Peptides  /  MOTS-c
For Adults · Compounded Peptide

MOTS-c

A peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA.

A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in metabolic regulation and exercise physiology. Prescribed online after a live video visit with a licensed provider and compounded by U.S. 503A pharmacies.

$249

Start your online visit →

A few private questions, then you connect to a licensed provider on a live video call — usually within seconds.

100% Online 503A Compounded Licensed Providers Discreet Shipping
ForbiddenRx MOTS-c vial
At a glance
Form
Injection
Cadence
Set by your provider
Class
Mitochondrial-derived peptide
Guided by
Provider review
Helps with
Metabolic category
For
Adults 18+
The basics

What is MOTS-c?

What it is
Mitochondrial-derived peptide
Forms
Injection
Supplied as
10mg · 20mg
Dosing
Set by your prescriber
Supply
1-month or 3-month
Visit
Live video call with a licensed provider
Prescription
Provider-reviewed · not available OTC
Shipping
Discreet, unmarked · all 50 states
Start your online visit →

MOTS-c is unusual: it is encoded not by nuclear DNA but by the mitochondrial genome, one of a small group of peptides discovered in the last fifteen years. Published work has examined its role in metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity and the response to exercise.

It is compounded here as a subcutaneous injection. The research remains largely preclinical, and MOTS-c is not an FDA-approved medication for any indication.

This is a compounded preparation, not an FDA-approved medication, and compounded drugs are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Individual results are not guaranteed. It is prescribed only where a licensed provider determines it is appropriate after reviewing your health history.

Why people ask about it

Why does MOTS-c come up?

MOTS-c draws interest because it is one of the few known mitochondrially encoded peptides and because early work has connected it to metabolic and exercise physiology. Those findings are largely from animal and cell models and have not established a clinical benefit in people.

✔A provider decides, not a quiz

Every MOTS-c prescription here follows a live consultation with a licensed provider who sees your health history, current medications and goals. If it isn't appropriate for you, it isn't prescribed.

✔Compounded, not a research chemical

Your vial is compounded by a licensed U.S. 503A pharmacy and dispensed against a prescription written in your name — not sold as a "research only" product with no oversight.

Know the difference

Prescribed MOTS-c vs. supplements and grey-market vials — what's the difference?

The short answer: unregulated supplements make claims nobody checks, "research only" vials sold online carry no prescription, no pharmacy and no accountability, and a prescribed MOTS-c is compounded by a licensed 503A pharmacy against a provider's order written for you.

 Oral supplement"Research only" vialPrescribed MOTS-c (Rx)
What it isAn unregulated oral precursorA vial sold without a prescriptionCompounded MOTS-c dispensed on a provider's order
Licensed provider reviews youNoNoYes — before anything is dispensed
Compounded by a licensed pharmacyNoNoYes — U.S. 503A
Your name on the vialNoNoYes
Dose set by a prescriberNoNoYes
Legal to sell for human useAs a supplementNoYes — by prescription

The simplest test of any peptide seller: is your name on the vial? A "research only" label means no prescriber reviewed you, no licensed pharmacy compounded it, and nobody is accountable for what is actually inside.

How it works

How does getting MOTS-c actually work?

Three steps: answer a short set of medical questions, connect straight to a licensed provider on a live video call, and if they prescribe, a 503A pharmacy compounds and ships it.

I

Answer a few questions

A short private medical questionnaire — your history, current medications and what you are hoping to address. It takes a couple of minutes.

II

Meet your provider live

You go straight onto a video call with a provider licensed in your state — no appointment, no waiting room. They review your answers with you and decide whether MOTS-c is appropriate.

III

Compounded & shipped

If they prescribe, a licensed U.S. 503A pharmacy compounds your vial and ships it discreetly, with your name on the label.

Who it's for

Who is MOTS-c for?

It's for adults who want MOTS-c prescribed and compounded properly rather than bought from a grey market. Whether it is appropriate for you is a decision for the provider who sees you on the call.

✔Interested in metabolic health

MOTS-c is studied in the context of metabolic regulation and the exercise response.

✔You want a real prescription

Reviewed on a live call by a licensed provider, compounded by a 503A pharmacy, dispensed with your name on the vial.

✔You want the dosing decided for you

Vial size and schedule are set by your prescriber.

✔You prefer an injectable

MOTS-c is compounded as a subcutaneous injection; there is no oral or topical form.

✕When it's not the right fit

Most MOTS-c research is from animal and cell models. It is a compounded preparation, not an FDA-approved medication, has not been shown to treat or prevent any disease, and compounded drugs are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active cancer diagnosis, or have significant kidney or liver disease, tell your provider on the call. New or unexplained symptoms should be evaluated by a clinician rather than self-treated.

