5-Amino-1MQ: The Complete Guide

Key Facts

Full name: 5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium
Type: Small molecule NNMT inhibitor (NOT a peptide)
Mechanism: Inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), increases NAD+ availability
Studied for: Obesity, metabolic dysfunction, cellular energy expenditure
Administration: Oral capsule
Safety alerts: Preclinical only — no published human trials exist
FDA status: Not approved; research chemical classification
Evidence level: Mouse studies only; no human clinical data

Overview

At a Glance

5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule that inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism and fat storage. Early preclinical research suggests it may increase NAD+ levels and promote fat cell metabolism, making it interesting for obesity and metabolic health. However, the evidence is limited to cell culture and animal studies — no human clinical trials have been published. It is sold as a research chemical and its safety profile in humans is unknown.

⚠ Critical Transparency Notice

5-Amino-1MQ has no published human clinical trials. All efficacy data comes from mouse studies. It is classified as a research chemical and is not FDA-approved for any use. The information in this guide is provided for educational purposes based on preclinical research. No claims of human efficacy can be made.

5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small molecule compound — not a peptide — that inhibits the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). Despite frequently appearing alongside peptides in the metabolic health and anti-aging space, it is structurally and mechanistically distinct: it is a quinolinium salt with a molecular weight of approximately 173 Da, far smaller than peptides like BPC-157 (~1,419 Da) or semaglutide (~4,114 Da).

The interest in 5-Amino-1MQ stems from research identifying NNMT as a key metabolic regulator. NNMT is an enzyme that methylates nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3), consuming a methyl donor called SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) in the process. NNMT is overexpressed in white adipose tissue of obese individuals, where it appears to promote fat storage and reduce cellular energy expenditure. By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ increases the availability of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) — a critical coenzyme involved in energy metabolism — and reduces the accumulation of metabolically inactive fat (Kraus et al., 2014).

The foundational research was conducted primarily by the laboratory of Qin Yan at the University of Texas Health Science Center. In diet-induced obese mice, treatment with 5-Amino-1MQ reduced body weight, decreased fat mass, lowered cholesterol, and shrank adipocyte (fat cell) size — without affecting food intake (Neelakantan et al., 2021).

These results are entirely from mouse studies. No Phase 1, Phase 2, or Phase 3 human clinical trials for 5-Amino-1MQ have been published in peer-reviewed journals. The compound is sold by research chemical suppliers and some compounding-adjacent vendors, but it has no regulatory pathway to market and no established human safety or efficacy profile.

Quick Facts

PropertyDetails
Chemical classQuinolinium salt (small molecule)
Molecular weight~173 Da
Target enzymeNicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)
Effect on NAD+Increases intracellular NAD+ by preventing its degradation via NNMT
Routes studiedIntraperitoneal injection (mice); oral (commercial products)
Human trialsNone published
FDA approvalNone
ClassificationResearch chemical

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.

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