5-Amino-1MQ
Stocked in 50mg at MontanaPep in Great Falls, Montana. Sold for laboratory research use only.
| Size | Catalog no. | Price per vial |
|---|---|---|
| 50mg | 50AM | $30 |
Classification
Small-molecule enzyme inhibitor (NOT a peptide); no human data
Structure and chemistry
5-Amino-1MQ is 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium, a small quinolinium-based organic molecule carrying a permanent positive charge on its quaternary nitrogen. It is not a peptide and contains no amino acids. Its two defining pharmacological properties are selectivity for its target enzyme and membrane permeability — the latter being essential, since the enzyme it inhibits works inside the cell.
What the published research shows
The evidence base is entirely preclinical: enzyme assays, cultured adipocytes, and mouse studies. There are no published human trials of any kind. This matters especially here, because metabolic targets have a long track record of promising rodent results that fail to replicate in people.
Mechanism of action
It selectively inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), a cytoplasmic enzyme that transfers a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM, the body’s universal methyl donor) onto nicotinamide, producing 1-methylnicotinamide and S-adenosylhomocysteine. Blocking NNMT raises intracellular levels of both substrates the enzyme would otherwise consume — SAM and nicotinamide, the latter being a precursor in the NAD+ salvage pathway. NNMT is upregulated in obesity and in cancer cachexia, which is what made it a target. Selectivity is critical: SAM is used by dozens of methyltransferases, so a non-selective agent would disrupt methylation biology broadly.
Development history
Developed as part of a medicinal-chemistry effort to produce selective, cell-permeable NNMT inhibitors, following genetic work showing that knocking down NNMT in mouse adipocytes increased energy expenditure and protected against diet-induced obesity.
Current regulatory status
5-Amino-1MQ is not approved by any regulator anywhere, and has never been tested in humans. It has not been placed on FDA’s bulk drug substances lists. Several investigators publishing on NNMT inhibition have disclosed financial interests in a company developing compounds in this area, which is normal in translational research but is relevant context when weighing the literature.
Analytical testing
As a small molecule, this requires small-molecule analytics — LC-MS and ideally NMR against a certified reference standard, not peptide HPLC purity. Note also that its quaternary ammonium structure means it is typically supplied as a salt, so the counterion and the actual free-base content are relevant to what a stated milligram figure represents.
Ordering from Great Falls
MontanaPep, also known as Montana Peptides, is an independently owned supplier based at 715 13th Ave S, Great Falls, Montana. Local pickup is available by arrangement, and we ship to research addresses across Montana including Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Butte, Kalispell and Havre. Call (406) 799-0812 or email customerservice@montanapep.com.