Peptides covered on this site
93 peptides across five research areas. Each page presents the published evidence at three tiers — human research, preclinical and emerging research, and reported user experiences — followed by a balanced editorial summary.
Metabolic & Weight Loss (GLP-1 and Related) · 21 peptides
Tirzepatide
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — the first incretin co-agonist to reach the market.
Type 2 diabetes, Obesity and weight management
Semaglutide
Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist with FDA approvals across type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Type 2 diabetes, Obesity and weight management
Retatrutide
Triple GIP / GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonist — the next-generation incretin candidate.
Obesity (Phase 3), Type 2 diabetes (Phase 3)
Liraglutide
First-in-class once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist that opened the modern incretin era.
Type 2 diabetes (Victoza), Obesity / weight management (Saxenda)
Dulaglutide
Once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist with established cardiovascular outcomes data in type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes, Cardiovascular risk reduction in T2D
Exenatide
The original GLP-1 receptor agonist — derived from Gila monster venom — that opened the entire incretin therapeutic class.
Type 2 diabetes
Lixisenatide
Once-daily prandial GLP-1 receptor agonist with selective postprandial glucose-lowering activity.
Type 2 diabetes (with particular benefit on postprandial glucose)
Survodutide
Investigational dual GLP-1 / glucagon receptor co-agonist from Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma.
Obesity (Phase 3), MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis)
Mazdutide
Investigational GLP-1 / glucagon dual agonist developed by Eli Lilly and Innovent Biologics, primarily advancing in China.
Obesity, Type 2 diabetes
MariTide
Amgen's investigational AMG 133 / maridebart cafraglutide — GLP-1 receptor agonist conjugated to a GIP receptor antagonist, the deliberate inversion of tirzepatide's dual-agonist concept, dosed monthly.
Obesity — Phase 3 ongoing, Type 2 diabetes — Phase 3 planned
Pemvidutide
Altimmune's investigational GLP-1 / glucagon dual receptor agonist with a focus on MASH and obesity.
MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis), Obesity
VK2735
Viking Therapeutics' investigational dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist with both injectable and oral formulations.
Obesity, Type 2 diabetes (planned)
Orforglipron
Eli Lilly's investigational oral, non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist — the leading once-daily oral candidate.
Type 2 diabetes (Phase 3), Obesity / weight management (Phase 3)
Danuglipron
Pfizer's discontinued oral non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist — an instructive case study in oral-GLP-1 development.
Type 2 diabetes (Phase 2 — discontinued), Obesity (development discontinued April 2025)
Cagrilintide
Long-acting amylin analog — the other half of CagriSema's ~22.7% Phase 3 weight loss
Weight management (as part of CagriSema combination therapy), Investigational obesity + type 2 diabetes treatment
CagriSema
Fixed-ratio combination of cagrilintide (amylin analog) and semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist)
Obesity (Phase 3), Type 2 diabetes (Phase 3)
Pramlintide
Synthetic amylin analog used adjunctively with insulin in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes (adjunct to insulin), Type 2 diabetes (adjunct to insulin)
Setmelanotide
FDA-approved MC4R agonist for genetic obesity disorders — a precision-medicine peptide for patients with specific monogenic conditions.
POMC, PCSK1, and LEPR deficiency obesity, Bardet–Biedl syndrome obesity
AOD-9604
Fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177–191)
Marketed claim: fat reduction
HGH Fragment 176-191
C-terminal 16-amino-acid fragment of growth hormone — the unmodified parent compound that AOD-9604 was engineered from. Marketed for fat loss without the broader metabolic effects of full HGH.
Fat loss / lipolysis research, Body composition and visceral fat reduction (research peptide community use)
Resmetirom
Liver-selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist — the first FDA-approved drug for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis, Investigational use in non-cirrhotic NASH
Companion reading
Inside the GLP-1 hub
Trial readouts, muscle preservation, side-effect management, and how the modern incretin class is rewriting metabolic care.
