Library / Peptides / Weight Management / 5-Amino-1MQ
Theoretical · Grade C

5-Amino-1MQ

5-Amino-1-Methylquinolinium
Evidence
Theoretical
Route
Oral
Frequency
Once daily
Category
Weight Management
TL;DR
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism. It was developed as a research tool to study NNMT's role in obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
Part 01 · How it works

Mechanism.

5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism. It was developed as a research tool to study NNMT's role in obesity and metabolic dysfunction. In preclinical studies, it has been shown to reduce fat mass and increase energy expenditure in diet-induced obese mice without affecting food intake.

Think of NNMT as a drain that leaks away your cell's energy currency. 5-Amino-1MQ plugs that drain, so your cells retain more fuel-burning capacity and your fat cells work harder to burn energy instead of storing it.

Mechanism · technical
5-Amino-1MQ selectively inhibits NNMT, which normally methylates nicotinamide and consumes SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) in the process. By blocking NNMT, it increases intracellular NAD+ levels and SAM availability, which upregulates sirtuin activity and enhances cellular energy expenditure. This shifts adipocyte metabolism toward a more thermogenic, energy-burning phenotype.
Part 02 · Dosing & administration

How it's taken.

Values below describe how 5-Amino-1MQ has been administered in published trials and labeling. Provided for educational purposes only — this is not medical advice and not instructions for self-administration. Consult your healthcare provider before making any health decision.

Standard dose
50-100 mg/day
Oral · Once daily
Duration
4-12 weeks typical cycle

No established human clinical protocol. Dosing based on preclinical research data — no FDA-approved human protocol exists. Research compound only.

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Part 03 · Safety

Side effects, rare serious events, who shouldn't.

Reported side effects
No human safety data exists. In animal studies, it appeared well-tolerated without significant adverse effects on food intake or behavior. Theoretical concerns include disruption of methylation balance and unknown long-term effects on NAD+ metabolism.
Absolute · do not use
×
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
×
Children under 18
×
Known hypersensitivity to 5-Amino-1MQ or any component
×
Severe hepatic impairment (metabolized via liver pathways)
×
Active malignancy (effects on cellular metabolism not studied in cancer)
Interactions
Metformin
Both affect cellular energy metabolism and NAD+ pathways; theoretical risk of additive metabolic effects
Moderate
NAD+ precursors (NMN, NR)
Additive increase in NAD+ levels; clinical significance unknown
Minor
NNMT-dependent medications
NNMT inhibition may alter metabolism of drugs processed through nicotinamide methylation pathways
Moderate
Labs to monitor
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
Baseline and every 3 months
Monitor liver and kidney function during NNMT inhibition
Fasting Lipid Panel
Baseline and every 3 months
Track lipid changes with metabolic shifts
Fasting Insulin & Glucose
Baseline and monthly
Assess insulin sensitivity changes
CBC with Differential
Baseline and every 3 months
General safety monitoring
Part 04 · Research log

Every study we cite.

Each study with its published finding and a plain-language note on limitations or funding.

01
2018
0
Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of NNMT reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in mice
5-Amino-1MQ reduced body weight and adipocyte size in obese mice without affecting food intake
Preclinical only; single research group
PMID 30016637 ↗
02
2020
0
NNMT as a therapeutic target for obesity
NNMT inhibition shifted adipocyte metabolism toward energy expenditure
Review article; no human trial data
Part 05 · Cost & access

Where you can get it.

Regulatory status
Not FDA-approved. Available as a research chemical. Not scheduled or controlled, but sold for research purposes only. Some compounding pharmacies have offered it off-label.
The Peptide Column takes no affiliate commission from any source.
Part 06 · Your appointment

Questions to bring.

01
Are there any human clinical trials for 5-Amino-1MQ that support its safety and efficacy?
02
How does NNMT inhibition compare to other metabolic interventions I might consider?
03
What are the potential risks of long-term NNMT inhibition on methylation pathways?
04
Is identity and purity independently verified for the supply you would dispense, and what assay methods are used?