5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), the enzyme that methylates nicotinamide (vitamin B3) using S-adenosylmethionine (SAM...
Certificate of Analysis included with every order.
Technical Specifications
Purity
≥98%
Form
Lyophilized Powder
Storage
-20°C
Molecular Weight
See Certificate of Analysis
Sequence
See Certificate of Analysis
CAS Number
See Certificate of Analysis
About 5-Amino-1MQ
5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), the enzyme that methylates nicotinamide (vitamin B3) using S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as the methyl donor.[1][5] It is not a peptide. Pepitiva supplies 5-Amino-1MQ as a lyophilized powder (5 mg vials, ≥98% purity) for in vitro and preclinical research.
Chemical identity
The active part is a quaternary cation, C10H11N2+ (159.21 g/mol), so the compound always comes as a salt. PubChem lists the cation under CAS 685079-15-6 and the iodide salt as C10H11IN2 (286.11 g/mol, CAS 42464-96-0).[11][12] The salt form and the mass of each Pepitiva batch are stated in its Certificate of Analysis.
Why NNMT
In mice, NNMT expression was increased in the white fat and liver of obese and diabetic animals, and knocking it down protected against diet-induced obesity by raising cellular energy expenditure. Blocking NNMT increased SAM and NAD+ in adipose tissue.[1] 5-Amino-1MQ was developed to test whether a drug-like inhibitor could reproduce these effects.[2][3]
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Quality & Storage
≥98% purity. Lyophilized Powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
Blocking the nicotinamide site
A screen of N-methylated quinolinium, isoquinolinium, pyridinium and benzimidazolium/benzothiazolium analogues identified quinoliniums as the most promising scaffold, with NNMT inhibition at IC50 values around 1 µM. Docking placed these inhibitors in the enzyme's substrate (nicotinamide) binding site.[2]
Cellular effects
Permeability: methylquinolinium analogues with primary amine substitutions crossed membranes well by both passive and active transport.[3]
Selectivity: they did not inhibit related SAM-dependent methyltransferases or enzymes of the NAD+ salvage pathway.[3]
Metabolites: in cultured adipocytes, NNMT inhibitors reduced the reaction product 1-methylnicotinamide, increased intracellular NAD+ and SAM, and suppressed lipogenesis.[3]
Pharmacokinetics in rats
A validated LC-MS/MS assay showed substantial plasma exposure after intravenous and oral dosing, with a mean terminal half-life of 3.8 h (intravenous) and 6.9 h (oral) and an oral bioavailability of 38.4%.[5] In mice, the compound distributed to adipose tissue, muscle and liver after subcutaneous dosing.[4]
Research Applications
Preclinical findings
Diet-induced obesity (2018): a potent methylquinolinium NNMT inhibitor reduced body weight, white fat mass, adipocyte size and plasma cholesterol in obese mice on a high-fat diet, without changing food intake.[3]
Metabolic dysfunction (2024): in obese mice treated once daily for 28 days, 5A1MQ dose-dependently limited weight and fat gain, improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and reduced liver fat and inflammation.[4]
Diet combination (2022): 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium combined with a low-fat diet rapidly normalized adiposity and body weight in obese mice and produced a distinct gut microbiome pattern.[6]
Aged muscle (2019 and 2024): in 24-month-old mice, an NNMT inhibitor from the same group increased muscle stem cell activity after injury, with about 2-fold larger fibers and about 70% higher peak torque; in another study, treated sedentary aged mice gained about 40% more grip strength, against 20% with exercise alone and 60% with both.[7][8]
Kidney (2026): selective NNMT inhibition protected against tubular senescence in kidney cells, organoids and mice.[9]
Cancer cells (2021): 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium inhibited HeLa cell proliferation without apparently affecting HEK-293 cells.[10]
Limits of the evidence
All of these data come from cells and rodents. We found no published human study and no registered clinical trial of 5-amino-1MQ.[13] Much of the in vivo work comes from one group whose authors include the founder and employees of Ridgeline Therapeutics, a company developing NNMT inhibitors.[4][9] 5-Amino-1MQ is not approved for any use.
Laboratory research applications
NNMT enzymology: inhibition assays and 1-methylnicotinamide measurement.
NAD+ and methyl-donor balance: SAM, SAH and NAD+ in adipocytes, hepatocytes and myoblasts; see also NAD+.
Adipose biology: lipogenesis and adipocyte size, alongside CBL-514 and AOD-9604.
Muscle aging: satellite cell activation and regeneration models.
This product is sold for laboratory research and is not intended for human or veterinary use.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 5-Amino-1MQ?
5-amino-1-methylquinolinium, a small-molecule inhibitor of the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). It is studied in cell and rodent models of obesity, metabolism and muscle aging.
Is 5-Amino-1MQ a peptide?
No. It is a small quaternary quinolinium compound with a 159.21 g/mol cation. It is sold by peptide suppliers but has no amino-acid sequence.
How does 5-Amino-1MQ work?
It occupies the nicotinamide-binding site of NNMT. In adipocytes, NNMT inhibitors lowered 1-methylnicotinamide, raised NAD+ and SAM, and suppressed lipogenesis.
What is the molecular weight of 5-Amino-1MQ?
The cation is 159.21 g/mol; the iodide salt is 286.11 g/mol (CAS 42464-96-0). The salt form of each batch is stated on its Certificate of Analysis.
Has 5-Amino-1MQ been tested in humans?
Not in any published study. The data come from cells, mice and rats, and no clinical trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. It is not approved for any use.
How should 5-Amino-1MQ be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
Scientific References
Kraus D, Yang Q, Kong D, et al. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase knockdown protects against diet-induced obesity. Nature. 2014;508(7495):258-62. PubMed
Neelakantan H, Wang HY, Vance V, et al. Structure-Activity Relationship for Small Molecule Inhibitors of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase. J Med Chem. 2017;60(12):5015-5028. PubMed
Neelakantan H, Vance V, Wetzel MD, et al. Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in mice. Biochem Pharmacol. 2018;147:141-152. PubMed
Awosemo O, Neelakantan H, Watowich S, et al. Development & validation of LC-MS/MS assay for 5-amino-1-methyl quinolinium in rat plasma: Application to pharmacokinetic and oral bioavailability studies. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2021;204:114255. PubMed
Dimet-Wiley A, Wu Q, Wiley JT, et al. Reduced calorie diet combined with NNMT inhibition establishes a distinct microbiome in DIO mice. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):484. PubMed
Neelakantan H, Brightwell CR, Graber TG, et al. Small molecule nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibitor activates senescent muscle stem cells and improves regenerative capacity of aged skeletal muscle. Biochem Pharmacol. 2019;163:481-492. PubMed
Dimet-Wiley AL, Latham CM, Brightwell CR, et al. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibition mimics and boosts exercise-mediated improvements in muscle function in aged mice. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):15554. PubMed
Chanvillard L, Lantermans HC, Wall C, et al. NNMT inhibition counteracts tubular senescence and fibrosis in early stages of chronic kidney disease. Cell Rep. 2026;45(1):116823. PubMed
Akar S, Duran T, Azzawri AA, et al. Small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase shows anti-proliferative activity in HeLa cells. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2021;41(8):1240-1245. PubMed
ClinicalTrials.gov. Search for "5-amino-1MQ" and "5-amino-1-methylquinolinium": no registered studies. Accessed October 8, 2026. ClinicalTrials.gov
Sources are peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and trial registrations on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each citation was checked against its PubMed record.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
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