5-Amino-1MQ
5-amino-1-methylquinolinium · 5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium iodide
NNMT inhibitor that reversed diet-induced obesity in mice; no human trials
Overview
5-Amino-1MQ is an orally available small molecule (not a peptide) that inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that is over-expressed in the fat tissue of obese animals and humans. By methylating nicotinamide, NNMT consumes both the universal methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and a precursor in the NAD+ salvage pathway; inhibiting it is proposed to raise cellular SAM and NAD+ and to shift fat cells toward greater energy expenditure.
The interest in 5-Amino-1MQ comes almost entirely from preclinical work. In diet-induced obese mice, NNMT knockdown and small-molecule NNMT inhibition reduced fat-cell size and body weight without changing food intake, and 5-Amino-1MQ specifically has been used as a tool compound to demonstrate these effects in rodents and cultured adipocytes. Reported pharmacokinetics in animals show a short elimination half-life of roughly 3.8 hours after intravenous and 6.9 hours after oral dosing.
There are, however, no published human pharmacokinetic, safety, or efficacy trials for 5-Amino-1MQ as of 2026. The oral doses circulating in community settings (typically 50–150 mg daily) are extrapolated from animal data rather than established in people. For these reasons this protocol is rated at 'community' confidence and is an educational research reference only.
Key parameters
- Dose range
- 50–150 mg daily (community)
- Frequency
- Once daily (oral)
- Half-life
- ~3.8 h (IV) to ~6.9 h (oral) in preclinical PK
- Route
- Oral
- Vial sizes
- —
- Regulatory status
- Research chemical, not an approved drug. A small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). Evidence is preclinical (rodent/cell); there are no published human efficacy, pharmacokinetic, or safety trials. Community use is research-only.
Mechanism of action
NNMT inhibition
Directly inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, the enzyme whose overactivity in adipose tissue is linked to reduced energy expenditure and obesity in animal models.
NAD+ / SAM preservation
By sparing nicotinamide and S-adenosylmethionine from being consumed, NNMT inhibition is proposed to raise cellular NAD+ and methylation capacity, supporting mitochondrial and metabolic activity in fat cells.
Adipocyte energy expenditure
In rodent and cell studies the net effect is smaller adipocytes and reduced fat mass without a change in appetite, framed as an increase in fat-cell energy expenditure rather than appetite suppression.
Dosing protocol & phases
| Phase | Weeks | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (community) | Ongoing | 50–150 mg daily (oral) | Community-derived; some users split into twice-daily dosing given the short preclinical half-life. No clinical validation. |
| Course length (community) | ~8–12 weeks | Continue daily, then reassess | No clinical basis defines an optimal duration. |
Supplies needed
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Recommended supply
5-Amino-1MQ — research vial
From our verified partner Dynotides, with a third-party certificate of analysis per batch.
Injection supplies
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Bacteriostatic water
Diluent for reconstituting lyophilized vials.
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Insulin syringes (U-100)
0.3–0.5 mL, 29–31 G for accurate small draws.
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Alcohol prep pads
Sterile swabs for the vial stopper and site.
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Sharps container
Safe disposal of used needles.
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Storage fridge
Keeps reconstituted vials at 2–8 °C.
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Insulated travel case
Cooled, TSA-friendly case for travel.
Missed-dose guidance
No clinical guidance exists because 5-Amino-1MQ is not an approved drug. As an oral agent with a short reported half-life, community practice is simply to skip a missed dose and resume the normal schedule rather than doubling up.
Side effects & safety
| Category | Effect | Trial incidence |
|---|---|---|
| General | Human safety data essentially absentNo published human safety or tolerability studies; this is the principal limitation. | — |
| Gastrointestinal | Mild GI upset reported anecdotallyCommunity-reported with oral use; not quantified. | — |
| Metabolic | Theoretical effects on methylation / NAD+ balanceMechanistic consideration from its NNMT target; human relevance unknown. | — |
Clinical trials & evidence
NNMT inhibition in diet-induced obese mice
Preclinical (animal)Varies · Rodent models of diet-induced obesity
NNMT knockdown / inhibition reduced adipocyte size and body weight without changing food intake.
Trial identifier needs verification
5-Amino-1MQ adipocyte / tool-compound studies
Preclinical (cell/animal)Varies · Cultured adipocytes and rodents
Demonstrated NNMT-dependent metabolic effects; no human efficacy trials.
Trial identifier needs verification
Storage & handling
- Lyophilized
- Store the powder cool and dry, protected from light and moisture, per supplier handling guidance.
- Reconstituted
- Not applicable (oral).
Comparisons
| Vs. | Target | Half-life | Dosing | Efficacy | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTS-c | NNMT enzyme inhibitor vs mitochondrial-derived peptide | Hours (preclinical) vs short | 50–150 mg daily oral vs injected | Preclinical adipocyte effects vs preclinical/anecdotal metabolic effects | Neither approved |
Sources & references
Frequently asked questions
What is NNMT and why target it?
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase is an enzyme that becomes overactive in the fat tissue of obese animals and people, where it is associated with reduced energy expenditure. Inhibiting it in rodents shrinks fat cells and lowers body weight without reducing food intake, which is the rationale for 5-Amino-1MQ.
Is 5-Amino-1MQ a peptide?
No. It is a small-molecule quinolinium compound taken orally, included in the metabolic category because it is widely discussed alongside metabolic peptides. It is not injected and requires no reconstitution.
Is there human evidence?
Not meaningfully. As of 2026 there are no published human pharmacokinetic, safety, or efficacy trials. The dosing seen in community use is extrapolated from animal studies, which is why this entry is rated 'community' confidence.
Related protocols
MOTS-c
Mitochondrial-derived peptide
Mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating metabolic homeostasis (preclinical)
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For educational and research reference only. Not intended for human consumption, not medical advice. Compounds discussed are sold and used for laboratory research purposes only.