Protocols · Muscle & Performance · MOTS-c
Research Protocol · Educational

MOTS-c
Dosage Protocol

MOTS-c, the mitochondrial-derived peptide, is dosed here from a 10 mg vial once daily by subcutaneous injection. The reconstitution math, the titration schedule, and syringe-unit conversions are covered below, with every figure sourced to the protocol guide and peer-reviewed literature cited.

MOTS-c
MOTS-c · 10 mg · research use only
Typical range
200 mcg–1 mg/day
Reconstitute
3.0 mL BAC water
Concentration
3.33 mg/mL
Storage
2–8 °C · ≤7 days
Dosage

Dosage Chart

Gradual titration schedule for the 10 mg vial over 10 weeks, administered once daily by subcutaneous injection via U-100 insulin syringe. Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) systematically. [5]

PhaseDaily doseUnits (U-100)Volume
Weeks 1–2200 mcg6 u0.06 mL
Weeks 3–4400 mcg12 u0.12 mL
Weeks 5–6600 mcg18 u0.18 mL
Weeks 7–8800 mcg24 u0.24 mL
Weeks 9–10+Up to 1 mg (1,000 mcg)30 u0.30 mL

At the 3.33 mg/mL working concentration, 1 unit on a U-100 syringe equals 0.01 mL, approximately 33.3 mcg. [5] Beyond the 10-week titration above, protocols more broadly are reported to typically run 8–12 weeks, with an optional extension to 16 weeks. [5]

Prep

Reconstitution

10 mg vial, mixed to a working concentration before drawing a dose.

Add 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water to the 10 mg vial, yielding a concentration of approximately 3.33 mg/mL. [5] Inject the water slowly along the vial wall to avoid foam formation, then gently swirl until fully dissolved; do not shake vigorously. [5]

Before reconstitution, keep the lyophilized peptide frozen at −20 °C or colder, in dry, dark conditions. Once reconstituted, refrigerate between 2–8 °C, protected from light, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles; let the vial warm to room temperature before opening to reduce condensation. [5] Use the reconstituted solution within 7 days for optimal potency. [5]

Mechanism

How It Works

MOTS-c is a small mitochondrial-derived peptide composed of 16 amino acids, encoded within mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (MT-RNR1). It functions as a cellular signaling molecule involved in metabolic regulation and stress response. [4]

Physical exercise may increase MOTS-c levels, potentially improving metabolic function and insulin sensitivity. [2] In kidney disease patients, MOTS-c has been reported to show an inverse association with the AGEs/sRAGE ratio, suggesting a potential protective role in metabolic complications. [1] In myocardial-infarction animal models, a MOTS-c-conjugated hydrogel has been reported to extend the survival of isolated mitochondria and reduce cardiac damage. [3]

Human research on MOTS-c is early and limited: the safety profile is incomplete, and long-term adverse effects and contraindications remain undefined. No clinical trials showing disease-treatment efficacy are documented in the sources reviewed for this page; available human evidence focuses on observational biomarker measurements rather than intervention trials demonstrating therapeutic benefit. [4] MOTS-c is not FDA-approved: there are no FDA-approved MOTS-c products or labeled indications, and no regulatory pathway to approved drug status is documented. [4] This section describes what the cited literature reports; it is not a claim of safety or effectiveness for human use.

Evidence

References

Educational use only. This content is for research and educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. MOTS-c is not FDA-approved, and no regulatory pathway to approved drug status is documented. Human clinical trials for MOTS-c have not been completed, so it remains an experimental compound for research use only. It is not intended for human consumption. Clinical decisions should involve a qualified healthcare provider.