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.

Scientific 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.

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the MT-RNR1 gene, discovered by Lee et al. (Cell Metabolism, 2015). MOTS-c activates AMPK through disruption of the folate-methionine cycle, leading to intracellular AICAR accumulation and subsequent GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle. Under metabolic stress, MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus in an AMPK-dependent manner and binds antioxidant-responsive elements (AREs) to regulate gene expression (Kim et al., Cell Metabolism, 2018). Preclinical models demonstrate that exogenous MOTS-c administration improves insulin sensitivity, reduces white adipose mass, and enhances exercise capacity in aged mice.

At a glance

Mechanism and receptors 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.

Experimental models 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.

Molecular characteristics Molecular weight 2174.6 Da; sequence MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR.

Evidence maturity 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.

Analytical verification Batch analysis reports identity and purity for the sample tested. It does not establish sterility, endotoxin or heavy-metal status, pharmaceutical equivalence, or any clinical property.

Research limitations Most published findings come from cell and animal models; they cannot be treated as evidence of human efficacy or safety.

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 as lyophilised research-grade material, with an independent Janoshik Analytical Certificate of Analysis published on this page, 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 - sealed 10-vial research packs, or single vials where listed (an order needs at least 5 single vials in total, or any 10-vial pack). 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. MOTS-C has an independent Janoshik Analytical Certificate of Analysis, which reports 99.637% purity for the sample analysed. The report number and test date are on the certificate, 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

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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

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

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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 →

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Analytical evidence View the MOTS-C COA Latest published certificate of analysis (purity and identity), dated 2026-04-28. View the COA →

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