MOTS-c vs Humanin: evidence, status and structure
A side-by-side look at MOTS-c and Humanin, using the data on each VALREXA profile. Neither comparison is a recommendation.
Key differences
- Both sit at the same evidence level: Preclinical.
- Their U.S. status differs: MOTS-c falls under Compounding allowed (No approved product); Humanin falls under Not FDA-approved (Not FDA-approved).
- Humanin is about 1.2× heavier than MOTS-c (~2,687.3 vs ~2,174.6 Da).
| MOTS-c | Humanin | |
| Research class | Mitochondrial & Longevity | Mitochondrial & Longevity |
| Human evidence | Preclinical | Preclinical |
| U.S. status | No approved product | Not FDA-approved |
| 2026 compounding decision | Allowed for 503A pharmacies under FDA enforcement discretion (Oct 2026) | — |
| Amino acids | 16 | 24 |
| Molecular weight | ~2,174.6 Da | ~2,687.3 Da |
| Formula | Varies by form | C₁₁₉H₂₀₄N₃₄O₃₂S₂ |
| Sequence | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR | MAPRGFSCLLLLTSEIDLPVKRRA |
| Research period | 2015 | 2001 |
| Safety summary | No FDA-approved therapeutic MOTS-c product. | Not FDA-approved. |
How they differ
Both are mitochondrial-derived peptides, short peptides encoded within mitochondrial DNA rather than in the cell nucleus. MOTS-c is encoded in the 12S rRNA region and has been studied in metabolism and exercise biology. Humanin is encoded in the 16S rRNA region and was first identified in research on cell survival in Alzheimer's disease. Human evidence for both is preclinical.
What each one is
MOTS-c: Mitochondrial-derived peptide associated with metabolic stress signaling. Molecular weight, sequence, research history, human evidence and regulatory status.
Humanin: Small peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA. Molecular weight, sequence, research history, human evidence and regulatory status.
Educational reference only. Nothing here is medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or dosing or sourcing guidance. Report an error.