MOTS-c is a small mitochondrial-derived peptide that helps your cells respond better to metabolic stress. Mitochondria are often called the “powerhouses” of the cell as they turn food into usable energy. 

MOTS-c appears to act like a signal coming from the mitochondria, telling the body to optimize energy use, glucose handling and cellular stress responses.

Research suggests MOTS-c can support glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, Help cells switch more efficiently between carbohydrates and fats for fuel, and activate key cellular stress-response pathways linked with longevity and resilience

This protocol uses MOTS-c as a time-limited 10-week course, with more frequent dosing early on and a taper at the end.

When used as directed and alongside healthy lifestyle changes, clients commonly use MOTS-c to help support:

Energy & exercise resilience

Supporting mitochondrial function and fuel handling so training and everyday activity feel more sustainable.

Metabolic health & blood-sugar balance

Used within metabolic programs to support insulin sensitivity, glucose handling and healthier energy curves across the day.

Body-composition & performance goals

Supporting the cellular machinery involved in using fuel efficiently can help underpin fat-loss and muscle-maintenance efforts when diet and training are in place.

Healthy-ageing & cellular stress response

MOTS-c is of particular interest in longevity medicine because of its role in stress-response pathways and metabolic flexibility, the key pillars of aging well.

*Individual results vary. MOTS-c is not a stand-alone weight-loss, diabetes or anti-ageing drug and must always be part of a medically supervised, lifestyle-based program.

Active Ingredient

MOTS-c peptide – 10,000 mcg/mL

Presentation – Injectable Vials

5 mL multidose vial (Total peptide content: 50,000 mcg at 10,000 mcg/mL)

Excipients

Sterile diluent (e.g., bacteriostatic saline) and standard compounding excipients as specified by the partner pharmacy (may include buffering agents and preservatives).

Protocol & Standard Dosing

MOTS-c (Vial) – Standard Clinic Protocol

Dose

0.50 mL per injection (5 mg)

Application / Route

Subcutaneous injection into the abdomen (or other fatty tissue) using an insulin syringe, as taught by your healthcare professional.

Timing

In the morning, 1–2 hours away from food

Best taken at least one hour before or after eating

Frequency – 10-Week Course

• Weeks 1–6:
  0.50 mL SC three times per week
  Common schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• Weeks 7–10:
  0.50 mL SC once weekly
  Common schedule: Monday only

Dosing & Administration Instructions

• Inject 0.50 mL subcutaneously, three times per week for the first 5 weeks, then:
• Inject 0.50 mL subcutaneously once weekly for the final 5 weeks.

This medication is best taken in the morning, at least one hour before or after eating.

Use clean technique and rotate injection sites to minimise local irritation.

Total injections over 10 weeks:

• Weeks 1–5: 3 injections/week × 5 = 15 injections
• Weeks 6–10: 1 injection/week × 5 = 5 injections

Total: 20 injections

At 0.50 mL per injection, this equates to 11 mL total volume for a full 10-week course (so:

• 5 mL vial ≈ half course or shorter protocol
• 10 mL vial ≈ just under a full standard 10-week course, with some clinics using two 5 mL vials for full coverage.)

Side Effects, Reactions & Medical Contraindications

Use is generally not recommended in:

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to MOTS-c or any component of the vial
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
• Active malignancy or history of cancer unless cleared by an appropriate specialist (due to potential effects on cellular stress and growth pathways)
• Uncontrolled diabetes or significant insulin resistance without specialist oversight (given metabolic effects)
• Significant cardiovascular disease, severe kidney or liver disease without specialist supervision
• Individuals with severe frailty, unexplained weight loss or acute illness unless part of a specialist-led program
• Always discuss your full medical history and medications with your prescribing clinician before starting MOTS-c.

Common Side Effects and Adverse Reactions – Often mild and transient where they occur:

• Injection-site reactions
• Redness, itching, mild swelling or small bruises at the injection site
• Systemic symptoms
• Mild headache, light-headedness or transient fatigue
• A short-lived “wired” or “switched on” feeling in some people as metabolism shifts
• Digestive changes
• Occasional mild nausea or stomach discomfort, especially if taken too close to meals
• If these symptoms are persistent, uncomfortable or worrying, contact your healthcare provider to review dose, timing or whether to continue.

Reactions Requiring Medical Attention- Stop injections and contact a healthcare provider (or emergency services if severe) if experiencing:

• Signs of a serious allergic reaction:
• Widespread rash or hives
• Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Significant or rapidly worsening symptoms, such as:
• Chest pain, marked shortness of breath or palpitations
• Severe dizziness, fainting or confusion
• Unexplained severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or black/tarry stools
• Any new or worsening symptom that feels serious, unusual or concerning

Safety Note

• MOTS-c is an emerging mitochondrial peptide therapy with promising but still limited human data. Long-term safety and disease-specific benefits are not fully established. Therefore:
• Use must be clinician-prescribed and monitored, with periodic review of symptoms, metabolic markers and overall response.
• MOTS-c should always be positioned as an adjunctive, not a stand-alone treatment for metabolic disease, fatigue, or aging.
• Lifestyle foundations (nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, medical care) remain the primary drivers of long-term outcomes.
• Informed consent is essential, including understanding of the experimental nature of peptide therapy.

Safety Note: Long‑term data is limited. Use should always be monitored by a qualified clinician, with regular reviews and ongoing medical supervision.  Informed consent is essential.