MOTS-c (40 mg Vial / 4 mL Option) 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 40 mg vial.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: See chart options below | Half-life: ~3 hours
Standard Approach (4 mL = 10.00 mg/mL)
Reconstituting the 40 mg vial with 4 mL bacteriostatic water produces a clean 10 mg/mL concentration — math is simple: 1 unit on a U-100 syringe = 100 mcg. The three charts below all deliver the same 5 mg total per week baseline, just spread across different dosing frequencies. Pick the schedule that fits your routine.
Chart 1 · 7 days per week (5 mg/week total)
| Schedule | Per-injection dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Weekly Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Sun, daily | 714 mcg | 7 units | 0.07 mL | 5 mg |
Chart 2 · 5 days per week (5 mg/week total)
| Schedule | Per-injection dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Weekly Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Fri (2 days off weekend) | 1 mg | 10 units | 0.10 mL | 5 mg |
Chart 3 · 3 days per week (5 mg/week total)
| Schedule | Per-injection dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Weekly Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon / Wed / Fri | ~1.67 mg | 17 units | 0.17 mL | ~5 mg |
Reconstitution Steps
- Wipe the vial stopper and BAC water vial with alcohol; let dry.
- Draw 4 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the peptide vial. Do not aim at the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 7 days.
Supplies Needed
Estimates for an 8-week and 12-week cycle at 600 mcg per dose, once daily (7 doses/week).
| Item | 8-Week Cycle | 12-Week Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| MOTS-c (40 mg) vials | 1 vials | 2 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 56 | 84 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 1 × 10 mL | 1 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
Protocol Overview
MOTS-c is positioned as an exercise mimetic — the effects compound when paired with regular training, less so without. Most protocols run 4–8 weeks of consistent dosing followed by a break, on the rationale that mitochondrial adaptation needs time to consolidate.
Effects are subtle and cumulative. Most users report improvements in endurance and post-exercise recovery by week 3–4 rather than acute changes day-to-day.
Dosing Protocol
Three Advanced protocol patterns with higher weekly dosing — matching the dose-per-injection levels (5 / 10 / 15 mg) most commonly cited in MOTS-c research literature. All three use the same simple 10 mg/mL concentration (40 mg vial + 4 mL BAC water).
| Advanced Pattern | Schedule | Per-injection dose | U-100 Units | Weekly Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced 1 · Light | Mon–Fri (5 days/week) | 5 mg | 50 units (0.50 mL) | 25 mg/week |
| Advanced 2 · Standard | Mon / Wed / Fri (3 days/week) | 10 mg | 100 units (1.00 mL) | 30 mg/week |
| Advanced 3 · Higher | Mon / Wed / Fri (3 days/week) | 15 mg | Split: 2 × 75 units (0.75 mL each) | 45 mg/week |
Note on Advanced 3: 15 mg per dose = 1.5 mL of solution, which exceeds the 1 mL capacity of a standard U-100 insulin syringe. Either split into two separate 0.75 mL injections at different sites, or use a 3 mL syringe with a 25–27 ga subcutaneous needle.
Cycle structure: 4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off. Mitochondrial biogenesis adaptations carry into the off-cycle window even after dosing stops.
Timing: Morning post-fasted dosing aligns with the natural exercise-window mimic. Pre-cardio dosing is anecdotally favored. Inject at a consistent time on each scheduled day.
Vial duration at advanced doses: One 40 mg vial covers ~1.6 weeks at 25 mg/week, ~1.3 weeks at 30 mg/week, or ~0.9 weeks at 45 mg/week.
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.