Primus Anabolics

MOTS-C

The peptide that improves mitochondrial function and metabolic health.

MOTS-C
08 Apr 2026

Quickstart – key points

MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) that acts as a metabolic regulator, primarily through the activation of AMPK. Preclinical studies show that it improves insulin sensitivity, promotes fat oxidation, enhances exercise capacity, and counteracts age-related metabolic decline. To date, no human clinical trials have been completed. This educational protocol presents a once-daily subcutaneous administration approach with gradual titration.

  • Reconstitution: Add 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water → approximate concentration of 13.33 mg/mL.
  • Typical daily range: 200–1,000 mcg once daily (gradual titration over 10 weeks).
  • Easy measurement: At 13.33 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 133.3 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
  • Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C or below; after reconstitution, refrigerate between 2–8 °C and use within 7 days for maximum potency.

Dosage and Reconstitution Guide

Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing.

Standard / gradual approach (3 mL = ~13.33 mg/mL)

  • Week 1–2: 200 mcg (0.2 mg) → 1.5 units (0.015 mL)

  • Week 3–4: 400 mcg (0.4 mg) → 3 units (0.03 mL)

  • Week 5–6: 600 mcg (0.6 mg) → 4.5 units (0.045 mL)

  • Week 7–8: 800 mcg (0.8 mg) → 6 units (0.06 mL)

  • Week 9–10+: 1,000 mcg (1 mg) → 7.5 units (0.075 mL)

  • Frequency: one daily subcutaneous injection. Stay at each dose for approximately 2 weeks before increasing and monitor for potential adverse effects.

  • For administrations of ≤10 units (≤0.10 mL), 30 or 50-unit syringes are recommended for better precision.

Reconstitution Steps

  1. Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
  2. Inject slowly down the side of the vial, avoiding foaming
  3. Mix gently (do not shake hard)
  4. Label with the date and refrigerate between 2–8 °C, protected from light
  5. Use within 7 days for maximum potency

Important: This guide is educational only and does not constitute medical advice.

Required Supplies

  • Peptide vials (MOTS-C, 40 mg each):
    • 8 weeks ≈ 1 vial
    • 12 weeks ≈ 2 vials
    • 16 weeks ≈ 3 vials

Protocol Summary

  • Objective: support metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and age-related physical performance (based on preclinical data).
  • Duration: 8–12 weeks (up to 16 optional).
  • Dose: 200–1,000 mcg daily with progressive increase.
  • Reconstitution: 3 mL per 40 mg vial.
  • Storage: refrigerated after reconstitution; avoid freeze/thaw cycles.

Dosing Protocol

  • Start: 200 mcg daily for 2 weeks
  • Increase: +200 mcg every 2 weeks
  • Goal: up to 1,000 mcg daily if well tolerated
  • Frequency: 1 time per day (subcutaneous)
  • Duration: 8–12 weeks (up to 16 optional)
  • Schedule: any fixed time, rotating injection sites

Important Notes

  • Use a new syringe for each injection
  • Rotate sites (abdomen, thighs, arms)
  • Inject slowly
  • Record dose and sensations
  • Discontinue if concerning effects appear and consult a professional

How it works

MOTS-c acts as a “metabolic stress” signal that optimizes energy use during exercise or caloric restriction. It activates AMPK, making cells function more efficiently: increasing glucose use, fat burning, and mitochondrial function, while reducing fat storage.

It can also act at the nuclear level, activating antioxidant and stress-response genes. This helps protect cells from oxidative damage and could influence pathways related to longevity and inflammation. Its effects resemble those of exercise or metformin at the cellular level.

Potential Benefits and Side Effects

(based on preclinical studies, not on humans)

  • Improvement of insulin sensitivity
  • Reduction of body fat in animal models
  • Improvement of physical performance
  • Organ protection (liver, heart)
  • Possible effects on bones and immunity

Safety: no adverse effects in animals; in humans still unknown. Important: these effects are not confirmed in humans.

Lifestyle Factors

  • Balanced diet high in protein
  • Strength training + cardio
  • Sleep 7–9 hours
  • Stress management
  • Possible synergy with intermittent fasting

Injection Technique

  • Clean vial and skin with alcohol
  • Pinch the skin and insert needle at 90° (45° if very thin)
  • Do not aspirate
  • Inject slowly
  • Withdraw and press gently
  • Rotate sites to avoid irritation