Visit the GLP-1 hub →
Healing & Recovery · 12 peptides
BPC-157
A pentadecapeptide derived from a gastric protein, widely studied in animal models for tissue protection and recovery.
Tendon and ligament recovery research, Gut protection and inflammatory bowel models
TB-500
Synthetic 17-amino-acid fragment representing the actin-binding active region of Thymosin Beta-4.
Tissue repair and regeneration research, Soft-tissue and tendon recovery
KPV
Anti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from α-MSH; the most-discussed gut-inflammation peptide outside BPC-157.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — Phase 2 evidence, Intestinal inflammation and leaky gut
Thymosin Alpha-1
28-amino-acid immunomodulatory peptide approved in 35+ countries — restored to US compounding eligibility by February 2026 HHS reclassification.
Chronic hepatitis B — approved in 35+ countries, Sepsis adjuvant immunotherapy (mixed but notable RCT evidence)
GHK-Cu
Glycyl-histidyl-lysine in complex with copper (II)
Cosmetic skin care (established), Wound healing (evidence)
AHK-Cu
The hair-follicle-targeted copper tripeptide — GHK-Cu's lesser-known sibling with a more specific hair-biology evidence base.
Hair follicle stimulation and density support, Topical scalp formulations for androgenetic alopecia
Thymosin Beta-4
43-amino-acid actin-sequestering peptide
Ophthalmology (dry eye, corneal healing — Phase 2 evidence), Cardiac repair (investigational)
LL-37
Endogenous cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide — targeted pathogen elimination without microbiome disruption, increasingly investigated for post-viral recovery and oral health.
Topical antimicrobial wound healing — chronic venous ulcers, Oral and periodontal health research
Larazotide
Tight-junction-modulating peptide investigated as an adjunct therapy for celiac disease.
Celiac disease (adjunct to gluten-free diet, investigational), Tight junction / intestinal permeability research
Lactoferrin
Iron-binding glycoprotein with broad antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activity.
Antimicrobial / gut health support, Iron status improvement (oral)
Cibinetide
Erythropoietin-derived 11-amino-acid peptide that selectively activates the EPO/CD131 tissue-protective receptor without raising hematocrit.
Diabetic neuropathy and small-fiber neuropathy, Sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
VIP
Endogenous 28-amino-acid neuropeptide bridging gut motility, immune tolerance, pulmonary vasodilation, and circadian rhythm — driving substantial post-COVID and CIRS community interest.
Respiratory inflammation research (aviptadil — VIP analog Phase 3 in COVID-19 ARDS), Chronic inflammatory illness contexts (CIRS, mold illness — community-driven use)
Featured analysis
The BPC-157 tendon question
Sorting the substantial preclinical record from the still-emerging human evidence behind one of the most discussed peptides in modern recovery research.
Read the deep-dive →
Growth Hormone & Muscle / Performance · 15 peptides
CJC-1295
Long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog with documented effects on endogenous GH and IGF-1.
Endogenous GH and IGF-1 elevation research, Body composition and recovery (off-label use)
Ipamorelin
Selective GHS-R1a agonist (ghrelin receptor / 'GH secretagogue')
Claimed: GH release for body composition and recovery, Historical: postoperative ileus (failed Phase 2/3)
Sermorelin
The first 29 amino acids of endogenous GHRH
Pediatric growth hormone deficiency (historically approved), Off-label anti-aging and body composition
Tesamorelin
FDA-approved GHRH analog — the most-evidence-supported growth-hormone-releasing peptide in clinical use
HIV-associated visceral adipose tissue (VAT) excess — FDA-approved indication, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV+ populations — growing evidence
Hexarelin
Synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with documented cardiac receptor activity.
GH/IGF-1 axis research, Cardiac receptor biology
GHRP-2 / GHRP-6
First-generation ghrelin-mimetic GH secretagogues
Clinical: diagnostic GH stimulation testing (GHRP-2), Off-label: GH release for body composition
MK-677
Orally active small-molecule ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) agonist — not a peptide, but discussed alongside the peptide GH secretagogues.
