Mitochondrial-derived peptide

MOTS-c

A preclinical-heavy peptide that is now crossing into randomized human metabolic research.

Evidence Maturity · M2 - Preliminary human / active clinical development Investigational
Evidence reviewed: September 19, 2026Source-labeled

Signal summary

MOTS-c is a good example of an evidence transition: historically dominated by animal and mechanistic work, now entering a meaningful randomized human trial.

Signal interpretation: MOTS-c belongs on the site because it lets readers watch a hypothesis move from preclinical enthusiasm toward real human testing - without pretending the result is known in advance.

Study details

Doses studied — not a dosing recommendation. Regimens belong to the named study, formulation and population.

Registered phase 2a insulin-sensitivity trial

Population
Adults with prediabetes and overweight/obesity; estimated enrollment 120.
Doses and administration studied
Fixed-dose subcutaneous injection once daily; numerical dose not disclosed in the reviewed registry entry.
Duration
12 weeks of treatment
Reported finding / status
Insulin sensitivity is being studied; no results are posted.
Interpretation and limitations
Registration does not establish human efficacy or an established dosing regimen. Estimated enrollment is not the number who completed treatment.

Source tier D · Read the original study or record

Outcome Evidence Strength

Weight change0/5
Fat-mass change0/5
Lean-mass change0/5
Strength / function benefit0/5

Awaiting human efficacy results. Preclinical hypotheses are not evidence of a clinical recomposition benefit.

Editorial evidence ratings for the cited outcomes, not effect size or treatment recommendations. A lean-mass score may describe loss. 0 means not established in the reviewed evidence, not proof of no effect. Read the rubric.

What is actually established?

  • A Phase 2a randomized study is recruiting adults with prediabetes and overweight/obesity.
  • The study is designed to test whether 12 weeks of investigational MOTS-c improves insulin sensitivity versus placebo.
  • The registered study plans an estimated 120 participants and standardized lifestyle counseling.

What is not established?

  • No results are posted yet for the Phase 2a study.
  • Preclinical metabolic effects do not establish human weight-loss or body-recomposition efficacy.
  • Broad anti-aging or performance claims remain outside the mature human evidence base.

Evidence sources

A = regulatory/official • B = peer-reviewed randomized/meta-analysis • C = peer-reviewed review/observational • D = registered trial • E = sponsor-reported • F = preclinical

Source tier D: Registered Phase 2a trial
MOTS-c for Improving Insulin Sensitivity in Adults With Prediabetes and Overweight/Obesity
Educational use only. This page summarizes research evidence and regulatory status. Study doses describe research, not prescribing instructions. This page does not provide personalized dosing, self-use protocols, sourcing, or a recommendation to use this therapy.