Research Peptide Not a Protocol
FDA · TGA · WADA · peer-reviewed literature Updated May 2026 Reviewed by Allmeds AI Pharmacist

MOTS-c Dosage: Why a Research Peptide Has No Regulator-Validated Human Dose

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide identified in 2015. It has been studied in cell and animal models for effects on metabolism and exercise. It is not approved by any regulator for human use, and no controlled human trial has established a safe and effective dose. WADA prohibits it.

MOTS-c has no regulator-approved human dose. It is a research peptide studied in cell and animal models. Not FDA-approved. WADA-prohibited. Online protocols are extrapolations from animal data, not regulator-validated.

Key Takeaways

  • MOTS-c is a research peptide, identified in 2015, encoded within mitochondrial DNA.
  • Not FDA-, EMA-, or TGA-approved.
  • No regulator-validated human dose for any indication.
  • WADA prohibits MOTS-c.
  • Compounded or research-grade MOTS-c is not pharmaceutical-grade.

Where MOTS-c is in research

MOTS-c is encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region. Published work, much of it from the Cohen laboratory, describes effects on AMPK signalling, insulin sensitivity, and exercise-related metabolic measures in cell and animal models. Translation to controlled human trials in marketed uses is very limited.

Regulator position

MOTS-c is not approved by the FDA, EMA, or TGA. WADA prohibits MOTS-c in competitive sport.

Check your medications before any change

Allmeds scans interactions across your full list. Free for individuals; team plans available.

Try it free → Talk to Sales

Common Questions

Is there a recommended MOTS-c dose?

No. No regulator has approved MOTS-c or established a safe and effective human dose.

Where do online protocols come from?

From extrapolation of animal-model doses and anecdotal community use. They are not regulator-validated.

Is MOTS-c banned in sport?

Yes. WADA prohibits MOTS-c.

Should I consider MOTS-c?

Discuss with a qualified clinician. MOTS-c is a research peptide without regulator approval.

References

  1. Lee C et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis. Cell Metab. 2015;21(3):443-454. Source.
  2. World Anti-Doping Agency. WADA Prohibited List. Source.
  3. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding That May Present Significant Safety Risks. Source.
Not medical advice. This page summarises regulator statements and peer-reviewed literature for general information. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medicine.