Peptide Radar

MOTS-c: evidence, claims & regulatory status

PR
Peptide Radar Research Desk
Independent evidence aggregator. Not a clinic, not medical advice. · Updated 2026-07-21 · How we grade evidence

Metabolic health & energy PCAC: Committee vote pending (July 23-24, 2026)

A 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide tied to metabolism and longevity narratives. FDA staff proposed not adding it to the 503A Bulks List; a separate Phase 2a trial is underway but has no results yet.

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell any product. These are experimental or unapproved substances; we do not provide dosage, sourcing, or use guidance. Consult a licensed clinician. We link to official sources only.

What it is

A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA and studied in relation to metabolism and insulin sensitivity. A 120-participant Phase 2a trial in adults with prediabetes and overweight or obesity began in 2026; it is ongoing and has not reported results.

Also known as: Mitochondrial-derived peptide

Why people search it now

Carries the strongest 'GLP-1-adjacent' metabolic and longevity narrative, which drives search interest. It is scheduled for FDA committee review on July 23, 2026, while a separate Phase 2a trial is underway.

Claims by evidence grade

ClaimStrongest evidence
Metabolism / insulin sensitivityC Animal
ObesityR Regulatory only
LongevityD Cell / mechanistic

Regulatory status

In its committee briefing, FDA staff said the nominations it reviewed lacked sufficient information and that it did not identify clinical studies evaluating the nominated uses at that review point; staff proposed not adding MOTS-c. Separately, ClinicalTrials.gov now lists an ongoing 120-participant Phase 2a trial with no results posted. An ongoing trial does not establish safety or effectiveness.

Known risks & evidence gaps

No completed robust human trial establishes the marketed uses. The ongoing Phase 2a study has no results yet, and longevity claims still rest mainly on mechanistic or animal reasoning.

FAQ

Is MOTS-c like GLP-1 drugs?

No. GLP-1 drugs are approved medicines with large trials; MOTS-c is experimental with limited human data.

Is there a human MOTS-c trial now?

Yes. ClinicalTrials.gov lists an ongoing 120-participant Phase 2a trial in adults with prediabetes and overweight or obesity. No results are posted, so it does not yet establish benefit or safety.

Official sources

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Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell any product. These are experimental or unapproved substances; we do not provide dosage, sourcing, or use guidance. Consult a licensed clinician. We link to official sources only.