⚠ Educational reference only — not medical advice.** This article is for research and educational reference. Always consult your own physician before considering any peptide protocol. See the full Disclaimer at the end of this article.

Introduction
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene — one of the first characterized members of the mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) family. First reported by Pinchas Cohen’s group at USC. Investigational; no FDA-approved indication.

Mechanism of Action
MOTS-c modulates metabolic homeostasis by activating AMPK and downstream signaling that improves insulin sensitivity, glucose disposal, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Circulating MOTS-c is reduced in insulin-resistant states and aging cohorts; exercise transiently raises it, framing exogenous MOTS-c as a possible exercise-mimetic.

Research Indications
Insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes models, obesity, age-related muscle dysfunction, and exercise-capacity research. Human data are early; rodent and primate studies have shown improved glucose tolerance and muscle endurance.

Reconstitution
Typical 10 mg lyophilized vial: add **2 mL of bacteriostatic water**, swirl gently. Final concentration **5000 mcg/mL (5 mg/mL)** — each 0.1 mL (10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe) delivers 500 mcg.

Dosing Protocol (research literature)
Published research protocols typically dose **5–10 mg subcutaneously twice weekly** (e.g., Monday + Thursday) for **8–12 weeks** with metabolic and body-composition reassessment. Some protocols front-load with a daily 10 mg loading week before stepping to twice-weekly maintenance.

Administration
Subcutaneous injection into abdominal fat, rotating sites. Timing of day does not appear to influence efficacy.

Storage & Handling
Lyophilized: refrigerate (2–8°C); freeze (–20°C) for long-term storage. Reconstituted: refrigerate; stable approximately **21–28 days**. Protect from light.

Side Effects
Predominantly mild injection-site reactions. Transient lightheadedness has been reported at higher doses. Long-term safety data are limited.

Contraindications
Pregnancy, lactation, active malignancy, and uncontrolled diabetes without specialist input.

Monitoring
Baseline fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel, body composition. Re-measure at 6 and 12 weeks. Counsel on hydration during loading weeks.

Disclaimer
**This article is for informational and research-reference purposes only.** Nothing in this document constitutes medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation from a physician. The reconstitution, dosing, and protocol information above reflects ranges commonly cited in published research and clinician-directed protocols — it is provided as reference material only, not as instructions, an endorsement of off-label use, or a substitute for individualized medical evaluation.

**Customers should do their own research and consult their own physician** before considering any peptide protocol. Whether a given compound is appropriate for an individual — and at what dose, for what duration, and alongside what monitoring — is a decision that only a licensed clinician with knowledge of that individual’s medical history, current medications, and conditions can make.