5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small molecule — not a peptide — studied as a selective, cell-permeable inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme involved in NAD+ and methylation metabolism.

Is 5-Amino-1MQ a peptide?

No. It's a small-molecule chemical compound. It's often discussed alongside peptides like MOTS-c because both are studied in the metabolic research category, but they are chemically and mechanistically distinct.

What has published research actually studied 5-Amino-1MQ for?

Genetic knockdown studies first established NNMT as a metabolic target in diet-induced obese mice. Once a selective small molecule existed, research dosed DIO mice and reported decreased NNMT enzyme activity, increased NAD+ and SAM in adipocytes, reduced adipose tissue mass, and reduced body weight over an 11-day period. Separate research examined 5-Amino-1MQ combined with a diet switch and gut-microbiome composition, and a related NNMT-inhibitor chemotype has been studied in aged skeletal-muscle stem cell regeneration. These are animal and cell-based findings, not established human effects.

Is there human clinical evidence for 5-Amino-1MQ?

No. A 2024 review of the NNMT-inhibitor research field states directly that clinical trials focusing on NNMT have not been documented. All currently published data on 5-Amino-1MQ is preclinical. 5-Amino-1MQ is not an FDA-approved drug and is not a dietary supplement.

How does 5-Amino-1MQ compare to MOTS-c?

They're often sold and searched together but work through unrelated mechanisms in the published research — 5-Amino-1MQ through NNMT inhibition and NAD+/SAM metabolism, MOTS-c through AMPK activation via the folate/purine pathway.

How is research-grade 5-Amino-1MQ supplied?

Typically as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder for reconstitution in a laboratory setting, commonly with bacteriostatic water, accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis confirming HPLC-verified purity.

Can I use 5-Amino-1MQ?

Materials described here are for laboratory research only and are not for human consumption. Nothing here is medical advice.

October 3, 2026 · Obsessed Living Research Team

5-Amino-1MQ Research FAQ

The Obsessed Living Research Team summarizes peer-reviewed peptide research for educational, research-use reference. Content is not medical advice.

References

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase knockdown protects against diet-induced obesity (Nature, 2014).
Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in mice (Biochem Pharmacol, 2017).
Reduced calorie diet combined with NNMT inhibition establishes a distinct microbiome in DIO mice (Sci Rep, 2022).
Small molecule nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibitor activates senescent muscle stem cells and improves regenerative capacity of aged skeletal muscle (Biochem Pharmacol, 2019).
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT): a novel therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome (Front Pharmacol, 2024, review).

Compliance & Disclaimer

This product is supplied strictly for research purposes only. It is not intended for human or animal consumption and is not intended for therapeutic, dietary, cosmetic, diagnostic, or veterinary use.

Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Human/animal consumption prohibited. Laboratory/in-vitro experimental use only.