MOTS-c (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. It functions as an exercise mimetic and metabolic regulator; circulating levels decline with aging and obesity. This page covers the 10 mg vial.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Dosage and Reconstitution Chart
10 mg vial measurement guide for research calculations
Worked Measurement Sequence (3 mL = 3.33 mg/mL)
| Week | Amount per Administration | U-100 Units (Volume) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 200 mcg (0.2 mg) | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 400 mcg (0.4 mg) | 12 units (0.12 mL) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 600 mcg (0.6 mg) | 18 units (0.18 mL) |
| Weeks 7–8 | 800 mcg (0.8 mg) | 24 units (0.24 mL) |
| Weeks 9–10+ | 1,000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
Illustrative frequency: The table uses once daily only to make the vial-use and supply calculations reproducible. It is not a recommended human schedule. Published human research measures endogenous MOTS-C rather than testing this injected sequence, and the FDA has not identified human exposure data for MOTS-C drug products.
For the 6-unit row, a 30- or 50-unit U-100 syringe may make the marking easier to read. U-100 units are volume markings, not peptide international units.
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject the water slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Gently swirl or roll the vial until the powder dissolves. Do not shake.
- Label the vial with the reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Research reference only: The table is a concentration and syringe-conversion example for a 10 mg vial. It is not a validated human dosing schedule or medical advice.
Supplies Needed
Quantities below match the worked once-daily calculation sequence above. They do not establish a human research standard.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peptide Vials (MOTS-C, 10 mg each) | 8 weeks: approximately 3 vials required 12 weeks: approximately 6 vials required 16 weeks: approximately 9 vials required |
| Insulin Syringes (U-100) | Per week: 7 syringes (1/day) 8 weeks: 56 syringes 12 weeks: 84 syringes 16 weeks: 112 syringes |
| Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles) | 8 weeks (3 vials): 9 mL — 1 bottle required (10 mL each) 12 weeks (6 vials): 18 mL — 2 bottles required (10 mL each) 16 weeks (9 vials): 27 mL — 3 bottles required (10 mL each) |
| Alcohol Swabs | Per week: 14 swabs (2/day) 8 weeks: 112 swabs — 2 boxes required (100 swabs each) 12 weeks: 168 swabs — 2 boxes required (100 swabs each) 16 weeks: 224 swabs — 3 boxes required (100 swabs each) |
Sharps safety: Place used syringes directly into an appropriate sharps container and follow local disposal requirements.
Protocol Overview
MOTS-c is positioned as an exercise mimetic — the effects compound when paired with regular training, less so without. Effects are subtle and cumulative.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 7 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
MOTS-c is encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene — one of the few human peptides with mitochondrial DNA origin. Under metabolic stress it translocates from mitochondria to the nucleus, regulating gene expression alongside AMPK signaling.
Effects include AMPK activation, upregulation of fatty-acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. In animal models it produces exercise-mimetic effects: improved running endurance, glucose disposal, and reduced adiposity on high-fat diet.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Exercise-mimetic effects — improved endurance and skeletal-muscle metabolism.
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal.
- Reduced adiposity on high-fat diet (rodent models).
- Mitigation of age-related muscle decline.
Side Effect Profile
- Generally well-tolerated.
- Mild injection-site reactions possible.
- Theoretical hypoglycemia risk if combined with insulin sensitizers.
Lifestyle Factors
- Pair with regular exercise — MOTS-c amplifies exercise-induced adaptation.
- Adequate sleep supports mitochondrial recovery.
- Strength training 2–3×/week complements the metabolic effects.
- Mediterranean-style diet supports mitochondrial health.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites with each dose.
- 90° angle with short insulin needle.
- Some research protocols use morning post-fasted dosing.