5-Amino-1MQ

5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium, supplied as the chloride salt, CAS 42464-96-0) is a small molecule — not a peptide — that acts as a selective inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), researched for fat cell metabolism, NAD+ salvage pathway regulation, and metabolic health. Despite frequent grouping with peptides in research-chemical catalogs, 5-Amino-1MQ is not a peptide — it is a small-molecule quinolinium compound. It is not approved for any medical indication and is sold as a research-use-only material.

Source: 5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium (5-Amino-1MQ) cation — compound identity, PubChem (NCBI), PubChem, 2026

What is 5-Amino-1MQ and how does the NNMT inhibition mechanism work?

5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule selective inhibitor of NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase), the enzyme that methylates and inactivates nicotinamide — a precursor in the NAD+ salvage pathway. By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ is hypothesized to preserve cellular nicotinamide pools, support NAD+ levels, and reduce the methylation flux that contributes to adipocyte fat storage. The compound emerged from an NNMT-inhibitor drug-discovery program at the University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston) (Watowich laboratory).

Source: Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in mice, Neelakantan H., Vance V., Wetzel M.D., Wang H.-L., McHardy S.F., Finnerty C.C., Hommel J.D., Watowich S.J., Biochem Pharmacol, 2018 · Evidence level: preclinical (mouse adipocyte and obesity models); no published human trials

What does the research show for 5-Amino-1MQ?

In preclinical mouse studies, the NNMT inhibitor 5-Amino-1MQ reduced body weight and white adipose (fat) mass in diet-induced obese mice without reducing food intake; NNMT inhibition has also been associated with improved insulin sensitivity in rodent metabolic models without affecting food intake. The mechanism appears to act on adipocyte energy expenditure and NAD+ pool preservation rather than appetite. Human clinical data is essentially absent as of August 2026 — no published Phase 1 or later trials specific to 5-Amino-1MQ for obesity or metabolic indications.

Source: Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in mice, Neelakantan H., Vance V., Wetzel M.D., Wang H.-L., McHardy S.F., Finnerty C.C., Hommel J.D., Watowich S.J., Biochem Pharmacol, 2018 · Evidence level: preclinical (mouse) only; no human RCT data

How does 5-Amino-1MQ compare to other metabolic compounds?

5-Amino-1MQ targets a completely different pathway than GLP-1 receptor agonists — NNMT inhibition and NAD+ salvage rather than appetite suppression and incretin signaling. It is also a small molecule, not a peptide, despite being sold in the same research-chemical catalogs. Direct efficacy comparisons to GLP-1 compounds are inappropriate given the absence of human data for 5-Amino-1MQ.

What are the documented side effects of 5-Amino-1MQ?

Human safety data for 5-Amino-1MQ is absent as of August 2026 — no published Phase 1 or later trials. Preclinical mouse studies have not surfaced significant toxicity signals at researched doses, but rodent-to-human translation is unestablished. Long-term safety in humans is completely unknown. Community-reported research use suggests mild side effects, but this is anecdotal not clinical evidence.

Evidence level: preclinical mouse safety only; no human safety data

What is the regulatory status of 5-Amino-1MQ?

5-Amino-1MQ is not approved for any medical indication anywhere in the world as of August 2026. It is sold strictly as a research-use-only material by third-party laboratories. No clinical trial program has been registered for the compound in any indication. Buyers should treat 5-Amino-1MQ as an extremely early-stage research compound with promising preclinical signals but no human data. Regulatory context in are peptides legal regulatory status by country.

Why does 5-Amino-1MQ vendor verification matter for a small molecule?

Because 5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule synthesized by chemical processes different from peptide synthesis, the identity verification stack differs — HPLC and mass spectrometry remain relevant, but the specific purity thresholds and impurity profiles are different from peptide standards. Some vendors substitute related quinolinium compounds. Independent third-party testing is essential. Guidance in how-to-test-peptides hub — note that some peptide-specific guidance does not directly apply.

How does Peptigrity verify 5-Amino-1MQ vendors?

Peptigrity collects independent third-party Certificates of Analysis for 5-Amino-1MQ from shops' official channels and verifies each for authenticity before publishing. Because shops choose which COAs to publish, results reflect the batches shops have made public rather than every production batch — a selection bias we state openly. A community-funded Testing Grant to purchase and test vials anonymously is in development. Tests in the database come from independent labs such as Janoshik Analytical, Freedom Diagnostics, and Chromate. Because 5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule rather than a peptide, HPLC/MS thresholds differ from peptide standards and some vendors substitute related quinolinium compounds — see what is on file on the independent 5-Amino-1MQ lab tests page.

Frequently asked questions

Is 5-Amino-1MQ a peptide?

No. 5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule quinolinium compound, not a peptide. It is grouped with peptides in research-chemical catalogs because of overlapping buyer audience and metabolic research interest, but it is structurally and pharmacologically distinct from peptides.

Does 5-Amino-1MQ produce weight loss in humans?

No human clinical trials of 5-Amino-1MQ have been published for any indication, including weight loss. The preclinical mouse data is promising for metabolic effects, but human translation is unestablished. Anyone seeking evidence-based weight-loss compounds should reference the FDA-approved GLP-1 options like semaglutide or tirzepatide.

Is 5-Amino-1MQ legal to purchase?

5-Amino-1MQ is legal to purchase as a research chemical for laboratory use in most jurisdictions, but it is not approved for human consumption. Country breakdown in peptide legal status guide.

Will 5-Amino-1MQ ever be FDA-approved?

Unknown. No registered clinical trial program for 5-Amino-1MQ exists as of August 2026. The compound's development pathway is unclear; it remains in the preclinical research stage.

How can I verify a 5-Amino-1MQ vendor is selling real product?

Independent third-party HPLC certificate of analysis from a lab the vendor does not own or pay, with mass spectrometry identity confirmation appropriate to a small-molecule quinolinium compound. Mislabeling and substitution with related quinolinium structures occurs in the research-chemical market.

Does Peptigrity recommend a 5-Amino-1MQ dose?

No. 5-Amino-1MQ is not approved for human consumption and Peptigrity is an independent review platform, not a medical authority. Community research-use protocols vary widely; the absence of human data makes dosing translation from rodent studies particularly uncertain.

This section is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. 5-Amino-1MQ is not approved by the FDA or any other regulator for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or research compound. Peptigrity is an independent review platform and does not sell, endorse, or recommend specific products or vendors.