GH and IGF-1 elevation research, Sleep and recovery (off-label use)
Anamorelin
Orally active small-molecule ghrelin receptor agonist approved in Japan for cancer-associated cachexia.
Cancer-associated cachexia, Anorexia and weight loss in chronic disease (research)
IGF-1 LR3
Modified recombinant IGF-1 with extended half-life — and a cancer-proliferation risk signal that responsible coverage doesn't skip.
Research reagent — original purpose, cell culture applications, Claimed: muscle hypertrophy and body composition in bodybuilding circles
MGF
Splice variant of IGF-1 with a unique E-domain peptide expressed in response to mechanical loading.
Skeletal muscle research, Recovery and regeneration research
Follistatin 344
Myostatin-binding protein splice variant — 2025 Phase 2 sarcopenia data is the strongest clinical signal so far, but WADA-prohibited and grey-market identity issues persist.
Sarcopenia / age-related muscle loss research — 2025 Phase 2 data, Myostatin blockade for muscle hypertrophy (bodybuilding community claims)
Macimorelin
FDA-approved oral ghrelin receptor agonist used as a diagnostic test for adult growth hormone deficiency.
Diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency (FDA-approved indication), Pediatric GH deficiency diagnostic research
PEG-MGF
Pegylated form of mechano growth factor — extended half-life variant of MGF designed for systemic rather than locally injected use.
Skeletal muscle hypertrophy and recovery research (preclinical), Cardiac repair research (preclinical)
Modified GRF 1-29
Short-acting GHRH analog — the CJC-1295 active sequence without the albumin-binding DAC group, dosed for pulsatile rather than sustained GH release.
Endogenous GH pulse generation for sleep-onset dosing, Stacking with ghrelin-mimetic GH secretagogues like ipamorelin
GHRP-1
First-generation ghrelin-mimetic GH secretagogue — the historical predecessor to the more widely-used GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and ipamorelin.
Historical research compound for GH stimulation, Rare grey-market use compared to GHRP-2/6 or ipamorelin
Editorial framework
How we evaluate GH-axis evidence
Pulsatile vs sustained signaling, surrogate endpoints vs functional outcomes, and why GH/IGF-1 elevation does not always translate into the changes users hope for.
Read our methodology →
Longevity, Mitochondrial & Cognitive · 25 peptides
MOTS-c
A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome — central to a new class of "mitokines."
Metabolic health and insulin sensitivity research, Exercise capacity and skeletal muscle adaptation
SS-31
Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin and stabilizes inner-mitochondrial-membrane structure.
Mitochondrial myopathy (Barth syndrome), Heart failure and cardiomyopathy research
Klotho
Longevity-associated protein with cognitive enhancement signal in non-human primates — among the most-credible peptide longevity candidates in 2026.
Longevity / healthspan research, Cognitive aging and neurodegeneration research
Humanin
The original mitochondrial-derived peptide — a cytoprotective "third axis" alongside MOTS-c and SS-31 in mitochondrial health protocols.
Neuroprotection and Alzheimer's-related biology research, Cytoprotective signaling in metabolic and ischemic stress
Epitalon
Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly), Russian longevity research
Claimed: telomerase activation and longevity, Claimed: sleep and melatonin regulation
Khavinson short peptides
Family of two-to-four amino-acid peptides developed by the Khavinson group as proposed tissue-specific bioregulators.
Tissue-specific regenerative research (Khavinson framework), Longevity and healthspan research interest
Thymalin
Russian thymic peptide preparation; an immune-restoration entry in the Khavinson bioregulator framework.
Immune system restoration in aging, T-cell function support
Cerebrolysin
Porcine-brain-derived peptide complex used in stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia in many countries outside the US.
Acute ischemic stroke (adjunct, several countries), Traumatic brain injury
Cortexin
Bovine-cortex-derived polypeptide preparation used neurologically in Russia and Eastern Europe — a Cerebrolysin parallel from the same therapeutic tradition.
