CalcMyPeptide
MitochondrialAlso known as: 5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium, NNMT inhibitor

5-Amino-1MQ

5-Amino-1MQ is a wildly powerful, game-changing small-molecule metabolic engine designed to violently disrupt fat storage at the cellular level. By explicitly targeting the NNMT (Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) enzyme—which is notoriously over-expressed in obese tissue—it single-handedly reverses diet-induced metabolic slowdown. Functioning as a potent oral biohacker's tool, it forces a massive, relentless surge in the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and fundamentally shrinks adipocytes (fat cells), aggressively driving extreme, sustained weight loss without the jittery, nervous-system-wrecking side effects of traditional stimulants.

Reviewed by CalcMyPeptide Editorial Team
Last updated: April 2026Evidence: Low1 peer-reviewed citation

Quick Stats

Half-LifeShort (~hours, oral)
Dose Range50-100 mg/day (oral)
Frequency1× daily (oral)
Vial SizesN/A (oral)
BioavailabilityOral
Year Developed2010s

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
C10H11N2+ (as salt form)
Molecular Weight
~174.2 g/mol
CAS Number
PubChem ID
Developer
Scheele HA (research); commercialized by Nuchido, Dorado Biosciences

Mechanism of Action

5-Amino-1MQ (5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a cell-permeable small molecule that selectively inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that methylates nicotinamide — diverting SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) and depleting cellular NAD+ precursor pools.

NNMT is overexpressed in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and aged adipose tissue. By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ raises NAD+ levels, activates SIRT1 (the longevity sirtuin), and promotes a lean metabolic phenotype. In preclinical studies, it prevented diet-induced obesity without reducing food intake, and preserved muscle mass. It represents a distinct mechanism from NMN/NR supplementation — instead of directly adding NAD+ precursors, it stops NAD+ from being wasted.

Source: PMID: 31028097

Background & History

5-Amino-1MQ (5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule cell-permeable inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) developed by researchers at Vanderbilt University. NNMT is an enzyme expressed primarily in fat tissue that consumes S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to methylate nicotinamide — effectively diverting NAD+ precursors away from energy metabolism. First published in Nature Communications (2018), 5-Amino-1MQ demonstrated that NNMT inhibition in obese mice prevented weight gain without caloric restriction. It has since exploded in biohacking communities as a novel oral compound for metabolic optimization and fat loss.

Research Use Cases

  • Metabolic optimization: fat loss without caloric restriction (preclinical)
  • NAD+ restoration and longevity via NNMT pathway
  • Skeletal muscle energy metabolism and AMPK activation
  • Prevention of obesity-associated adipogenesis
  • Companion to NAD+ IV therapy or NMN for comprehensive NAD+ optimization

Dosing Protocol

Typical Dose50-100 mg/day (oral)
Frequency1× daily (oral)
Half-Life~4-6 hours (estimated)

Dosing Protocols

Research Protocol (Oral)

Dose
50 - 150 mg
Frequency
1-2x daily oral
Note: Based on preclinical scaling. No established human clinical dosing. Often cycled for NNMT inhibition.

Administration

Route
Oral capsule or powder
Timing
Morning with or without food.
Fasting Required?
No — food timing not critical

Expected Timeline

Week 1-4
Elevated NAD+ levels (measurable via blood testing). Improved energy metabolism.
Month 1-3
Preclinical data shows fat mass reduction and muscle preservation. Human timeline not established.

Who Is It For?

NAD+ Optimization

Low

Novel NNMT inhibition mechanism raises NAD+ by stopping its depletion. Complementary to NMN/NR supplementation.

Obesity / Metabolic Health

Low

Preclinical data shows prevention of diet-induced obesity. No human RCTs yet.

Safety & Considerations

Research compound. Limited human safety data. Preclinical studies show favorable safety profile. Avoid in pregnancy. Monitor liver enzymes with extended use. Not combined with MAOIs.

Regulatory & Legal Status

FDA Status (US)
Research Only
WADA Status (2026)
Not Listed

Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change — verify before competition.

Classification

Research Chemical

US Compounding: Not eligible / not available

⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.

Interactions & Contraindications

Very limited human safety data — primarily mouse studies. NNMT inhibition affects SAM methylation metabolism; theoretically could affect methylation of other substrates (neurotransmitters, DNA). Avoid with MAOI medications. Monitor liver enzymes during use. Not approved for human use. Oral compound — no reconstitution required.

Synergies & Common Stacks

5-Amino-1MQ preserves NAD+ precursors by blocking their methylation; NAD+ IV directly replenishes the pool. Together they maximize cellular NAD+ availability from both supply and demand sides.

MOTS-c activates AMPK mitochondrial signaling; 5-Amino-1MQ raises NAD+ which also activates SIRT1/AMPK. Complementary metabolic enhancement from different entry points.

GLP-1 agonist suppresses appetite/caloric intake; 5-Amino-1MQ may enhance lipolysis and metabolic rate via NNMT inhibition. Complementary mechanisms for body composition.

Dosing Quick Reference

5-Amino-1MQ— Dosing Guide
Dose Range
50-100 mg/day (oral)
Half-Life
~4-6 hours (estimated)
Frequency
1× daily (oral)
Route
Oral
Mitochondrialcalcmypeptide.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 5-Amino-1MQ differ from NMN for NAD+ optimization?
NMN/NR directly add NAD+ precursors. 5-Amino-1MQ blocks NNMT, the enzyme that destroys NAD+ precursors. They work via complementary mechanisms and can be stacked. 5-Amino-1MQ may be especially effective in those with high NNMT expression (obese, diabetic, aged).

References

  1. Kannt A et al. "NNMT inhibition rescues age-associated muscle atrophy".” Nature Communications (2018). PMID: 30552329

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