5-Amino-1MQ

NNMT inhibitor (small molecule) · C-tier (Dr. Alex Tatem) · Preclinical evidence

A small molecule that blocks an enzyme in fat tissue (NNMT), which in theory raises NAD+ and energy use. Mouse data look interesting; there are no human trials.

Dr. Tatem’s take

C tier: the biochemistry makes sense, but it’s “a butter knife compared to the machete that are the GLP-1s.” Users say dieting may feel easier; possibly an adjunct, not a needle-mover.

In Dr. Tatem’s tier list

• Not a peptide — a small molecule thought to boost NAD+-adjacent pathways tied to glucose regulation and fat metabolism.
• No really good human data; diet compounds get compared to the GLP-1 “S tier standards,” and this is “a butter knife” next to them.
• With a smaller market, pharma may never fund rigorous trials, leaving it in limbo with mixed anecdotes.
• Verdict: C tier — maybe an adjunct to something like tirzepatide.

History & background

In 2014 Barbara Kahn’s lab showed that switching off the enzyme NNMT in fat protected mice from diet-induced obesity (Nature). Stanley Watowich’s group at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston then developed 5-amino-1MQ as an NNMT blocker, reporting fat loss in obese mice in 2017–2018.

It has not entered human trials; it is sold as a research chemical.

Benefits

• Obese mice lost about 5% of body weight and about a third of fat mass in 11 days without eating less.

Risks

• Unknown in humans.
• Quality and dosing of gray-market products unknown.

Dosing protocols (informational, labeled by evidence)

• Community (bro science): Community oral protocol — Commonly cited ~50–150 mg/day (unverified), Oral, Daily, Varies

Status: Unapproved research chemical; no registered human trials.

Grade and commentary: Dr. Alex Tatem. Watch: Truth About Popular Peptides Tier List (What Works, What’s Overhyped) | Pt. 3. Subscribe: @DrAlexTatem.