Mitochondria-targeted peptides
Mitochondria-targeted peptides act on the energy-producing parts of cells, either by binding the inner mitochondrial membrane or by acting as signals that change how cells burn fuel. Elamipretide is approved for Barth syndrome, a rare inherited heart and muscle disease, while MOTS-c is a research peptide sold without approval for exercise and metabolic claims. Injection-site reactions are the most common effect for the approved drug, and the side effects of research peptides are largely unstudied in people. The main safety point is that human data are limited to small trials, so long-term effects are unknown.