MOTS-c vs Tesamorelin

MOTS-c and Tesamorelin both appear in 'metabolic peptide' stacks but work via completely different mechanisms. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating insulin sensitivity; Tesamorelin is a GHRH analogue stimulating GH/IGF-1.

MOTS-cTesamorelin
OriginEncoded in mitochondrial DNAModified hypothalamic GHRH
Length16 aa44 aa
Molecular weight~2174 Da~5135 Da
MechanismAMPK activation, insulin sensitivityGHRH receptor → GH/IGF-1
Research focusMetabolic, exercise capacityVisceral adipose tissue reduction
Approval statusResearch onlyFDA approved (Egrifta) for HIV lipodystrophy
Typical dose5-10 mg weekly (subcut)2 mg daily (subcut)
Identity (LC-MS) mass~2174 Da~5135 Da

Verdict

Different targets, different doses, no overlap in mechanism. Most AU buyers stack them rather than substitute. The 3000 Da mass gap means LC-MS identity is trivial to verify; failures are almost always under-fill, not substitution.

Frequently asked questions

Can I stack them?

Many users do - different mechanisms, no known interaction. Confirm both vials independently.

Why is Tesamorelin more expensive?

It's an approved pharmaceutical (Egrifta) - real material is harder to source than MOTS-c.