Emerging science
Mitochondrial Peptides
MOTS-c, Humanin, and SS-31 (elamipretide) sit at the frontier of mitochondrial research. We cover the mechanisms honestly and label research and regulatory status clearly.
A note on rigor: several compounds in this category are investigational or research-only. MitoHacker is educational: it explains the science and never provides dosing protocols or sourcing for research peptides, and it is not medical advice.
MOTS-c Dosage: What the Research Shows
There is no clinically established MOTS-c dosage. MOTS-c is an investigational compound that is not FDA-approved and has never completed a human clinical trial, so every ‘dosage chart’ online is based on animal studies, one small pilot, or unregulated community use, not validated medical protocols. The commonly cited ~5–10 mg/week subcutaneous figure comes from research-peptide communities, not human research. Any use should involve a licensed medical provider.
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SS-31 (Elamipretide): The Cardiolipin-Targeting Peptide
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted peptide that binds cardiolipin, a lipid in the inner mitochondrial membrane, to stabilize its structure, improve electron transport chain efficiency, reduce reactive oxygen species, and support ATP synthesis. It is an investigational drug studied across mitochondrial, cardiac, kidney, and neurological conditions, with mixed clinical results. It is not an approved medicine or supplement.
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MOTS-c: The Exercise-Mimetic Mitochondrial Peptide
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide that acts like an exercise mimetic. Its main mechanism is activating AMPK, the cell’s metabolic switch, boosting glucose uptake, fat oxidation, and mitochondrial function. It is itself induced by exercise. MOTS-c is an investigational research compound: most supporting data are preclinical, and its long-term human safety is not established.
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Humanin: The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide, Explained
Humanin is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide, encoded in the mitochondrial genome, studied for cytoprotective, neuroprotective, and metabolic effects. It appears to act as a cell-survival signal that reduces oxidative stress and supports mitochondrial function. It is an investigational research compound, not an approved supplement, and the evidence is largely preclinical.
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