MOTS-C
A mitochondrial-encoded peptide that activates AMPK and regulates metabolic homeostasis.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Snipes, MD. Last reviewed May 6, 2026.
What It Is
MOTS-C is a peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome. It's one of the few known 'mitochondrial-derived peptides' and plays a key role in metabolic regulation.
How It Works
It activates AMPK (the cellular energy sensor), regulates glucose and fat metabolism, and has been shown to improve exercise capacity and metabolic flexibility.
Who It's For
Those interested in metabolic health optimization and mitochondrial function. Particularly relevant for age-related metabolic decline.
Who Should Avoid It
Generally well-tolerated. Discuss with provider if diabetic.
Protocol & Pricing
OBP Pharmacy Price
$80/10mg
You pay pharmacy price. No markup.
Starting Dose
20 units (0.4mg)
Form
Injectable vial (5mL, 2mg/mL, 10mg total)
Dosing Protocol
20 units subcutaneous injection daily, Monday to Friday. 20 units = 0.2mL × 2mg/mL = 0.4mg per injection. Store at room temperature.
Beyond Use Date
90 Days from compounding (USP <797>)
Use within this window from the date your vial is compounded. BUD is set per USP <797> sterile compounding standards and printed on every label.
Stacking Guide
Stacks Well With
Mitochondrial-derived peptide (metabolic)
Read the MOTS-C protocol guide
Strong rodent data, thin human RCT data. AMPK activator (different mechanism than metformin). WADA prohibited since 1/1/2025. Not an exercise substitute.
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$100/75mgHow to get MOTS-C prescribed online
MOTS-C is available by prescription through a licensed telehealth visit and dispensed for human use by a named 503A pharmacy. That is what separates it from research-use-only vials sold without a prescription. There is no subscription and no membership, just a one-time visit fee.
- 1
Complete a $39 medical visit. Answer a short intake about your health history and your goals for MOTS-C. The $39 fee is the only charge RxPepsDirect collects, paid once, not a recurring subscription.
- 2
A licensed provider reviews it. A US-licensed nurse practitioner or physician reviews your intake and, if MOTS-C is appropriate for you, writes a patient-specific prescription. The starting dose is typically 20 units (0.4mg).
- 3
The pharmacy compounds and ships it. Optimal Balance Pharmacy, a 503A pharmacy in Texas, compounds MOTS-C and ships it pre-reconstituted by FedEx overnight in a reusable cooled case. Your fill is Injectable vial (5mL, 2mg/mL, 10mg total), and you pay the pharmacy $80/10mg at wholesale, with no clinic markup, plus a $15 flat FedEx overnight shipping fee charged by the pharmacy.
RxPepsDirect prescribes MOTS-C in the 28 states its medical team is licensed in. Start a $39 visit or browse the full Longevity & Anti-Aging range.
Common questions about MOTS-C
- What is MOTS-c?
- MOTS-c (mitochondrial-derived peptide, 16 amino acids) is a peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. It plays a regulatory role in metabolic homeostasis, AMPK signaling, and insulin sensitivity. Levels decline with age. The peptide is studied for type 2 diabetes prevention, exercise-mimetic effects, body composition support, and longevity-related metabolic dysfunction.
- Does MOTS-c improve metabolism and longevity?
- Animal studies show MOTS-c administration improves insulin sensitivity, reduces visceral adiposity, and extends mean lifespan in mice. Small human studies suggest improved glucose tolerance and exercise performance markers. Long-term human longevity outcomes are not established. Use is supported by an evidence base that is stronger than many compounded peptides but still well short of FDA-approval standards.
- How is MOTS-c dosed?
- Common subcutaneous protocols deliver 5 to 10 mg per dose 2 to 3 times per week, run as 8 to 12 week courses with breaks. Optimal Balance Pharmacy compounds MOTS-c against RxPepsDirect prescriptions; your provider sets the protocol based on your metabolic profile.
- Where do I inject MOTS-c?
- Subcutaneously into the abdomen, upper outer thigh, or back of the upper arm using a 31-gauge, 5/16-inch (8 mm) needle on a U-100 insulin syringe. Sterile syringes are included with every RxPepsDirect shipment. Rotate sites between injections.
- How is MOTS-c supplied?
- Compounded by Optimal Balance Pharmacy under a 503A patient-specific prescription. Ships pre-reconstituted and ready to inject in cold-chain packaging. Every batch is tested by Eagle Analytical Services for sterility and bacterial endotoxin; the Certificate of Analysis is published on this product page.