Stroke recovery (Russia/CIS clinical practice), Pediatric neurological conditions
Davunetide
Eight-amino-acid neuroprotective peptide derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP).
Neurodegenerative disease research, Tauopathy and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) — earlier trials
Carnosine
Endogenous dipeptide concentrated in skeletal muscle and brain — discussed in athletic performance, anti-aging, and metabolic health contexts.
Buffering muscle pH during high-intensity exercise (β-alanine-loading basis), Anti-glycation and anti-aging research
Glutathione
γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine — the body's master endogenous antioxidant tripeptide.
Antioxidant / oxidative-stress research, Liver detoxification
FOXO4-DRI
Senolytic peptide engineered to kill 'zombie cells' — selectively triggering apoptosis in senescent cells while sparing healthy ones.
Senescent-cell clearance research (preclinical), Healthspan and aging biology investigation
SLU-PP-332
Small-molecule pan-ERR (estrogen-related receptor) agonist that mimics exercise-induced metabolic adaptations in preclinical models — not a peptide, but discussed alongside the longevity / metabolic-flexibility peptides.
Exercise-mimetic research, Metabolic dysfunction (preclinical)
Semax
Russian-developed heptapeptide, ACTH(4-10) analog
Approved in Russia: stroke recovery, ADHD, memory disorders, Off-label: cognitive enhancement
Selank
Heptapeptide anxiolytic analog of tuftsin
Approved in Russia: generalized anxiety disorder, Off-label: anxiety and cognitive effects
5-Amino-1MQ
Small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)
Investigational: obesity and metabolic disease (preclinical)
Gotratix
Short-peptide muscle bioregulator from the Khavinson tissue-specific framework.
Skeletal-muscle bioregulator research (Khavinson framework), Recovery and athletic-performance discussion
Muskulamin
Khavinson-tradition cytomedin from skeletal-muscle tissue, positioned as a muscle-recovery bioregulator.
Skeletal-muscle support research (Khavinson cytomedin framework), Recovery and rehabilitation contexts
Sigumir
Khavinson-tradition short peptide / cytomedin pair targeting cartilage and joint function.
Joint and cartilage support research (Khavinson framework), Osteoarthritis-adjacent contexts in originating jurisdictions
Ventfort
Khavinson-tradition cytomedin from blood-vessel tissue, positioned as a vascular bioregulator.
Vascular-system support research (Khavinson framework), Cardiovascular-aging contexts in originating jurisdictions
Bonothyrk
Khavinson-tradition short peptide positioned as a bone-and-parathyroid tissue bioregulator.
Bone health support research (Khavinson framework), Parathyroid-axis discussion in originating-tradition contexts
Pinealon
Khavinson tripeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp) positioned as a brain and cognitive bioregulator — driving 2026 search-volume spike via Andrew Huberman's REM sleep disclosure.
Neuroprotection and neuronal health (preclinical evidence), Sleep architecture — particularly REM sleep (preclinical + anecdotal)
Vesugen
Khavinson tripeptide positioned as the synthetic vascular bioregulator paired with Ventfort.
Vascular-system support research (Khavinson framework), Cardiovascular-aging discussion within the originating tradition
Cortagen
Khavinson short peptide positioned as a cerebral cortex / brain-tissue bioregulator.
Cortical-tissue support research (Khavinson framework), Brain-aging and recovery contexts in originating tradition
Field overview
Peptides with limited human evidence so far
A balanced look at the longevity and cognitive peptides where preclinical promise has run ahead of the controlled human trials.
Read the analysis →
Other Commonly Discussed Peptides · 20 peptides
PT-141
Melanocortin-receptor agonist acting centrally on the desire-and-arousal pathway.
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) — FDA-approved, Erectile dysfunction (off-label and prior development)
Afamelanotide
FDA-approved synthetic α-MSH analog used in erythropoietic protoporphyria — the regulated, clinically validated cousin of Melanotan II.
