Cart
0
Short answer: MOTS-c, SS-31 (elamipretide) and Humanin are peptides that act on the mitochondria, the parts of each cell that make energy. MOTS-c is studied for metabolism and exercise capacity, SS-31 for protecting the inner mitochondrial membrane, and Humanin for cell protection with age. SS-31 has the most human data and a US approval for one rare disease. MOTS-c and Humanin are still mostly studied in animals. None is a proven anti-ageing treatment, so a physician should decide whether one fits you.
Key facts
| MOTS-c | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Humanin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | 16 amino acid peptide made from mitochondrial DNA | Small synthetic peptide (4 amino acids) | 24 amino acid peptide made from mitochondrial DNA |
| Main research area | Insulin sensitivity, metabolism, exercise | Mitochondrial membrane health, muscle and heart energy | Cell protection, ageing, brain cells |
| Strength of evidence | Mostly animal studies, early human work | Human clinical trials, US approval for Barth syndrome (2025) | Cell and animal studies |
| Our product | MOTS-c 30 mg pen, 4,380 SAR | SS-31 10 mg or 50 mg, from 2,370 SAR | Humanin 30 mg pen, 8,700 SAR |
Why do mitochondria matter?
Mitochondria turn food and oxygen into ATP, the energy every cell runs on. Their output falls with age, inactivity, poor sleep and conditions such as type 2 diabetes. That is why "mitochondrial health" has become a focus in longevity medicine. Peptides that act on mitochondria try to support this system directly rather than only adding fuel.
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c was described in 2015 by researchers at the University of Southern California. It is coded in mitochondrial DNA and acts partly through AMPK, the same energy sensor that exercise switches on. In mice it improved insulin sensitivity and running capacity and reduced weight gain on a high-fat diet. Human levels rise after exercise and seem lower in some people with insulin resistance. Controlled trials in people are still limited, so it should be seen as promising, not proven.
Patients usually ask about MOTS-c for energy, metabolic health or support alongside a training plan. It is in our mitochondrial collection.
What is SS-31 (Elamipretide)?
SS-31 binds to cardiolipin, a fat found in the inner membrane of mitochondria that keeps the energy-making machinery in place. It has been tested in human trials for mitochondrial myopathy, heart failure and Barth syndrome. Results have been mixed, but in 2025 the US FDA granted accelerated approval to elamipretide for Barth syndrome, a rare inherited disease. Its use for general energy or ageing is off-label and based on how it works rather than on trials in healthy people.
What is Humanin?
Humanin was discovered in 2001 during research into brain cells that survived Alzheimer's-type damage. In the lab it protects cells from stress and helps insulin work. Blood levels fall with age, and some studies link higher levels to longer-lived families. There are no completed treatment trials in people yet. It is also the most expensive peptide we offer, which is one more reason to discuss it carefully with a physician.
How are they different from NAD+?
NAD+ is not a peptide. It is a coenzyme that mitochondria use to make energy, and its levels fall with age. Peptides such as MOTS-c and SS-31 act as signals or protectors, while NAD+ is a raw material. Some physicians combine them. Read more in NAD+ pen vs IV drip.
Who should not use them?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Anyone with an active cancer, unless their oncologist agrees.
- People on diabetes medicines, unless blood sugar is monitored, because MOTS-c and Humanin can affect insulin.
- Anyone hoping to replace exercise, sleep or treatment of a medical condition.
Common questions
Which mitochondrial peptide is best?
There is no single best one. SS-31 has the most human data, MOTS-c fits people focused on metabolism and exercise, and Humanin is the most experimental. Your physician will choose based on your goals, tests and budget.
Do mitochondrial peptides slow ageing?
That has not been shown in people. They act on processes linked to ageing, but no study has proven they extend life or reverse ageing in humans.
How long before I notice anything?
Some patients report better energy within a few weeks, but this is subjective. Physicians usually review a plan after 8 to 12 weeks.
Can I take MOTS-c with exercise?
Yes, and that is how it is usually used. Animal studies suggest it works best alongside regular activity, not instead of it.
Information on this website is for education only and does not replace a physician's advice. Treatments are dispensed by prescription only, after assessment by a licensed physician.
Keep reading
- NAD+ pen vs NAD+ IV drip
- Epithalon and longevity peptides: what the evidence says
- Mitochondrial peptides
- Immune and longevity peptides
Book a consultation to see whether a mitochondrial peptide suits you.