5-amino-1MQ is a small-molecule research compound that functions as a selective nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) inhibitor. In preclinical metabolic models, it enhances NAD⁺ salvage pathway flux, leading to improved energy homeostasis and sirtuin activation. 5-Amino-1MQ is used to investigate epigenetic and redox control mechanisms associated with cellular metabolism and aging. 5-amino 1mq is best known for its effects on fat metabolism. Injectable forms are used in research because of higher bioavailability compared to oral routes.
How does 5-Amino-1MQ work?
1. Fat Loss via NNMT Inhibition (Primary Benefit)
5-Amino-1MQ works by inhibiting NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase), an enzyme that becomes overexpressed in obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
By inhibiting NNMT, it:
Increases cellular NAD⁺ availability
Shifts fat cells toward a more metabolically active state
Reduces fat storage signaling
Promotes fat loss without appetite suppression
This mechanism is distinct from stimulants, HGH, or GLP-1 drugs.
2. Reduction in Adipose Tissue Expansion
Research suggests 5-Amino-1MQ:
Limits the ability of fat cells to grow and multiply
Reduces fat mass even without caloric restriction in animal models
Particularly affects visceral and stubborn fat
This makes it mechanistically different from peptides that simply mobilize stored fat.
3. Metabolic Efficiency & Energy Utilization
Through NAD⁺ preservation and improved cellular metabolism, it may:
Enhance mitochondrial efficiency
Improve energy utilization
Support metabolic flexibility (switching between fuel sources)
This aligns with why it’s sometimes discussed alongside NAD⁺-focused compounds, though it works upstream.
4. Non-Hormonal & Non-Stimulant
5-Amino-1MQ:
❌ Does NOT increase HGH or IGF-1
❌ Does NOT act on adrenergic (stimulant) pathways
❌ Does NOT suppress appetite directly
5. Injectable Form Advantages (Conceptual)
Compared to oral research forms, injectable delivery:
Avoids first-pass liver metabolism
Provides more consistent systemic exposure
May result in more predictable metabolic signaling
(Still considered investigational.)
What 5-Amino-1MQ Does Not Do
❌ Does not build muscle
❌ Does not significantly improve strength
❌ Does not act as a GLP-1 appetite suppressant
❌ Does not replace exercise or diet
Think of it as fat-cell reprogramming, not a performance enhancer.
Common Conceptual Comparisons
5-Amino-1MQ vs AOD-9604
AOD-9604 → increases fat breakdown signaling
5-Amino-1MQ → reduces fat storage capacity at the cellular level
5-Amino-1MQ vs GLP-1 drugs
GLP-1 → appetite & gastric emptying
5-Amino-1MQ → cellular metabolism & fat biology
They act on entirely different pathways.
References:
Kraus D et al., Nat Commun, 2014;5:4113
Kannt A et al., Biochem Pharmacol, 2018;155:316–328
Ulanovskaya OA et al., Nat Chem Biol, 2013;9(5):300–306
