MOTS-c is a small peptide derived from mitochondrial genome. During metabolic stress, it moves to the nucleus to regulate the expression of nuclear genes, promoting cellular balance. It is co-expressed in various tissues with mitochondria, and found in plasma, though its levels decline with age. MOTS-c, discovered by researchers at the University of Southern California around 2012, improves glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle, suggesting benefits for diabetes, obesity, and aging. This peptide is being studied for its potential in treating cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Studies also explore molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potentials, suggesting synthetic biology as a new approach for developing and applying MOTS-c.

Retatrutide (LY3437943) is an innovative investigational peptide developed by Eli Lilly that functions as a triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors—also referred to as a GGG triagonist. This combined receptor activation results in a synergistic effect on body weight reduction through increased energy expenditure, decreased food intake, delayed gastric emptying, and stimulation of lipolysis. Phase 2 clinical trials have demonstrated that retatrutide can reduce body weight by up to 24.2% over a 48-week period, while also improving cardiometabolic parameters such as blood pressure, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity. Promising outcomes observed in both preclinical and clinical populations position retatrutide as one of the most promising candidates for the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases, although further research remains necessary.