MOTS-c is a mitochondria-derived peptide, encoded inside mtDNA itself, that activates AMPK, the same metabolic master switch exercise turns on. That is why it gets described as an exercise mimetic, with research attention on energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The human story is just now opening: the first efficacy RCT is registered but nothing has been published yet.
- Encoded in the 12S rRNA of mitochondrial DNA, making it one of the rare peptides the mitochondria write themselves.PubMed: MOTS-c
- Activates AMPK, the same metabolic switch exercise flips, which is where the exercise-mimetic label comes from.PubMed: MOTS-c
- The first human efficacy RCT is now registered: a Phase 2a in prediabetes with overweight/obesity.Phase 2a NCT07505745
- A US compounding advisory committee voted 7-5 in July 2026 to recommend it for the 503A bulks list, advisory only with FDA rulemaking still pending.PCAC vote, Jul 2026
- Documented contraindications are narrow but real: pregnancy, lactation, and active malignancy.researchdosing