Mitochondrial research peptides, stocked in Australia
The mitochondrial range brings together four tools with four separate mechanisms: MOTS-c, the mitochondrially-encoded peptide that switches on AMPK; SS-31, the cardiolipin-binding tetrapeptide trialled as elamipretide; NAD+, the redox coenzyme and sirtuin substrate; and 5-Amino-1MQ, a small-molecule NNMT inhibitor. MOTS-c on its own attracts around 18,000 monthly searches in Australia, largely dosage and benefit questions, and 'nad injections' another 14,000, mostly aimed at clinics.
Compounds in this category
5-Amino-1MQ
Small-molecule NNMT inhibitor
5-Amino-1MQ is not a peptide at all. It is a small quinolinium molecule that blocks nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), the enzyme that uses up nicotinamide and S-adenosylmethionine. In diet-induced obese mice the compound produced smaller adipocytes, lower body-fat mass and improved metabolic markers over several weeks, with food intake unchanged; no controlled human trials exist.
MOTS-C
Mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded in the 12S rRNA gene
MOTS-c runs to 16 amino acids and is encoded within the mitochondrial genome rather than the nuclear one, placing it among a small group of mitochondrial-derived peptides uncovered during the 2010s. Functioning as a message sent from the mitochondria to the rest of the cell, it is studied in the contexts of metabolic regulation and exercise physiology. When given MOTS-c, mice on a high-fat diet avoided obesity and insulin resistance; aged mice showed better physical performance; and in humans, circulating MOTS-c climbs after exercise.
NAD+
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, oxidised form
NAD+ is the coenzyme that ferries electrons through cellular respiration and also acts as the substrate for sirtuins, PARPs and CD38. Because its levels in tissue fall as we age, it and its precursors have become a focus of longevity research. In humans, trials of NAD+ precursors dependably lifted blood NAD+ while changing functional endpoints only modestly; in rodents, NAD+ restoration reported better mitochondrial function with age.
SS-31
Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂)
SS-31 is a tetrapeptide able to cross cell membranes, where it accumulates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and attaches to cardiolipin, the phospholipid that keeps the electron-transport chain organised. Developed by Szeto and Schiller, it has moved through clinical trials carrying the name elamipretide. The elamipretide trials reported better markers of mitochondrial function and, in Barth syndrome, greater exercise capacity during the open-label extension; in mitochondrial myopathy the primary endpoints were not met.
Mitochondrial Research at a glance
| Compound | Class | Formats | From | Studied for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Amino-1MQ | Small-molecule NNMT inhibitor | 50mg | $109.99 | NNMT inhibition, Adipose metabolism |
| MOTS-C | Mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded in the 12S rRNA gene | 10mg, 20mg, 40mg | $94.99 | AMPK activation, Insulin sensitivity |
| NAD+ | Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, oxidised form | 500mg | $129.99 | Sirtuin activity, DNA repair |
| SS-31 | Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂) | 10mg | $89.99 | Cardiolipin stabilisation, ATP production |
Four mechanisms
MOTS-c is encoded within mitochondrial DNA and signals outward to the nucleus; by stalling the folate cycle it lifts AICAR and switches on AMPK, the cell's energy sensor. SS-31 gathers in the inner mitochondrial membrane, binds cardiolipin and sharpens the efficiency of the electron-transport chain, cutting electron leak rather than mopping up radicals. NAD+ ferries electrons through respiration and is spent by sirtuins and PARPs, with tissue levels sliding as age climbs. 5-Amino-1MQ blocks NNMT, the enzyme that uses up nicotinamide, which spares it for NAD+ synthesis and reshapes adipocyte metabolism in obese rodents. The metabolic trio kit bundles MOTS-c, 5-Amino-1MQ and SLU-PP-332 together, since those are the three that searches line up against one another.
Evidence
MOTS-c headed off diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice and sharpened physical performance in old mice; its human evidence is observational. Elamipretide has clinical trials in Barth syndrome, mitochondrial myopathy and heart failure, with consistent mitochondrial-function signals and mixed primary endpoints. NAD+ precursors dependably raise blood NAD+ in human trials against modest functional endpoints; direct NAD+ infusion is sold by clinics for unproven indications. 5-Amino-1MQ has only rodent data. The MOTS-c research guide and the NAD+ injections guide address the two biggest clusters.
Sizes and handling
MOTS-c is offered in 10mg, 20mg and 40mg vials (2-3 mL of water), SS-31 in 10mg (2 mL), 5-Amino-1MQ in 50mg (2 mL), and NAD+ in a 500mg vial that calls for 5 mL, which is why the NAD+ kit carries a 10 mL water vial. Each page's calculator comes preset to the vial.
The legal position in Australia
None carries a TGA registration. Compounded NAD+ can be prescribed and made up by a compounding pharmacy for a patient, a medical route that is separate from research supply. Research-grade NAD+, MOTS-c, SS-31 and 5-Amino-1MQ are supplied for in-vitro laboratory use.
Frequently asked questions
MOTS-c vs 5-Amino-1MQ?
Both are metabolic-flexibility tools: MOTS-c by way of AMPK, 5-Amino-1MQ by way of NNMT inhibition. They are often compared and are sold together in the metabolic trio.
What is the MOTS-c dosage?
The published animal amounts are model-specific and are not usage guidance; Peptide Aus supplies MOTS-c for laboratory research and offers preparation help only.
NAD+ injections, IV or the research vial?
Clinics run infusions and injections from compounded stock; the research vial is powder for laboratory use. See the NAD+ injections guide.
Is SS-31 the same thing as elamipretide?
Yes, it is the same tetrapeptide; elamipretide is the clinical development name.
Are mitochondrial peptides lawful in Australia?
Supply for laboratory use is lawful; none is approved for human use.
Research use only: every product in this category is intended for in-vitro laboratory research. Not for human or veterinary use.