MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a small peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA. In mice it improved insulin sensitivity and reduced weight gain, which is why it is marketed for metabolism and exercise. No completed human trial of unmodified MOTS-c has been reported; a modified version reached early human trials before later trials were stopped. It is prohibited in sport.
MOTS-c, marketed for weight loss and exercise: strong mouse data, minimal human evidence, its 2026 U.S. status and its ban in sport.
Marketed as 'exercise in a vial'. The evidence is almost entirely from mice.
Key takeaways
- Mouse studies are striking; human treatment data are essentially absent.
- Human research mostly measures natural MOTS-c levels in the blood, not the effect of taking it.
- Covered by the 2026 interim compounding policy, by injection only. That is not approval.
- Reported as prohibited at all times in sport.
Measured levels are not treatment evidence
Much of the human research on MOTS-c measures how much of it people naturally have, for example before and after exercise. That tells us about biology. It does not show that injecting MOTS-c produces any benefit, which only a controlled treatment trial could show.
What has strong evidence for metabolic health
The interventions with large human trial bases are less novel and better supported.
- Regular physical activity, including resistance training.
- Sleep and dietary patterns supported by long-term studies.
- Approved medicines, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, where a clinician judges them appropriate.
Our approach
Beiing does not publish dosages, schedules, administration instructions, combinations or sourcing guidance for this or any other compound.
Frequently asked questions
Is MOTS-c legal?
Since 28 October 2026, a licensed pharmacist or physician in the U.S. can compound it for an individual patient with a prescription, by injection only, under an interim HHS policy. It is not FDA-approved, and 'research use only' products are not covered.
Is MOTS-c banned in sport?
The independent testing organisation BSCG reports that it is prohibited at all times as a metabolic modulator. Check Global DRO for the current status.
Related on Beiing
- Peptides and metabolic health - Where the strong metabolic evidence actually is.
- Peptides in sport and anti-doping - Rules for tested athletes.
- How Beiing rates peptide evidence - The five evidence levels used in this section.
- Peptides & Human Biology - The hub for every page in this section.
Sources
- Enforcement Discretion Policy Regarding 503A Compounding Using Certain Peptide Bulk Drug Substances (Federal Register document 2026-22192, docket HHS-OASH-2026-0496) - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, via the Federal Register
- MOTS-c peptide: benefits, safety, legal status and research (July 2026) - Banned Substances Control Group (BSCG), an independent testing organisation
- PubMed: published research on MOTS-c - U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Global DRO: check the sport status of a named substance - Global DRO (USADA, UKAD, CCES and partner agencies)
- Drugs@FDA - approved drug products and labels - U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Written by Beiing Editorial Team · Editorially reviewed by Research & Regulatory Review Desk · Published · Last reviewed . Editorial and research review by Beiing writers and researchers. This is not medical or clinical review, and no clinician signs off on our content.
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