How to get it

How do I get MOTS-c online?

You answer a few questions, meet a licensed provider on a live video call, and — if they prescribe — your medication is compounded and shipped to your door. No insurance required, no in-person appointment, no waiting room.

A few questions

Answer a short set of private medical questions. One peptide per visit — each needs its own provider consultation.

Live video visit

You are connected to a provider licensed in your state on a video call, usually within seconds. Approval is never guaranteed.

Discreet delivery

If prescribed, your vial is compounded by a 503A pharmacy and ships in plain, unmarked packaging to all 50 states.

Pricing is shown at checkout — no insurance needed, no hidden fees.

Using it & safety

How is it taken, and is it safe?

MOTS-c is compounded as injection. The amount and the schedule are set by the provider on your video visit — we deliberately do not publish a dosing regimen here, because that is a clinical decision about you, not a product specification.

Forms & how it's taken

Injection
Compounded as injection.
Supplied as
10mg · 20mg. Which one you receive is part of the prescription.
Dose & schedule
Set by your prescriber. Follow the directions on your label.
Supply
1-month or 3-month. Three months is discounted 20% on the medication.
Injection10mg20mgProvider-set

Safety & side effects

⚠ Evidence is largely preclinical

Most MOTS-c research is from animal and cell models. It is a compounded preparation, not an FDA-approved medication, has not been shown to treat or prevent any disease, and compounded drugs are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.

Reported effects are most often related to the injection itself or to infusing too quickly. They can include:

  • Redness or soreness at the injection site
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Nausea

Tell your provider about every condition and medication before starting, including pregnancy or breastfeeding. Stop and seek care for signs of an allergic reaction — rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing. For emergencies call 911.

Compare your options

Which longevity peptide fits you?

A side-by-side look at the gh / longevity options available through ForbiddenRx. Which one is appropriate for you is decided by the provider who sees you on the call.

TreatmentWhat it isFocusFormForRx required
MOTS-c
This page		Mitochondrial-derived peptideMetabolic categoryInjectionAdults 18+Yes
EpithalonSynthetic tetrapeptideLongevity categoryInjectionAdults 18+Yes
SermorelinGHRH analogGH axis categoryInjection · CapsulesAdults 18+Yes
TesamorelinGHRH analogGH axis categoryInjectionAdults 18+Yes
Questions, answered

MOTS-c FAQ

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is a peptide encoded by mitochondrial rather than nuclear DNA — one of a small group of mitochondrial-derived peptides identified in the last fifteen years. It has been studied in metabolic regulation and the response to exercise.

Is MOTS-c an exercise mimetic?

That phrase appears in the literature describing findings in animal models. It has not been demonstrated as a substitute for exercise in people, and MOTS-c is not approved to treat any condition.

What vial sizes are available?

MOTS-c is compounded in two vial sizes. Which one you receive is part of the prescription written by the provider who sees you on the call.

Do I have to book an appointment?

No. After the questionnaire you are connected to an available provider on a video call, usually within seconds — there is no scheduling step and no waiting room.

Why can I only order one peptide at a time?

Every peptide requires its own provider consultation, so each one is its own visit. Complete this visit and you can return to the peptide shop to start another.

Credibility you can verify

Care held to a higher standard

Licensed Providers

U.S. board-certified clinicians

503A Pharmacies

U.S.-based compounding partners

All 50 States

Nationwide telehealth coverage

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Category

The Peptide Catalog

Every peptide we can dispense, each prescribed by a licensed provider and compounded by a 503A pharmacy.

Learn more →

Start with a real prescription

If you are going to take MOTS-c, take one a licensed provider prescribed and a 503A pharmacy compounded with your name on it. Answer a few questions and you are on a call with a provider in seconds.

Start your online visit →

  • Discreet, unmarked packaging
  • Refills so you never miss a dose
  • Labs guiding every adjustment
  • Licensed providers in all 50 states
Medically reviewed

Sources & references

Medically reviewed by ForbiddenRx Medical Affairs — Independent, licensed medical providers · Last reviewed August 2026. This page was written and is periodically reviewed for medical accuracy in line with clinical guidance followed by the independent, licensed medical providers in the ForbiddenRx network. It is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk with a licensed provider about your individual health.

  1. Lee C et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism.
  2. Reynolds JC et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. Nature Communications.
  3. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. 503A Pharmacy Compounding — the regulatory basis for how this preparation is dispensed.
For further reading

Clinical references

This page is educational and is not medical advice.