Summary
5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule peptide derivative that inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme implicated in fat cell metabolism and energy regulation. Research is primarily preclinical — cell and animal models show promising effects on fat loss and metabolic markers, but no human clinical trials have been published as of 2025. Researchers discuss it in the context of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and body composition, though the evidence base remains early-stage.
Mechanism
5-Amino-1MQ inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that methylates nicotinamide and is highly expressed in adipose tissue. NNMT has been shown to regulate cellular energy expenditure through its effects on the methylation potential of cells — specifically by consuming S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and producing S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). By inhibiting NNMT, 5-amino-1MQ is theorised to increase SAM levels, which in turn upregulates energy expenditure genes and pathways in fat cells. In the foundational mouse study (Neelakantan et al., 2018), this resulted in reduced fat mass without changes in food intake or lean body mass.
Evidence base
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Neelakantan et al. (2018) — Nature Communications — The seminal study demonstrating that NNMT inhibition with 5-amino-1MQ reduced adiposity in diet-induced obese mice. Key findings: significant reduction in fat mass, no change in food intake or lean mass, upregulation of energy expenditure pathways, and no observed toxicity at therapeutic doses. This is an animal model study; results have not been replicated in human trials.
Evidence grade: Limited — All efficacy data comes from a single primary research group using animal and cell models. No human clinical trials have been published. The findings are promising but preliminary, and should not be extrapolated to human use without clinical validation.
What Is Not Known
- No human safety or efficacy data exists
- Long-term effects of NNMT inhibition are unknown
- Optimal dosing for any species beyond mice has not been established
- Potential drug interactions have not been studied
- Effects on non-adipose tissues are not well characterised
Protocols
Commonly Discussed Research Protocols
These ranges are drawn from community discussion and supplier documentation, not from published human clinical trials. This is not medical advice.
| Parameter | Commonly Discussed Range |
|---|---|
| Daily dose | 5–20 mg |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection (oral formulations also discussed) |
| Frequency | Once daily |
| Cycle length | 4–8 weeks |
| Time off | 4+ weeks between cycles |
Note: These figures have no basis in published human pharmacokinetic studies. Doses are extrapolated from animal research using allometric scaling, which carries significant uncertainty.
UK legal status
5-Amino-1MQ is legal to purchase and possess for research purposes in the UK. It is:
- Not a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act
- Not a licensed medicine — the MHRA has not approved it for any medical use
- Not a Prescription-Only Medicine (POM) — though vendors making medicinal claims could trigger MHRA enforcement
Researchers should purchase from suppliers who explicitly market the product for research use only. See our UK Legal Status Guide for full regulatory context.
Note: UK legal status can change. Always verify current regulations before purchasing.
Vendor notes
No UK vendors have been independently verified for 5-amino-1MQ at this time. Researchers should consult our Vendor Vetting Guide for guidance on evaluating suppliers independently.
References
- Neelakantan, H., et al. (2018). 'Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in mice.' Nature Communications, 9(1), 1–14. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07819-3
- Kraus, D., et al. (2014). 'Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase knockdown protects against diet-induced obesity.' Nature, 508(7495), 258–262. DOI: 10.1038/nature13198
- Hong, S., et al. (2015). 'Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase regulates hepatic nutrient metabolism through Sirt1 protein stabilization.' Journal of Biological Chemistry, 290(50), 30523–30533. DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M115.687528