5-Amino-1MQ

NNMT inhibitor (small molecule) · Also known as 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium

What is 5-amino-1mq?

A small molecule that inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism. By blocking NNMT, it increases intracellular NAD+ levels and promotes fat metabolism.

5-Amino-1MQ emerged from research into NNMT's role in obesity and metabolic dysfunction. A 2018 study in Biochemical Pharmacology showed that NNMT inhibitors reversed high-fat-diet-induced obesity in mice without affecting food intake. It is not technically a peptide but is frequently grouped with peptide therapies in clinical practice.

Key takeaway: 5-Amino-1MQ has promising preclinical data for reducing body fat and boosting NAD+ levels, but there are no published human clinical trials to date.

Benefits & evidence

Fat mass reduction Preliminary confidence
NAD+ level increase Preliminary confidence
Metabolic rate improvement Preliminary confidence
Muscle strength and endurance (aged subjects) Preliminary confidence

How it works

NNMT is an enzyme that degrades nicotinamide (a precursor to NAD+) by methylating it into 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA). When NNMT activity is high, especially in fat tissue, it drains the pool of nicotinamide available for NAD+ synthesis. Lower NAD+ levels impair cellular energy metabolism and promote fat storage.

5-Amino-1MQ selectively inhibits NNMT without affecting related methyltransferases or other NAD+ salvage pathway enzymes. In animal studies, this led to increased intracellular NAD+ levels, suppressed lipogenesis (fat creation) in adipocytes, and reduced white adipose tissue mass. Treated mice lost significant body weight and fat without eating less food, suggesting the effect is driven by metabolic changes rather than appetite suppression.

Dosing information

Typical dosing protocol
Starting dose

50 mg/day oral

Weeks 1-2
Maintenance dose

50-150 mg/day oral

4-12 week cycles

No human clinical trials have established dosing. These are practitioner-reported protocols. Often cycled 4-6 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off to maintain effectiveness. Available as oral capsule or subcutaneous injection. Consult a healthcare provider.

Side effects

Most side effects tend to improve as your body adjusts.

Mild headache Uncommon
GI discomfort Uncommon
Injection site reaction (if injected) Common
Fatigue Uncommon