Is MOTS-c legal in the US?
The short answer
MOTS-c is not an FDA-approved drug and is not on the 503A Bulks List as of 2026-07-28. On 2026-07-23, FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee voted to recommend adding it — but that vote is advisory. FDA must still complete rulemaking before anything changes.
The July 23-24, 2026 vote
Caveat on this number: Reported as 7-5. Unofficial webcast transcriptions indicated two abstentions, but no official FDA record confirms the abstention count.
What FDA actually evaluated
FDA assessed MOTS-c for one thing: obesity and osteoporosis.
FDA did not evaluate MOTS-c for longevity, mitochondrial health, athletic performance or general metabolic optimization.
Full regulatory status
| FDA-approved drug? | No FDA-approved drug product contains MOTS-c free base or acetate. |
|---|---|
| Indication FDA reviewed | Obesity and osteoporosis |
| PCAC recommendation | Recommended for the 503A Bulks List (advisory only) |
| FDA reviewers' position | Do not add to the 503A Bulks List. |
| Category 2 status | Previously in FDA's interim Category 2 (significant safety risk). Moved to the “nominated but withdrawn” table after the nomination was withdrawn in April 2026. Removal from Category 2 did not authorize compounding and did not move it to Category 1. |
| 503A Bulks List today | Not on the 503A Bulks List. A PCAC recommendation is advisory only — FDA must complete rulemaking before 21 CFR 216.23 changes. |
| 503B status | Not on the final 503B Bulks List, and not in FDA's published interim 503B categories. |
| Prescription status | No FDA-approved US status. Not an approved prescription or OTC drug. “Research use only” is a seller label, not authorization to administer to patients. |
| Next federal event | Possible rulemaking. No MOTS-c-specific date has been announced. |
If you compete in sport
Prohibited at all times as an AMPK activator under WADA class S4.4.1. USADA identifies MOTS-c by name.
Why FDA's own reviewers recommended against it
- Inconsistent characterization and nomenclature
- Inadequate testing for peptide impurities, aggregates and endotoxin
- Insufficient formulation and solubility information
- Immunogenicity risk
- Efficacy evidence limited mainly to laboratory and animal studies
- No adequate human safety program
- Approved obesity and osteoporosis treatments already available
What you can actually do today
You can discuss FDA-approved obesity or osteoporosis treatment with a licensed clinician. The recommendation did not establish MOTS-c as an approved therapy.
What would have to happen for this to change
- 1FDA completes its own evaluation. The advisory vote is non-binding — FDA can accept or reject it.
- 2FDA publishes a proposed rule in the Federal Register identifying substances proposed for inclusion or exclusion, with its reasoning.
- 3A public comment period opens. Anyone may submit evidence and scientific or legal objections.
- 4FDA reviews the comments and the administrative record.
- 5FDA publishes a final rule, or withdraws or modifies the proposal.
- 6The final rule takes effect and amends the list at 21 CFR 216.23.
Sources
See the status of all seven peptides side by side in the FDA 503A compounding tracker. Or read our full guide to MOTS-c.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide therapy treatment.