Browse Peptide Therapies

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It represents the leading edge of the incretin-based therapy revolution and has become one of the most widely prescribed peptide therapeutics globally. Available in both injectable (Ozempic, Wegovy) and oral (Rybelsus) formulations.

Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It represents a novel dual-incretin approach that has demonstrated superior weight loss and glycemic control compared to selective GLP-1 agonists in multiple Phase III trials.

Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of the first 29 amino acids of the 44-amino acid GHRH sequence. Originally FDA-approved for diagnostic use in assessing growth hormone secretion, it has become a cornerstone of legitimate peptide therapy for growth hormone optimization due to its established safety profile and compounding eligibility.

Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analog that is the only FDA-approved peptide therapy specifically for the reduction of excess abdominal fat. Originally approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, it has gained significant attention in the anti-aging and metabolic optimization space as a legal, well-characterized GH secretagogue.

BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. It has generated extraordinary interest for its broad cytoprotective and regenerative effects observed in preclinical studies across virtually every organ system studied. Despite this promise, it remains one of the most controversial peptides due to the near-complete absence of human clinical trial data.

TB-500 is a synthetic version of thymosin beta-4, a naturally occurring 43-amino acid protein fragment that plays critical roles in tissue repair, cell migration, and anti-inflammatory processes. Combined with BPC-157, it forms what is colloquially known as "the Wolverine stack" in regenerative wellness circles. Like BPC-157, its clinical evidence base is limited to preclinical data.

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of GHRH(1-29) with modifications to extend its half-life. Available in two forms: with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) for prolonged action, and without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29) for shorter, more pulsatile action. Frequently combined with ipamorelin for synergistic GH release.

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin to stimulate GH release from the pituitary. It is considered one of the most selective GH secretagogues, with minimal effect on cortisol, prolactin, and other hormones — making it a preferred choice in combination protocols with CJC-1295.

Thymosin alpha-1 is a 28-amino acid peptide originally isolated from thymic tissue. It is approved in over 35 countries (not the US) under the brand name Zadaxin for immune modulation in hepatitis B and as an adjunct to chemotherapy. It represents a unique case in peptide regulation — internationally validated but caught in US regulatory limbo.

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Levels decline significantly with age (from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL at age 60). It has gained attention for its broad biological activities including wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, collagen synthesis, and potential gene expression modulation.

AOD 9604 is a modified fragment (amino acids 176-191) of the human growth hormone molecule, designed to retain the fat-burning properties of GH while eliminating its growth-promoting effects. It was originally developed as an anti-obesity pharmaceutical by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in Australia.

PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a melanocortin receptor agonist FDA-approved as Vyleesi for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. It is unique among sexual health therapeutics in that it acts centrally through the nervous system rather than peripherally on blood flow.

Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) studied primarily by Russian researcher Professor Vladimir Khavinson for its potential telomerase-activating and anti-aging properties. It is one of the more speculative peptides in the longevity space, with most data coming from Russian research institutions.

Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) originally developed at the University of Arizona. It stimulates melanogenesis (tanning without UV exposure) and has sexual arousal effects through melanocortin receptor activation. PT-141 (bremelanotide) was developed as a derivative of Melanotan II, isolating the sexual health effects.

MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA — making it one of the few known mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) with signaling functions. Often described as an "exercise mimetic," it plays a key role in metabolic regulation, glucose homeostasis, and cellular energy production. It represents a frontier area of peptide research connecting mitochondrial biology to metabolic health.

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and chronic weight management (Saxenda). As an acylated GLP-1 analog with 97% homology to native GLP-1, it was one of the first once-daily GLP-1 agonists to gain widespread clinical adoption and paved the way for longer-acting agents like semaglutide.

Exenatide is a synthetic form of exendin-4, a peptide originally isolated from Gila monster venom, and was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA. Available as twice-daily (Byetta) and once-weekly (Bydureon) formulations, it established the GLP-1 agonist class as a cornerstone of diabetes management.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an orally active, non-peptide ghrelin receptor (GHSR) agonist that stimulates growth hormone release. Unlike traditional GH secretagogue peptides, it is taken orally and has a long duration of action, making it one of the most widely discussed compounds in the longevity and bodybuilding communities. It is not FDA-approved for any indication.

Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue and one of the most potent GHRPs studied. It stimulates GH release via the ghrelin receptor and has unique cardioprotective properties independent of its GH-releasing activity. Despite promising research, it was never brought to market due to tachyphylaxis (reduced response with repeated dosing).

GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide that potently stimulates growth hormone release via the ghrelin receptor. It was one of the earliest GHRPs discovered and is notable for its strong appetite-stimulating effects (mediated by ghrelin pathway activation). It has been widely used in research settings for GH axis assessment and body composition studies.

GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue considered the most potent GHRP in terms of GH release per dose. It is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent for GH deficiency (under the name Pralmorelin). It provides a strong GH stimulus with moderate appetite effects — positioned between the hunger-inducing GHRP-6 and the clean-profile ipamorelin.

Kisspeptin-10 is a truncated form of the endogenous neuropeptide kisspeptin, a master upstream regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. It plays a critical role in puberty onset, reproductive function, and hormone regulation. It is actively investigated as a diagnostic tool for reproductive disorders and a potential fertility treatment.

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, with an added Pro-Gly-Pro sequence for stability. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics (Russian Academy of Sciences), it is approved in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic. It exhibits both anxiolytic and cognitive-enhancing properties without sedation or addiction potential.

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia. It is approved in Russia and several CIS countries as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent for stroke recovery, cognitive enhancement, and optic nerve disease. Unlike full-length ACTH, it has no corticosteroid-stimulating activity.

Dihexa is a small peptide-derived compound developed at Washington State University that acts as a potent hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor (c-Met) agonist. In preclinical studies, it demonstrated cognitive-enhancing effects up to 10 million times more potent than BDNF in promoting synaptic connectivity. It is one of the most discussed compounds in nootropic communities, though human data is essentially absent.

LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a 37-amino acid peptide cleaved from the precursor protein hCAP-18. It serves as a critical component of innate immunity with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. Beyond direct antimicrobial action, it modulates inflammation, wound healing, and immune cell recruitment.

KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide derived from the C-terminal end of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It retains the potent anti-inflammatory properties of the parent hormone without melanocortin receptor activation (no tanning or hormonal effects). It has gained significant interest in functional medicine for gut inflammation, particularly inflammatory bowel disease.

Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) is a semi-synthetic heparinoid glycosaminoglycan FDA-approved as Elmiron for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. While not a peptide per se, it is widely offered by peptide therapy clinics for its tissue-repair and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly for joint health and osteoarthritis. It has a long clinical track record dating to the 1990s.

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a critical coenzyme present in every living cell, essential for energy metabolism, DNA repair, sirtuin activation, and cellular signaling. While not a peptide, it is ubiquitously offered by peptide therapy clinics as a peptide-adjacent infusion or injection for anti-aging, cognitive enhancement, and addiction recovery. NAD+ levels decline with age, driving interest in exogenous supplementation.

SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing cardiolipin and restoring electron transport chain function. Developed by Stealth BioTherapeutics, it has been studied in clinical trials for heart failure, Barth syndrome, and mitochondrial myopathy. It represents a novel approach to treating diseases of mitochondrial dysfunction.

VIP is an endogenous 28-amino acid neuropeptide with broad immunomodulatory, vasodilatory, and neuroprotective properties. It gained renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic when the synthetic form (aviptadil/RLF-100) was investigated for ARDS. VIP is also central to the Shoemaker CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) mold illness protocol, where intranasal VIP is used as the final treatment step.

Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived peptide preparation containing low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids that mimic endogenous neurotrophic factors. It is approved in over 50 countries (not the US) for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and dementia. It is one of the most widely prescribed neuroprotective agents globally, with a substantial clinical trial database.

DSIP is a naturally occurring nonapeptide originally isolated from rabbit brain during electrically induced sleep. It modulates sleep architecture, stress response, and pain perception. Despite decades of research since its discovery in 1977, its precise mechanism remains poorly understood, and it has never achieved regulatory approval anywhere. It remains popular in peptide therapy circles for sleep optimization.

Follistatin 344 is a naturally occurring glycoprotein that binds and neutralizes myostatin, activin, and other TGF-beta superfamily members that inhibit muscle growth. The 344-amino acid isoform is the full-length, broadly acting variant. Interest in follistatin surged after gene therapy studies demonstrated dramatic muscle hypertrophy in animals. It is one of the most sought-after compounds in the bodybuilding and muscle-wasting disease communities.

Bremelanotide is a synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist FDA-approved (Vyleesi) for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. It is the commercially developed form of the research peptide PT-141. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, it acts centrally through melanocortin pathways in the brain to enhance sexual desire rather than peripheral vascular mechanisms.

Oxytocin is a nine-amino acid endogenous neuropeptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. FDA-approved (Pitocin) for labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage, it is also widely investigated for social bonding, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, PTSD, and relationship enhancement. It plays a central role in maternal bonding, social cognition, and stress regulation.

Thymalin is a polypeptide complex extracted from calf thymus glands, developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology by Dr. Vladimir Khavinson. It is approved in Russia as an immunomodulator and is part of Khavinson's broader bioregulatory peptide research program (alongside Epithalon). It is theorized to restore thymic function and immune competence, particularly in aging and immunocompromised patients.

