LONGEVITY / PEPTIDE CARD

MOTS-c

A mitochondrial-derived signaling peptide studied mainly in cells, animals, and small human physiology experiments.

PEPTIDE CARDMOTS-c

Reviewed
August 7, 2026

Human evidence

1/5 · Physiology only

U.S. FDANot FDA approved

2026 WADAProhibited

Inspect 3 sources

On this page

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS

MOTS-c evidence summary.

MOTS-c is biologically interesting, but human physiology observations are frequently mistaken for evidence that an exogenous product improves health or performance.

Entity type
Mitochondrial-derived peptideSource snapshot
August 7, 2026Record status
Sources attached

Do not overread this record

Endogenous peptide measurements and injected-drug claims are different evidence questions.

01 / CLASSIFICATION

What is MOTS-c?

Entity typeMitochondrial-derived peptide

Research categoryLongevity

Known namesMOTS-c

Editorial unitOne molecule or defined product record

Names, fragments, salts, formulations, routes, and branded products are kept distinct whenever transferring evidence would change the conclusion.

Class: Mitochondrial and mitochondrial-targeted peptides Goal: Longevity & Mitochondria Goal: Longevity Research

02 / EVIDENCE

MOTS-c human and preclinical evidence.

HUMAN

1/5 · Physiology only

Small human studies measure endogenous MOTS-c biology; they do not establish injected MOTS-c as a therapy.

PRECLINICAL

4/5 · Strong preclinical interest

Metabolic and exercise findings are driven primarily by cell and animal work.

The five-point bars describe the maturity and depth of the evidence base. They do not score effectiveness, safety, or personal suitability.

03 / STATUS

MOTS-c FDA and sport status.

U.S. FDANot FDA approved; FDA reports no identified human exposure data for drug products containing MOTS-c.

2026 WADAProhibited at all times under the 2026 WADA List (S2).

Commercial accessPeptideAgent does not route unapproved research substances to sellers.

Status summaries are educational and time-sensitive. Consult current official labeling and anti-doping resources for a decision.

04 / RESEARCH AREAS

What is MOTS-c being studied for?

01Mitochondrial signaling

02Exercise physiology

03Metabolic regulation

04Aging biology

05 / COMPARISONS

Compare MOTS-c.

MOTS-c vs SS-31Two mitochondrial peptides with sharply different clinical status.Epitalon vs MOTS-cTwo longevity-market peptides compared by verifiable human evidence rather than anti-aging narratives.

06 / LATEST & DEFINING SOURCES

MOTS-c primary and official sources.

Preclinical / 2021MOTS-c and age-dependent physical decline

Nature Communications / PubMed

Human trial / 2021Circulating mitochondrial-derived peptides after exercise

PubMed

FDA / 2026Bulk substances that may present significant safety risks

U.S. FDA

07 / QUESTIONS

Questions about MOTS-c.

Start with identity, research, human evidence, approval, sport status, and the limits of the current record.

EvidenceWhat is the evidence for MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is biologically interesting, but human physiology observations are frequently mistaken for evidence that an exogenous product improves health or performance.

ResearchWhat is MOTS-c being studied for?

Current source-backed research areas include Mitochondrial signaling, Exercise physiology, Metabolic regulation, Aging biology. These areas describe investigation, not established personal benefit.

FDA statusIs MOTS-c FDA approved?

Current U.S. status for MOTS-c: Not FDA approved; FDA reports no identified human exposure data for drug products containing MOTS-c.

Sport statusIs MOTS-c prohibited in sport?

Current sport-status snapshot for MOTS-c: Prohibited at all times under the 2026 WADA List (S2).

Evidence limitsWhat are the main evidence limits for MOTS-c?

Endogenous peptide measurements and injected-drug claims are different evidence questions.

Decision questionWhat is currently being studied for visceral fat?

The evidence depends on the population and the question. An approved indication, obesity treatment, and investigational research should not be collapsed into one list.