MOTS-c
A physician-prescribed, compounded peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA and studied mainly in animals for metabolism and exercise — with licensed provider oversight from intake through every refill.
Billed monthly. Includes everything.
HSA/FSA cards accepted
Prescription required. A licensed provider will review your information and prescribe only if medically appropriate. MOTS-c is not FDA-approved, and compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Stylized vial for marketing purposes only
Important — please read before starting
- MOTS-c is not an FDA-approved drug. No MOTS-c product has been approved for any use in the United States.
- How it's available: In late October 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a draft interim policy saying it does not intend to take enforcement action against state-licensed pharmacies and physicians that compound MOTS-c for individual patients with a valid prescription, as long as ten conditions are met — including sourcing the ingredient from an FDA-registered manufacturer with a certificate of analysis showing identity, purity, potency, and contaminant testing; single-ingredient products; reporting serious side effects to FDA; and specific labeling. For MOTS-c, the policy covers only MOTS-c acetate given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle. This is enforcement discretion, not FDA approval. The policy is not final: HHS is accepting public comments through November 13, 2026, and the policy may change.
- The human evidence is limited. Most research is in animals. Only a few small human studies exist, and none has established a clinical use.
- Athletes: MOTS-c is prohibited under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, and use can result in sanctions even if it was prescribed.
About MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a peptide of 16 amino acids. Unusually, its genetic code sits in mitochondrial DNA — the small set of genes inside the cell's energy-producing mitochondria — rather than in the cell's nucleus.
It has drawn interest because of animal research on metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and exercise capacity. At Vytora Health, MOTS-c is offered only as a prescription compounded by a licensed US pharmacy, after review by a licensed provider.
Proposed mechanism
In animal studies, MOTS-c appears to activate AMPK, an enzyme that works as the cell's energy sensor, and to influence how muscle takes up and uses glucose. Whether this happens in people at prescribed doses is not known.
What the research shows — and doesn't
Lab & animal research
Studies, mostly in mice, have looked at weight gain on high-fat diets, insulin resistance, bone loss, and exercise capacity.
Human research
Only a few small human studies exist, and none has established a clinical role in weight, metabolism, bone health, or aging.
Regulatory review
In July 2026 an FDA advisory committee voted 7–5 (2 abstentions) to recommend MOTS-c for the pharmacy compounding list, reviewed for obesity and osteoporosis. FDA staff had recommended against it, and final rulemaking is still pending.
Who it may be for — and who should not use it
May be considered for adults who:
- Are 18 or older
- Are interested in a metabolism-focused peptide and understand the evidence is still early
- Can complete a full medical history and stay in contact with their provider
- Are comfortable giving themselves a small injection
Not appropriate if you:
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- Have had an allergic reaction to MOTS-c or any ingredient in the preparation
- Are under 18
- Compete in sports with anti-doping testing
Your provider may identify other reasons MOTS-c isn't right for you.
Administration, dosing & storage
MOTS-c is given as a small injection under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a muscle (intramuscular) — the only routes the HHS policy covers. Your dose, schedule, and how long you take it are determined solely by your licensed provider based on your history and goals.
Step-by-step injection instructions and all supplies come with every shipment. Store it exactly as your pharmacy label directs — compounded peptide vials are usually kept refrigerated (36°F to 46°F) and out of direct light, and should not be frozen — and follow the beyond-use date on the label.
How it works
STEP 1
Complete your online visit
Share your health history, medications, and goals.
STEP 2
Provider review
A licensed clinician from our provider network reviews and prescribes only if appropriate.
STEP 3
Pharmacy ships to you
A licensed US 503A pharmacy prepares your prescription and ships it cold-packed.
STEP 4
Ongoing check-ins
Message your care team anytime and report any side effects.
Included with every plan
Medication & all supplies
Physician consultation
Unlimited provider messaging
Free cold-packed shipping
Injection instructions
Progress tracking portal
Potential side effects & risks
Because human studies of MOTS-c are few and small, its full side-effect profile is not known. Effects that have been reported or may be expected include:
- Injection-site redness, swelling, itching, or bruising
- Headache, nausea, or dizziness
- Fatigue or flushing
Possible serious risks. FDA has noted that peptides like MOTS-c may cause immune reactions, including allergic reactions, and that peptide impurities can be hard to characterize. Because MOTS-c is studied for its effects on glucose metabolism, it could affect blood sugar — tell your provider if you have diabetes or take insulin, a sulfonylurea, or a GLP-1 medication, and report shakiness, sweating, or confusion right away.
Get emergency care right away if you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, widespread hives, a racing heartbeat, or feel faint after a dose.
Tell your provider about all medications, supplements, and medical conditions before starting. Little is known about interactions with other drugs. Report any side effects to your care team — your pharmacy is required to report adverse events. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.