PE-22-28 is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from sortilin propeptide (spadin) that acts as a specific blocker of the TREK-1 potassium channel. TREK-1 deletion in mice produces an antidepressant-resistant phenotype, making TREK-1 blockade a novel antidepressant mechanism. PE-22-28 shows rapid-onset antidepressant-like effects in animal models within 4 days — compared to 2–4 weeks for SSRIs. It is an early-stage research compound.

5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme involved in cellular metabolism and fat storage. While not a peptide, it is widely marketed alongside peptide therapies for weight management. NNMT is overexpressed in adipose tissue of obese individuals, and its inhibition has shown promising anti-obesity effects in preclinical models. It represents a novel metabolic target.

Retatrutide is a novel triple-agonist peptide developed by Eli Lilly that activates GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. In Phase II trials, it produced the largest weight loss ever observed with a drug therapy — up to 24.2% body weight reduction at 48 weeks. The addition of glucagon receptor agonism to the dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism (tirzepatide) is theorized to enhance energy expenditure and hepatic fat reduction.

CJC-1295 combined with Ipamorelin is the most widely prescribed growth hormone secretagogue protocol in peptide therapy clinics. The combination leverages synergistic mechanisms — CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) and Ipamorelin (a GHRP/ghrelin mimetic) stimulate GH release through complementary pathways, producing a greater GH response than either peptide alone. This combination has become the de facto standard for GH optimization in the peptide therapy space.

AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys) structurally related to GHK-Cu but with distinct biological activity favoring hair follicle stimulation. It has shown the ability to stimulate hair growth and increase hair follicle size in preclinical studies, positioning it as a topical peptide for hair loss treatment. It is used in cosmeceutical and trichology formulations alongside GHK-Cu.

Snap-8 is an octapeptide used in cosmeceutical formulations as a topical anti-wrinkle agent. It is an elongated analog of Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) designed to modulate the SNARE complex involved in neuromuscular junction signaling, thereby reducing muscle contraction intensity and expression line depth. It is marketed as a "topical Botox alternative," though this comparison significantly overstates its efficacy.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) is one of the most well-studied cosmeceutical peptides, developed by Sederma. It is a lipopeptide fragment of pro-collagen I that stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix production in the skin. It was one of the first peptides to demonstrate anti-aging efficacy in peer-reviewed dermatology studies and has become a staple ingredient in anti-aging skincare formulations worldwide.

FOXO4-DRI is a modified peptide designed to selectively induce apoptosis in senescent cells. It is a D-retro-inverso (DRI) version of the FOXO4 peptide, engineered for protease resistance and enhanced cell penetration. It has generated enormous interest in the longevity community as a targeted senolytic agent, though human clinical data remains extremely limited.

Glutathione is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Glu-Cys-Gly) and the body's most abundant intracellular antioxidant. It plays critical roles in detoxification, immune function, and oxidative stress defense. It is offered by virtually every peptide therapy clinic and IV therapy center, administered via IV infusion, subcutaneous injection, or oral/liposomal supplementation.

Humanin is a 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. It was originally discovered in 2001 during a screen for factors that protect neurons against Alzheimer's disease-related toxicity. Alongside MOTS-c, it is one of the two most studied members of the mitochondrial-derived peptide family and has generated significant interest in longevity and neuroprotection research.

CagriSema is a fixed-ratio combination of cagrilintide (a long-acting amylin analog) and semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) developed by Novo Nordisk. It represents the next evolution of incretin-based obesity therapy, targeting two complementary appetite-regulation pathways. The REDEFINE Phase III trial program demonstrated up to 22.7% mean weight loss, and Novo Nordisk filed for FDA approval in 2026.

Survodutide is a dual glucagon/GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Boehringer Ingelheim in partnership with Zealand Pharma. It is unique among the incretin-based pipeline for its glucagon receptor agonism, which promotes hepatic fat oxidation and energy expenditure, making it particularly promising for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly NASH) in addition to obesity.

Argireline is a synthetic hexapeptide developed by Lipotec (now part of Lubrizol/Berkshire Hathaway) and widely marketed as "Botox in a bottle." It is one of the most commercially successful cosmeceutical peptides, found in thousands of skincare products targeting expression lines and dynamic wrinkles. It works topically by inhibiting neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, providing a mild muscle-relaxing effect without injection.

Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology under Professor Vladimir Khavinson. It is part of the Khavinson bioregulator peptide family — short peptides claimed to regulate gene expression in specific tissues. Pinealon targets the pineal gland and central nervous system, with proposed neuroprotective and circadian rhythm-modulating effects. It is approved in Russia as a dietary bioregulator supplement.