Retatrutide
Triple incretin receptor agonist
An experimental peptide that acts on three hormone receptors. Researchers studied it in phase 2 trials involving weight and blood sugar.
MOTS-c
A peptide made of 16 amino acids and encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Researchers studied it mainly in metabolism and exercise models.
Regulatory status: Not licensed as a medicine in the United Kingdom. It holds no MHRA marketing authorisation, has no approved indication, and is not approved for human or animal use.
Cell & tissue research
Research stage: Early cell and animal research, plus observational human studies
Cells
Animal studies
Human trials
The research pathway — not every compound has reached human trials. Illustrations are simplified, not study results.
What it is
MOTS-c is produced from genetic information inside mitochondria, the parts of cells that release energy. It belongs to a small group called mitochondrial-derived peptides.
How researchers think it works
Cell and animal studies suggested that MOTS-c affected AMPK, a system that helps cells respond to low energy, and other pathways involved in metabolism.
Researchers proposed that it helped mitochondria send information about the cell’s energy state to the nucleus.
What has research seen in people?
Research is mostly cells and rodents, where it reported effects on how cells handle energy, blood sugar responses and exercise performance.
Studies that simply observed people found that natural blood levels of the peptide tracked with fitness and metabolic measures — a link, not proof that the peptide caused it.
No completed, well-controlled human trial had been published.
Where this material is listed
For laboratory research use only. Not a medicine and not for human or animal use.
Veritide does not sell or supply anything. This links to a third-party UK laboratory supplier; we may earn a commission if you buy through it, at no extra cost to you. Materials are sold for laboratory research use only and are not licensed medicines.
What studies have found
- Most published studies used cells or rodents and measured blood sugar responses or exercise performance.
- Studies that observed people found links between MOTS-c levels in the blood and measures of metabolism or fitness.
What we still do not know
- These human studies found links, but they could not show that MOTS-c caused the differences.
- No completed, well-controlled human trial had been published at the time of writing.
Sources
Related profiles
Mazdutide
Dual GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonist
An experimental peptide based on a natural gut hormone. Researchers studied it mainly in phase 2 and phase 3 trials in China.
BPC-157
Synthetic pentadecapeptide
A laboratory-made peptide made of 15 amino acids. Almost all published research involved cells or rodents rather than people.