Frequently asked questions
MOTS-c is a peptide of 16 amino acids. Unusually, its genetic code sits in mitochondrial DNA — the small set of genes inside the cell's energy-producing mitochondria — rather than in the cell's nucleus.
No. MOTS-c is not FDA-approved for any use, and compounded medications are not FDA-approved finished drug products. In late October 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a draft interim policy saying it does not intend to take enforcement action against state-licensed pharmacies and physicians that compound MOTS-c for individual patients with a valid prescription, as long as ten conditions are met, including tested ingredients from an FDA-registered manufacturer, single-ingredient products, and reporting serious side effects to FDA. For MOTS-c, the policy covers only MOTS-c acetate given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle. This is not an approval, and the policy could change, including after public comment closes on November 13, 2026. If it does, we will notify active patients.
Most MOTS-c research has been done in mice, looking at weight gain on high-fat diets, insulin resistance, bone loss, and exercise capacity. Only a few small human studies exist, and none has established a clinical role in weight, metabolism, bone health, or aging. Benefits in people have not been proven.
MOTS-c is given as a small injection under the skin or into a muscle. Every shipment includes supplies and step-by-step instructions, and your care team can walk you through your first injection.
Possibly, but only if your provider decides it is appropriate. Because both can affect blood sugar, your provider will review your full medication list first. Tell your care team right away about shakiness, sweating, or confusion.
$249/month on a month-to-month plan, $229/month on a 3-month plan (billed $689 every 3 months), or $211/month on a 6-month plan (billed $1,269 every 6 months). Price includes medication, physician consultation, supplies, shipping, and unlimited provider support. This is a recurring subscription. Your card is charged automatically each billing cycle until you cancel. Cancel anytime by contacting support@vytorahealth.com.
MOTS-c is typically prescribed for a defined course rather than indefinitely. The length of treatment, and whether to repeat it, is decided by your licensed provider based on your goals and how you respond. Talk to your provider before stopping or extending treatment.
Because human studies of MOTS-c are few and small, its full side-effect profile is not known. Effects that have been reported or may be expected include injection-site redness, swelling, itching, or bruising; headache, nausea, or dizziness; fatigue or flushing. FDA has noted that peptides like MOTS-c may cause immune reactions, including allergic reactions, and that peptide impurities can be hard to characterize. Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, facial or throat swelling, or widespread hives. Report all side effects to your provider.
MOTS-c is not appropriate if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive; have had an allergic reaction to MOTS-c or any ingredient in the preparation; are under 18; or compete in sports with anti-doping testing. Your provider will review your full history and may identify other reasons it isn't right for you.
Possibly. Your provider will review everything you take — including GLP-1 medications, other peptides, NAD+, other prescriptions, and supplements — before prescribing. Little is known about MOTS-c drug interactions, so always keep your care team updated on any changes.
If you are subject to anti-doping testing, we do not recommend it. MOTS-c is prohibited under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, and use can result in sanctions even if it was prescribed.
Your prescription is prepared by a licensed US 503A compounding pharmacy and shipped free in discreet, cold-packed packaging with all supplies. Store it exactly as your pharmacy label directs — compounded peptide vials are usually kept refrigerated (36°F to 46°F), out of direct light, and never frozen — and follow the beyond-use date on the label.
No. Insurance is never required. Pricing is all-inclusive — medication, physician consultation, supplies, shipping, and unlimited support. You can also pay with an HSA or FSA card.
Yes. MOTS-c is available in all 50 US states and Washington, D.C. through our network of licensed compounding pharmacy partners, if a provider determines it is appropriate for you. Contact support@vytorahealth.com with any questions.
In most states, treatment can begin without a video visit. In Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and West Virginia, a brief video or audio visit is required before starting treatment.
Exploring other peptide therapies? See all peptides, or visit our FAQ.
Clinical oversight by Wasef Health, PC and Arora Health and Aesthetics
All prescribing decisions are made solely by licensed clinicians with Wasef Health, PC or Arora Health and Aesthetics. Information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory information current as of November 2026.
Ready to get started?
Answer a few questions and a licensed provider will review whether MOTS-c is right for you.
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Prescription required. A licensed healthcare provider will review your information and prescribe only if medically appropriate. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved finished drug products, have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality, and may differ from FDA-approved drugs. Results may vary. Individual results are not guaranteed.
Stylized vial for marketing purposes only; image does not reflect the actual label or size of a prescription vial. Compounded medications are prepared by licensed US pharmacies for individual patients, are not FDA-approved, and are not brand-name or generic versions of any FDA-approved drug.
Vytora Health provides access to telehealth services connecting users with licensed healthcare professionals. Vytora Health does not practice medicine and does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued. All treatment decisions are made solely by the licensed clinician.