Longevity & cellular · Peptide
MOTS-c
Also known as Mitochondrial peptide
A peptide encoded in mitochondria, studied as an 'exercise-mimetic' for metabolism.
Status as of 2026-07 · reclassification ≠ FDA approval · educational only, not medical advice.
The signal it sends
Activates AMPK and metabolic-stress pathways that mimic some exercise benefits.
Benefits & effects studied
- Insulin-sensitivity research
- Endurance & metabolic interest
- Longevity candidate
Research state
Promising pre-clinical; human data emerging. Not approved.
Dosing & pharmacokinetics
Investigational (injection in studies). Half-life: Short.
Dosing information is educational only. MOTS-c decisions belong with a licensed clinician — Jevity does not recommend or supply dosing.
History & discovery
First described 2015 by Changhan Lee, in the Pinchas Cohen laboratory (USC) Origin: Discovered in 2015 by Changhan Lee and colleagues in Pinchas Cohen's lab at USC, who found it encoded within a short open reading frame nested inside the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene; it is studied as an exercise-mimetic regulator of metabolism..
Molecular structure
A 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (sequence MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) encoded by the mitochondrial MT-RNR1 gene.
Frequently asked questions
Is MOTS-c FDA-approved?
Not FDA-approved — research use only (503A review, PCAC Jul 2026) On Jevity's evidence scale, MOTS-c is graded "Animal data only". Reclassification for compounding is not the same as FDA approval.
What is MOTS-c used for?
A peptide encoded in mitochondria, studied as an 'exercise-mimetic' for metabolism. Activates AMPK and metabolic-stress pathways that mimic some exercise benefits. Studied effects include: Insulin-sensitivity research; Endurance & metabolic interest; Longevity candidate. This is educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Is MOTS-c legal in the UAE?
UAE / DHA status: Prescription-only via a DHA-licensed clinic
Is MOTS-c banned in sport?
WADA status: Verify on current WADA list
What is MOTS-c's Jevity Score?
MOTS-c has a Jevity Score of 25/100 — a proprietary composite of evidence strength (2/10), regulatory clarity (3/10) and supply verifiability (3/10). It reflects how established and legitimate the compound is, not a recommendation.
MOTS-c is prescription-only or research-only. A licensed clinician must evaluate whether it's appropriate for you.
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Educational information only — not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to use any substance or therapy. Regulatory status changes; verify current rules and any personal decision with a licensed clinician. Jevity is operated by Upcapital Global FZCO, Dubai, UAE.