MOTS-c: What It Is and Its U.S. Regulatory Status

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is a short peptide made of 16 amino acids. It is encoded in mitochondrial DNA, the small set of genes found inside mitochondria, rather than in the DNA of the cell nucleus. The name stands for mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c, which describes where its code is located.

MOTS-c was first described in 2015 by researchers in the United States. It belongs to a group called mitochondrial-derived peptides, which also includes humanin.

What does research say?

Scientists have studied MOTS-c mainly in cells and in animals, with a focus on metabolism, meaning how the body uses and stores energy. Research in people has mostly measured natural MOTS-c levels in the blood. It has not been established as safe or effective for any use in humans.

Early laboratory findings often do not hold up in people. That is why large, controlled clinical trials are required before any drug can be approved.

U.S. regulatory status

Current status: Not FDA-approved.

MOTS-c is not the active ingredient in any FDA-approved medicine, and the FDA has not found it safe and effective for any use in people.

Because it is not an approved drug, the FDA has not reviewed the contents or quality of products sold under the MOTS-c name.

Why Peptide Labs does not sell MOTS-c

Peptide Labs does not sell this compound. This page is general information, not medical advice. We do not supply, prepare or distribute MOTS-c in any form, and nothing on this page should be read as an offer.

If you have questions about MOTS-c or a related health concern, talk to a licensed healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Related reading

See the full list of compound profiles in the Peptide Guide.