Legal status · Canada
Is MOTS-c legal in Canada?
No. MOTS-c is not an approved medicine in Canada; its classification is "Not approved". Nothing containing it is authorized for any use in people. Vials labeled "for research use only" are not exempt: that label does not make human use lawful. Human evidence: Preliminary.
MOTS-c in Canada at a glance
| Classification | Not approved |
|---|---|
| Health Canada approval status | Not approved by Health Canada |
| Evidence level | Preliminary (research strength: Preliminary) |
| Reviewed | Sep 2026 |
Classification and note come from the MOTS-c profile, checked against Health Canada, Health Products and Food Branch (Health Canada) listings at the reviewed date.
What this means
- 01
No product containing MOTS-c is approved by Health Canada for any use in Canada, so nothing on the market is authorized for people.
- 02
"Research use only" is a vendor label, not a legal category that permits human use. It does not exempt a product from medicines law.
- 03
Importing, supplying or promoting it for human use can fall under medicines legislation in Canada. This page is general information, not legal advice.
What MOTS-c is
A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied as an exercise mimetic that improves metabolic homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in animal models.
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA that acts as a signaling molecule regulating metabolism. In animal studies it improves insulin sensitivity, protects against diet-induced obesity, and mimics some effects of exercise; early human data are limited.
Mechanism: Translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress and activates AMPK-related pathways that regulate glucose and lipid metabolism.
Regulatory history: Not FDA-approved. PCAC voted 7 to 5 to recommend for compounding (July 2026); awaiting FDA rulemaking; one Phase 2a trial recruiting
How Health Canada treats this kind of product
Authorises drugs for sale through a Notice of Compliance and Drug Identification Number. A compound that is not authorised for sale cannot lawfully be sold for human use, and personal importation of prescription drugs is limited.
The classification above is the The Longevity Archive reading of Health Canada, Health Products and Food Branch listings for MOTS-c at the reviewed date, not a legal opinion. Rules change, and importing, prescribing and possessing a compound can each be treated differently. Check the regulator directly before acting on anything here.
MOTS-c in other countries
Frequently asked questions
Is MOTS-c legal in Canada?
No. MOTS-c is not an approved medicine in Canada; its classification is "Not approved". Nothing containing it is authorized for any use in people. Vials labeled "for research use only" are not exempt: that label does not make human use lawful. Human evidence: Preliminary.
Can I buy MOTS-c in Canada?
No approved product exists to buy. In Canada MOTS-c is classified as "Not approved", so there is no licensed pharmacy product. Vendors selling it "for research use only" are not selling it for human use, and that label does not change its legal status. This site does not list or recommend vendors.
Is MOTS-c Health Canada approved?
No. In Canada MOTS-c is classified as "Not approved", which is not a Health Canada marketing approval. For comparison, the US FDA status is: Not FDA-approved. PCAC voted 7 to 5 to recommend for compounding (July 2026); awaiting FDA rulemaking; one Phase 2a trial recruiting. Evidence level: Preliminary.
Related compounds in Canada
Full research profile
Mechanism, cited studies, FDA status and the full legal summary for MOTS-c live on its compound profile.
MOTS-c profileThis page is general information about the regulatory status of MOTS-c in Canada, current as of Sep 2026. It is not legal advice, and classifications change; check Health Canada, Health Products and Food Branch directly or consult a lawyer for a specific situation. Educational use only. This database summarizes published research. It is not medical advice and contains no dosing protocols or recommendations for personal use. The Longevity Archive has no vendor relationships and does not recommend where to buy anything.