Comparison
Cerebrolysin vs. MOTS-c
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
96889-70-6
1627580-64-6
Molecular weight
no data
2174.61 g/mol
Half-life
no data
no data
Sequence
no data
Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-ArgMechanism of action
Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin is a mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides (predominantly below 10 kDa) and free amino acids obtained by enzymatic cleavage of lipid-free porcine brain proteins. The manufacturer and preclinical literature describe a neurotrophic and neuroprotective mode of action said to mimic endogenous neurotrophic factors; cell and animal models have reported effects on neuronal survival, synaptogenesis and anti-apoptotic signalling (including PI3K/Akt). Because it is a complex, incompletely characterised mixture, the precise mechanism in humans remains unclear.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c arises from a short open reading frame located in the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome — unlike most peptides it is therefore not encoded by nuclear DNA. Mechanistically, preclinical work describes MOTS-c as modulating the folate cycle and the de novo purine biosynthesis tethered to it, thereby affecting the AMP/ATP ratio and, downstream, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Under metabolic stress, an AMPK-dependent translocation of the peptide into the cell nucleus and involvement in the regulation of stress-responsive genes (including via antioxidant-response-element-regulated transcription factors) have also been reported. These models derive predominantly from cell culture and rodents; the extent to which they reflect human physiology after administration of exogenous synthetic MOTS-c is not established by human studies.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human trial
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
4
1
Effects recorded
4
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Cerebrolysin and MOTS-c?
- Cerebrolysin is classified as "Research other", while MOTS-c is classified as "Research other". Cerebrolysin: Cerebrolysin (FPF-1070) is not a single peptide but a porcine-brain-derived preparation of low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acids, produced by standardised enzymatic proteolysis. It is approved in several countries (including Austria, Russia and parts of Asia) for stroke, dementia and traumatic brain injury, but is not FDA-approved in the United States and not centrally approved by the EMA. Its efficacy is contested: Cochrane systematic reviews found no convincing benefit and flagged possible harm signals. MOTS-c: MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-encoded peptide (mitochondrial-derived peptide, MDP) whose open reading frame lies within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. In basic research (including the laboratories of Changhan Lee and Pinchas Cohen) it is described as a regulator of metabolic homeostasis and an activator of the AMPK pathway, and is sometimes discussed as an 'exercise mimetic'. The evidence comes almost entirely from cell and animal models; controlled human trials of MOTS-c as a therapeutic are lacking. It is not approved as a medicine anywhere and is traded on the grey market as a research chemical. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Cerebrolysin or MOTS-c?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Cerebrolysin and "Human trial" for MOTS-c. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Cerebrolysin and MOTS-c in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Cerebrolysin — Unclear, MOTS-c — Unapproved. United States: Cerebrolysin — Unapproved, MOTS-c — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.