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This entry or formulation may be investigational and may not correspond to an FDA-approved product; safety and efficacy may not have been established. Kairo lists it for identification and record-keeping only.
Overview
Product & regulatory status
Research peptide; endogenous biology and administered products require separate evidence.
Metabolic signaling
Experiments linked MOTS-c to folate-cycle and purine-metabolism changes with downstream AMPK signaling, a cellular energy-sensing pathway. [1]
What the evidence shows
Metabolic research
The original experimental report found that administered MOTS-c improved insulin-related metabolic measures and limited diet-associated obesity in mice. [1]
A human molecule is not a human trial
Finding a peptide in human biology does not establish the safety or benefit of injecting additional peptide. The intervention findings in the cited paper were preclinical. [1]
What remains unknown
The relationship between naturally occurring MOTS-c levels and the effects of a purchased injectable preparation remains a separate question.
Safety
FDA assessment
FDA reports inadequate human exposure information and potential immune-response or impurity concerns for compounded MOTS-c. [2]
Identity and formulation
The research peptide, naturally expressed peptide, and a marketed vial should not be treated as interchangeable sources of evidence. [1]
Understanding product quality
Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved finished products. Poor preparation can cause contamination or incorrect strength. A catalog entry or a research paper is not a quality assessment of your product. [3]
When to seek urgent help
Severe allergic symptoms such as trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, or fainting need immediate help. Call 911 or your local emergency number. This is general emergency information, not a complete list of risks for this compound. [4]
A starting point for discussion
This is not a complete list of adverse effects or interactions. Your health history, other medicines, and the exact formulation matter. Missing safety data is not evidence of safety.
Common questions
Does this prove an anti-aging effect?
No. Metabolic findings in mice do not establish longer life or better function in humans.
Questions for your clinician
Does the evidence match my condition and this exact product? What risks or interactions matter for me? How would we assess whether it is helping?
Sources
- The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance2015 · Primary research · PubMed
- Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety RisksFDA · Compound-specific safety assessment
- Compounding and the FDA: Questions and AnswersFDA · product quality and regulation
- AnaphylaxisMedlinePlus · recognizing an emergency
Educational information, not a recommendation to use a compound. Kairo does not give dosing advice. Review decisions with a licensed healthcare professional.