MOTS-c vs Cagrilintide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that plays a key role in metabolic regulation and has emerged as a significant longevity research target.
Full details →Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog in development, showing promising results when combined with semaglutide (CagriSema). Amylin is a hormone co-secreted with insulin that promotes satiety.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | MOTS-c | Cagrilintide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Activates AMPK pathway, enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, and regulates mitochondrial function. Acts as a metabolic hormone affecting whole-body energy homeostasis. | Activates amylin receptors (calcitonin receptor with RAMP proteins) to slow gastric emptying, suppress glucagon secretion, and reduce food intake through central satiety mechanisms distinct from GLP-1. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 5-10mg administered subcutaneously several times per week. Optimal dosing not yet established. | Clinical trials: 2.4mg weekly as monotherapy or in combination with semaglutide 2.4mg (CagriSema). Optimal dosing still being determined. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Often combined with exercise protocols as it enhances exercise capacity and metabolic adaptation. | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Currently only available in clinical trials - not yet FDA approved. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Animal studies show good tolerability. May affect energy levels and exercise performance. | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation similar to other incretin-based therapies. Combination with semaglutide may increase GI effects initially. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both MOTS-c and Cagrilintide are commonly used for: