1. Draw 1 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
2. Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
3. Gently swirl until dissolved (do not shake vigorously).
4. Label with reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2 to 8 °C, protected from light.
5. Use within 7 days for optimal potency. At 10 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL » 100 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.

MOTS-c functions as a metabolic stress signal that helps optimize energy usage during nutrient stress or exercise. Its primary mechanism is AMPK activation through inhibition of the folate cycle, causing accumulation of AICAR (an AMP analog). Activated AMPK shifts cells into an energy-efficient mode: enhancing glucose uptake, fatty-acid oxidation, and mitochondrial respiration while downregulating fat storage and gluconeogenesis. MOTS-c can also translocate to the cell nucleus under stress conditions and upregulate antioxidant and stress-response genes. This retrograde signaling from mitochondria to nucleus increases expression of cytoprotective enzymes, helping cells cope with oxidative stress. Research indicates MOTS-c may also modulate mTOR and inflammatory pathways, contributing to lifespan and healthspan effects. Its actions resemble those of exercise and metformin at a cellular level.

• Metabolic Health: Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in mouse models; prevents
  diet-induced insulin resistance.
• Weight & Fat Reduction: Prevents obesity and reduces visceral fat in obese mice through increased
  energy expenditure and fat oxidation.
• Post-Menopausal Metabolism: Mitigates metabolic decline in ovariectomized mice; prevents
  menopause-related fat gain and insulin resistance.
• Physical Performance: Enhances exercise capacity and counters age-related frailty; old mice ran 2
  times longer on treadmill tests.
• Organ Protection: Reduces liver fat accumulation, improves cardiac function, and may support cognitive function in preliminary studies.
• Bone & Immunity: Promotes osteoblast activity, inhibits osteoclast formation; modulates immune aging.
• Safety: No adverse effects reported in preclinical studies; human tolerability unknown. A modified analog (CB4211) showed good tolerability in a Phase 1 trial.
• Note: these benefits have been demonstrated only in controlled research settings (mice or cells).
  Translation to humans requires clinical studies.