MOTS-c in Australia
Get MOTS-c — a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA — prescribed lawfully in Australia by an AHPRA-registered doctor under TGA SAS-B for metabolic and insulin-sensitivity support. $99 initial telehealth consult, cold-chain dispense from a TGA-licensed Australian compounding pharmacy.
AHPRA-registered doctors
MOTS-c is prescribed only after a clinical review by a registered Australian medical practitioner with baseline pathology.
TGA SAS-B pathway
MOTS-c isn't on the ARTG. An AHPRA-registered Australian doctor can lawfully prescribe it under SAS-B on a case-by-case basis.
Australian compounding
Compounded by a TGA-licensed Australian pharmacy under PIC/S GMP — batch-tested for identity, sterility, and potency.
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene — making it one of the few known peptides translated from mitochondrial DNA rather than the nuclear genome. Preclinical work points to roles in cellular energy regulation, AMPK signalling, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic homeostasis. Circulating MOTS-c levels appear to decline with age, which is part of why it's drawn research attention as a metabolic peptide.
MOTS-c is not on the ARTG. An AHPRA-registered Australian doctor can lawfully prescribe it under the TGA Special Access Scheme Category B (SAS-B), with the medicine compounded by a TGA-licensed Australian compounding pharmacy under PIC/S Good Manufacturing Practice. Importing it yourself from offshore "research peptide" vendors is not lawful under the Customs Act.
Typical clinical indications
- Adjunctive metabolic support in adults with insulin-resistance phenotypes
- Body-composition optimisation alongside lifestyle interventions
- Exercise-capacity adjunct in case-by-case clinical contexts
- Adjunctive support in age-related metabolic decline (per prescriber discretion)
Administration
Subcutaneous injection on a schedule set by your prescriber — there is no universal protocol. Baseline pathology including fasting glucose, HbA1c, and lipids is standard before starting and at review.
Cautions and contraindications
Not for use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or with active cancer. Long-term human safety data is limited. Caution if you have insulin-treated diabetes (hypoglycaemia risk) — your prescriber will adjust monitoring. Disclose all medications and chronic conditions at consult.
How to get MOTS-c prescribed in Australia
- 1. Free 5-minute pre-qualification
Answer screening questions about your history, goals, and current medications. Instant suitability check.
- 2. $99 telehealth consult
Video or phone consult with an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor. They review eligibility and confirm dosing.
- 3. SAS-B script issued (24–48 hours)
Doctor lodges a TGA SAS-B notification and routes the script to a TGA-licensed Australian compounding pharmacy.
- 4. Cold-chain dispense (2–4 business days)
Pharmacy ships cold-chain Mon–Wed. Includes vials, syringes, alcohol swabs, and a starter guide.
Do not import MOTS-c from overseas
Importing MOTS-c yourself from offshore "research chemical" vendors is illegal under the Customs Act, gives no guarantee of sterility or potency, and leaves you with no Australian doctor if something goes wrong. The lawful path is AHPRA-registered doctor → TGA SAS-B → TGA-licensed Australian compounding pharmacy. See why staying local matters.
MOTS-c Australia — FAQs
- Is MOTS-c legal in Australia?
- MOTS-c is not on the ARTG but can be lawfully prescribed by an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor under the TGA Special Access Scheme Category B (SAS-B) and dispensed by a TGA-licensed Australian compounding pharmacy. Importing MOTS-c yourself from offshore vendors is not lawful under the Customs Act.
- What does MOTS-c actually do?
- MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide. Preclinical work points to roles in AMPK signalling, insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and exercise-capacity regulation. Human clinical data is still limited, which is why prescribing is per-case under SAS-B rather than a default treatment.
- How do I find a doctor who prescribes MOTS-c in Australia?
- Most GPs don't prescribe MOTS-c — it's outside routine general practice. The fastest pathway in 2026 is a peptide-specialist telehealth service. Complete a clinical intake, an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor reviews your history, and if appropriate they lodge the SAS-B notification with the TGA.
- How much does MOTS-c cost in Australia per month?
- Roughly AUD $240–$420 per month for the compounded vial from a TGA-licensed Australian pharmacy, plus a $99 initial telehealth consult and any baseline pathology. Total first-month spend is typically $400–$600.
- Will MOTS-c replace metformin or other diabetes drugs?
- No. MOTS-c is not a substitute for evidence-based first-line therapies like metformin, GLP-1 agonists, or insulin where they're indicated. It's considered adjunctively, never as a replacement, and only when clinically justified by your prescriber.
- Is MOTS-c banned in sport?
- MOTS-c is not currently named on the WADA Prohibited List, but the S0 (non-approved substances) and peptide-hormone catch-all categories can apply. If you compete in WADA-tested sport, get specific advice from your prescriber and your sporting body before starting.
Related reading
Related Australian peptide pages
Start with the legality hub if you're new to TGA SAS-B prescribing, or browse the other Australian peptide landings.
Medically reviewed by the PeptideDoctorAU Medical Review Panel — last reviewed 29 May 2026. See the panel.
Start your MOTS-c consult — $99
Take the free 5-minute pre-qualification. If you're suitable, you'll be matched with an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor for a $99 telehealth consult — TGA SAS-B prescribing, Australian-compounded vial.
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