BAM-15 is a mitochondrial protonophore (uncoupler) that dissipates the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, converting stored energy into heat rather than ATP. Unlike older uncouplers like DNP (2,4-dinitrophenol), BAM-15 selectively uncouples mitochondria without depolarizing the plasma membrane, which dramatically improves its safety profile. In animal studies, BAM-15 reduced body fat without affecting food intake, lean mass, or core body temperature, and improved insulin sensitivity. It is not technically a peptide but is discussed alongside peptide-based metabolic therapies.
Category: Weight Loss / Metabolic. Evidence rating: D (animal/preclinical only).
Clinical status: Preclinical only. No human clinical trials as of 2025.
BAM-15 acts as a mild mitochondrial uncoupler by facilitating proton transport across the inner mitochondrial membrane independent of ATP synthase (Complex V). This increases the rate of substrate oxidation (fat burning) to maintain the proton gradient, effectively increasing metabolic rate.…
Safety considerations: No human safety data available; Animal studies show no significant adverse effects at effective doses; Does not increase core body temperature in mice (unlike DNP).
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Molecular formula | C10H9F3N4O |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | ~240 g/mol |
| Production method | synthetic |
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
| US regulatory status | Not FDA-approved. Research compound only. |
No. BAM-15 is a small molecule mitochondrial uncoupler. It is included in peptide databases because it is discussed alongside peptide-based metabolic therapies in the biohacking community.
BAM-15 is designed to be safer than DNP by selectively uncoupling mitochondria without depolarizing the plasma membrane. In animals, it does not raise body temperature or reduce lean mass, unlike DNP. However, BAM-15 has zero human safety data, while DNP at least has decades of (dangerous) human use history.
Unknown. No pharmaceutical company has announced plans for human clinical trials as of 2025. The compound remains in the preclinical research phase.