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) — phototoxicity prevention
Melanotan II
Synthetic cyclic α-MSH analog, first-generation
Grey-market use for tanning, Claimed: appetite suppression and libido
Octreotide
Synthetic somatostatin analog used in acromegaly, neuroendocrine tumors, and selected GI conditions.
Acromegaly, Neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid, VIPoma)
Teduglutide
FDA-approved GLP-2 receptor agonist used in short bowel syndrome to enhance intestinal absorption.
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) requiring parenteral support
Teriparatide
Recombinant fragment of human parathyroid hormone (PTH 1-34) used as an anabolic agent in osteoporosis.
Severe postmenopausal osteoporosis, Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
Desmopressin
Synthetic vasopressin (ADH) analog used in diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, and certain bleeding disorders.
Central diabetes insipidus, Nocturnal enuresis (selected pediatric and adult)
Oxytocin
Endogenous neuropeptide bridging stress/HPA-axis modulation, depression research, and complex dose-response biology — substantially more interesting than the 'love hormone' framing suggests.
Labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage prevention (IV, FDA-approved), Stress and HPA-axis modulation research
DSIP
Nine-amino acid neuropeptide first isolated in 1977
Claimed: sleep improvement, Claimed: stress and chronic pain support
HCG
Placentally-derived glycoprotein hormone; LH receptor agonist with established medical use in fertility and hypogonadism and substantial off-label use in TRT and post-cycle therapy contexts.
Fertility induction (ovulation, sperm production), Diagnostic stimulation testing for hypogonadism and cryptorchidism
Gonadorelin
Synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone — the HCG alternative for testicular function preservation that filled the gap when HCG access tightened.
Testicular function and fertility preservation in men on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) — off-label, community-driven use, Diagnostic evaluation of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (FDA-approved indication)
Kisspeptin
Upstream HPG axis activator — the hypothalamic switch that controls GnRH release, increasingly combined with Gonadorelin for natural testosterone support.
HPG axis activation upstream of GnRH — research and emerging clinical use, Female fertility research (controlled ovarian stimulation, oocyte maturation triggering)
Topical Cosmetic Peptides
Topical cosmetic actives (Argireline = acetyl hexapeptide-8; Matrixyl = palmitoyl pentapeptide-4)
Topical skincare: wrinkle reduction, anti-aging
Collagen Peptides
Enzymatically hydrolyzed collagen, typically bovine, porcine, or marine
Joint health (osteoarthritis), Skin quality
Metreleptin
FDA-approved recombinant human leptin analog used to treat the metabolic complications of generalized lipodystrophy.
Generalized lipodystrophy (FDA-approved indication), Severe partial lipodystrophy (off-label / EMA approved)
Carbetocin
Long-acting synthetic oxytocin analog used for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage; recently FDA-approved for that indication.
Prevention of postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean delivery (FDA-approved indication, 2023), Postpartum hemorrhage prevention more broadly (approved internationally for years)
DIHEXA
A six-amino-acid angiotensin IV analog claimed in preclinical work to be dramatically more potent than BDNF at hippocampal synaptogenesis — minimal human evidence.
Cognitive enhancement research (preclinical), Hippocampal synaptogenesis / neurodegeneration model research
Ziconotide
FDA-approved synthetic conotoxin peptide — a non-opioid analgesic for severe chronic pain, derived from cone snail venom.
Severe, refractory chronic pain in patients intolerant of or refractory to other analgesics (FDA-approved indication), Intrathecal pain management research
Tesofensine
Triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor with weight-loss activity — a non-incretin alternative to GLP-1 medications.
Investigational obesity treatment, Off-label / community use for appetite suppression and weight management
Noopept
The most-prescribed nootropic in Russia — a piracetam-derived dipeptide ester with substantial human evidence in cognitive impairment contexts.
Cognitive impairment in post-stroke, traumatic brain injury, and aging contexts — Russian clinical use, Anxiety and stress modulation research
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Peptides organized by application
Cross-cuts the index by what people are exploring — sexual health, skin and cosmetic, immune support, bone health, and beyond.
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