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Motilin
Overview
Motilin is a 22-amino acid endogenous peptide hormone secreted by enteroendocrine cells in the duodenum and jejunum. It binds to motilin receptors on gastrointestinal smooth muscle and enteric neurons, stimulating phase III migrating motor complexes and promoting gastric emptying.
Mechanism of Action
The therapeutic rationale for exogenous motilin or receptor agonists includes treatment of gastroparesis and postoperative ileus. Erythromycin acts as a motilin receptor agonist, demonstrating the clinical relevance of this pathway.
Research Summary & Key Findings
Natural motilin itself has not been developed as a therapeutic due to rapid degradation and tachyphylaxis with repeated dosing. Synthetic motilin receptor agonists such as camicinal and mitemcinal have been evaluated in phase II trials for gastroparesis, with mixed results and concerns about receptor desensitization. Current clinical use of motilin pathway stimulation relies primarily on macrolide antibiotics rather than peptide-based agents.
Clinical Status
Motilin is in the research phase with limited clinical data in humans. Current evidence is primarily derived from preclinical (animal or in vitro) studies.
Administration Routes
References
Primary literature
- PubMed: "Motilin"
Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: "Motilin"
Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.
- PubChem: "Motilin"
Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.
Study-level citations for this compound are being verified against the primary sources before publication. The database queries above return the current indexed literature in the meantime.
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View detailsNo lawful pathway today
Motilin is not FDA-approved and does not currently have a lawful prescription or compounding pathway in the United States, so there is nothing for us to sell you here and no consultation to book. That can change: eight peptides moved back to a lawful pathway in February 2026.
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List Your PracticeDisclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed.