5-amino-1MQ is a small molecule drug that functions to block the activity of an enzyme called nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). NNMT plays a significant role in metabolism and energy and is predominantly active in fat tissue. 

By blocking NNMT, 5-amino-1MQ stimulates an increase in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a cofactor that is central to cellular metabolism, thereby increasing metabolic rate and activating a gene called sirtuin-1 (SIRT1).

SIRT1 is also known as ‘the longevity gene’ because of its role in reducing the risk of diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis and other forms of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, liver disease,  neurodegeneration, and cancer.