# 5-Amino-1MQ

> Evidence tier C — Animal data · Metabolic · reviewed 2026-11-08
> Source page: https://peptidemeta.com/p/5-amino-1mq/

Also known as: 5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium, NNMT inhibitor

## Quick answers

**What is 5-Amino-1MQ?**

A small-molecule NNMT inhibitor that blocks nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, boosting NAD+ salvage and cellular energy metabolism. A small-molecule quinolinium cation (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium), not a peptide. Formula and weight are for the cation.

**How strong is the evidence for 5-Amino-1MQ?**

Tier C (animal data) on the peptidemeta evidence scale. Evidence is from diet-induced obese mouse studies (Neelakantan et al., Biochem Pharmacol 2018); no published human studies.

**Is 5-Amino-1MQ FDA-approved?**

No. 5-Amino-1MQ is not approved by the FDA for any use.

**Is 5-Amino-1MQ banned in sport?**

Yes. 5-Amino-1MQ is prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency under S0 (non-approved substances).

**How does 5-Amino-1MQ work?**

5-Amino-1MQ is a cell-permeable inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that degrades the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide. By blocking NNMT, it increases nicotinamide availability for NAD+ biosynthesis via the salvage pathway, thereby boosting cellular energy metabolism and promoting adipocyte energy expenditure.

**What is known about the safety of 5-Amino-1MQ?**

No human clinical trial data available. In diet-induced obese mice, systemic treatment with a methylquinolinium NNMT inhibitor did not reduce food intake or cause observable adverse effects.

## Key facts

- **Evidence tier:** C (Animal data)
- **FDA:** not approved
- **WADA:** prohibited (S0)
- **Peptide:** no
- **Formula:** C10H11N2+
- **Molecular weight:** 159.2 g/mol
- **Routes studied:** Oral

## Overview

A small-molecule NNMT inhibitor that blocks nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, boosting NAD+ salvage and cellular energy metabolism. Explored for obesity and metabolic dysfunction.

## Mechanism

5-Amino-1MQ is a cell-permeable inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that degrades the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide. By blocking NNMT, it increases nicotinamide availability for NAD+ biosynthesis via the salvage pathway, thereby boosting cellular energy metabolism and promoting adipocyte energy expenditure.

## Effects reported in research

_Reported outcomes, not promises; see the evidence tier._

- Increased cellular NAD+ levels
- Enhanced fat cell energy expenditure
- Reduced diet-induced obesity in models
- Improved metabolic flexibility

## Safety & unknowns

No human clinical trial data available. In diet-induced obese mice, systemic treatment with a methylquinolinium NNMT inhibitor did not reduce food intake or cause observable adverse effects. Long-term safety profile unknown. Not FDA-approved. Theoretical concerns about NNMT inhibition effects on methylation balance.

## Studies

- Neelakantan H, Vance V, Wetzel MD, et al. (2018). *Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in mice*. Biochemical Pharmacology. Preclinical. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29155147/
  Methylquinolinium NNMT inhibitors raised NAD+ and SAM and suppressed lipogenesis in adipocytes, and a potent inhibitor reduced body weight, white fat mass, and plasma cholesterol in diet-induced obese mice without changing food intake.

## Status sources

- [PubChem CID 950107 — 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/950107)
- [Neelakantan et al., Biochem Pharmacol 2018 (mouse obesity study)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29155147/)
- [WADA Prohibited List 2026 (S0)](https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources/world-anti-doping-code-and-international-standards/prohibited-list)

---

Educational reference only — not medical advice. No dosing information is published. Tiers rate the strength of published evidence, not effectiveness or safety.