Metabolism · Mitochondria

MOTS-c

Peptilex evidence grade ABCDEUpdated 19 Oct 2026 How grades work

Type: 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA
Main use or focus: Metabolic health, exercise capacity, "longevity"

Key results

Research stageFrom lab to approval

LabDiscovered 2015reached
AnimalMice: less diet-induced obesityreached
HumanAnalogue CB4211reached
Randomized trialsPhase 1a/1b, 88 participants (analogue)reached
Approvalnot yetnot yet

Source: Peptilex study tracker (weekly review)

participants in the completed randomized phase 1a/1b trial of the modified analogue CB4211

Human RCTCB4211 · phase 1a/1b

Where it stands

A peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, discovered in 2015. In mice it prevented diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance; a modified analogue (CB4211) completed a randomized phase 1a/1b trial with 88 participants.

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Research at a glance

Publications by typePubMed, all years

All papers264

Human studies152

Animal studies only54

Randomized trials4

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews1

Source: PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov via the Peptilex study database

Registered trials by phaseClinicalTrials.gov · name in study title

ongoing / startingcompleted / other

Other2

Source: PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov via the Peptilex study database

Trial starts per yearClinicalTrials.gov · by start date (planned starts included)

2016

2018

2020

2022

2024

12026

Source: PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov via the Peptilex study database

Registered trials

ClinicalTrials.gov · name in study title · ongoing first

Study	Phase	Status	Participants	Start
Comparison of the Effects of General Anesthesia and Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia on Ferroptosis, Humanin and MOTS-c Levels in Renal Transplantation NCT07678073University of Gaziantep	–	Recruiting	68	Mar 2026
Platelet Reactivity, B-amyloid, MOTS-c and Mortality of Type II Diabetics With CAD NCT04027712University of Athens	Observational	Status unknown	120	Jan 2014

1 further registry entry from a sponsor we could not verify is not listed.

Latest key papers

PubMed · newest first

2026
Mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) activated by physical exercise as therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders: A systematic review
Systematic reviewAyubi N et al. · Physiology InternationalPMID 42640735
2025
Repeated Heat Stress Modulates the Levels of the Mitokines MOTS-C and FGF21 in Active Men during Calf Muscle Immobilization
Human RCTElhusseiny R et al. · Medicine and Science in Sports and ExercisePMID 40674654
2022
Circulating levels of MOTS-c in patients with breast cancer treated with metformin
Human RCTCuyàs E et al. · AgingPMID 36490309
2021
Effect of aerobic and resistance exercise on the mitochondrial peptide MOTS-c in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White breast cancer survivors
Human RCTDieli-Conwright CM et al. · Scientific ReportsPMID 34413391
2021
Acute endurance exercise stimulates circulating levels of mitochondrial-derived peptides in humans
Human RCTvon Walden F et al. · Journal of Applied PhysiologyPMID 34351816

In the research news

19 Oct 20264 new

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