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Peptide Profiles

Evidence-based peptide profiles

Every claim cited. Every evidence gap acknowledged. Plain-language profiles for people who want the real picture.

Last updated: March 2026

FDA-approvedPrescription required

Semaglutide

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)

An FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and weight management. One of the most extensively studied peptide drugs in history, with 25,000+ trial participants.

Animal evidence90%
Human evidence95%
Safety data92%
FDA-approvedPrescription required

Tirzepatide

Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist (Mounjaro, Zepbound)

An FDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist for type 2 diabetes, weight management, and sleep apnea. Head-to-head superiority over semaglutide for weight loss.

Animal evidence88%
Human evidence95%
Safety data90%
FDA-approvedPrescription required

PT-141

Bremelanotide (Vyleesi)

An FDA-approved melanocortin receptor agonist for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Works through the brain to increase desire — a fundamentally different mechanism than PDE5 inhibitors.

Animal evidence75%
Human evidence85%
Safety data80%
FDA-approvedPrescription required

Tesamorelin

Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analog (Egrifta)

An FDA-approved GHRH analog for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. The only GHRH analog still FDA-approved. Emerging data for cognitive function and NAFLD/NASH.

Animal evidence60%
Human evidence75%
Safety data70%
Not approvedPhase 3 trials

Retatrutide

Triple GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor Agonist (LY3437943)

Eli Lilly's next-generation triple agonist in Phase 3 trials. Up to 28.7% weight loss (TRIUMPH-4) and A1C reductions of up to 2.0% in T2D (TRANSCEND-T2D-1). ~1,780 participants across five trials.

Animal evidence75%
Human evidence70%
Safety data55%
Research compound

BPC-157

Body Protection Compound-157

A synthetic pentadecapeptide studied for tissue repair, gut healing, and recovery. Extensive animal data, very limited human evidence.

Animal evidence82%
Human evidence12%
Safety data18%
Naturally occurringNot FDA-approved (injectable)

GHK-Cu

Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper(II) Complex

A naturally occurring copper tripeptide found in human plasma. Moderate evidence for topical skin rejuvenation; limited evidence for injectable forms.

Animal evidence78%
Human evidence42%
Safety data48%
Previously FDA-approvedLegal to compound

Sermorelin

Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor (1-29)

A synthetic GHRH analog previously FDA-approved for pediatric growth hormone deficiency. The most accessible GH peptide with the strongest regulatory pedigree.

Animal evidence65%
Human evidence40%
Safety data45%
Approved in 35+ countriesNot FDA-approved

Thymosin Alpha-1

Thymalfasin (Zadaxin)

A 28-amino-acid thymic peptide approved in 35+ countries for hepatitis B/C and immune support — but not in the US. Decades of clinical use, 11,000+ subjects studied. The clinically validated sibling of TB-500.

Animal evidence55%
Human evidence60%
Safety data75%
Clinical development

Kisspeptin

KISS1 Neuropeptide (Kisspeptin-54/10)

The master regulator of reproductive biology. Being studied for IVF trigger (safer than hCG for OHSS prevention), hypothalamic amenorrhea, and fertility. Multiple Phase 2 trials with strong translational potential.

Animal evidence85%
Human evidence55%
Safety data50%
Research compound

TB-500

Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment (17-23)

A synthetic heptapeptide fragment of Thymosin Beta-4. Studied for wound healing and tissue repair, primarily in animal models and equine medicine. Zero human trials for the fragment itself.

Animal evidence55%
Human evidence15%
Safety data14%
Approved in RussiaNot FDA-approved

Selank

Synthetic Tuftsin Analog (TP-7)

A 7-amino-acid anxiolytic peptide approved in Russia since 2009. Reduces anxiety without sedation or dependence — a different approach than benzodiazepines. Limited Western clinical data.

Animal evidence58%
Human evidence28%
Safety data45%
Approved in RussiaNot FDA-approved

Semax

ACTH(4-10) Analog — Nootropic Heptapeptide

A 7-amino-acid nootropic peptide approved in Russia since 2011 for ischemic stroke, cognitive disorders, and optic nerve atrophy. Listed on Russia's List of Vital & Essential Drugs. The cognitive counterpart to Selank.

Animal evidence62%
Human evidence30%
Safety data48%
Research compound

CJC-1295

Drug Affinity Complex : Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor

A synthetic GHRH analog designed for sustained growth hormone elevation. Phase I data confirms activity; clinical development halted in 2006 after a participant death.

Animal evidence55%
Human evidence25%
Safety data20%
Research compound

Ipamorelin

Selective Growth Hormone Secretagogue

The first selective growth hormone secretagogue — raises GH without elevating cortisol or prolactin. Failed its primary efficacy trial for postoperative ileus.

Animal evidence50%
Human evidence22%
Safety data35%
Research compoundFailed Phase IIb

AOD-9604

Advanced Obesity Drug 9604 (hGH Fragment 177-191)

A synthetic fragment of human growth hormone designed for fat metabolism. Excellent safety record across 900+ participants, but failed its pivotal Phase IIb weight loss trial.

Animal evidence50%
Human evidence30%
Safety data60%
Coenzyme (not a peptide)

NAD+

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

A naturally occurring coenzyme essential for cellular energy and repair. Not a peptide, but commonly sold alongside them. Compelling basic science, limited clinical evidence for IV therapy.

Animal evidence75%
Human evidence40%
Safety data45%
Research compoundWADA prohibited

MOTS-c

Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c

A mitochondrial-derived peptide discovered in 2015 that's been called an 'exercise mimetic.' Strong mechanistic story and impressive mouse data — but essentially zero human clinical evidence yet.

Animal evidence70%
Human evidence10%
Safety data8%
Research compoundZero human trials

KPV

Lys-Pro-Val (Alpha-MSH Fragment)

The smallest bioactive peptide in our database — just 3 amino acids. A fragment of alpha-MSH with anti-inflammatory properties, gaining traction for gut health. Promising animal colitis data, but zero human clinical trials.

Animal evidence58%
Human evidence0%
Safety data0%
FDA-approvedPrescription required

Liraglutide

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist (Victoza, Saxenda)

The GLP-1 agonist that started it all. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza, 2010) and weight management (Saxenda, 2014). The LEADER trial was the first to show cardiovascular benefit for a GLP-1 drug. Daily injection, largely superseded by semaglutide for new prescriptions.

Animal evidence88%
Human evidence90%
Safety data88%
FDA-approvedPrescription required

Oxytocin

Neuropeptide Hormone (Pitocin)

An FDA-approved peptide hormone with decades of obstetric use. Extensively studied for social cognition and mental health — but results are more complex than the 'love hormone' narrative suggests. On the WHO Essential Medicines List.

Animal evidence85%
Human evidence80%
Safety data82%
FDA-approved (accelerated)Prescription required

Elamipretide

Mitochondria-Targeted Peptide (SS-31 / FORZINITY)

The first FDA-approved mitochondria-targeted peptide. Granted accelerated approval for Barth syndrome in September 2025. Phase 3 trials ongoing for dry AMD and primary mitochondrial myopathy. A landmark for the mitochondrial peptide class.

Animal evidence80%
Human evidence65%
Safety data60%