Peptides Studied for Anti-Aging & Longevity
Anti-aging is the broadest use case in peptide research — and the one most prone to overclaiming. The compounds on this page span a wide range of mechanisms: NAD+ supports cellular energy and DNA repair, GHK-Cu promotes tissue remodeling, and three growth hormone secretagogues (sermorelin, ipamorelin, CJC-1295) aim to restore declining GH levels.
The evidence quality varies dramatically. Sermorelin was previously FDA-approved and has the strongest regulatory history. NAD+ has compelling basic science but limited clinical evidence for IV therapy specifically. Ipamorelin is highly selective but failed its primary efficacy trial. CJC-1295's clinical development was halted after a serious adverse event.
What unites these compounds is the hypothesis that restoring age-related declines in specific pathways could slow aspects of aging. What divides them is how much evidence supports that hypothesis in humans.
Teriparatide
Recombinant Human Parathyroid Hormone 1-34 (Forteo)
An FDA-approved anabolic bone-building peptide for severe osteoporosis — a condition that affects ~80% women. Reduced new vertebral fractures by 65% in the pivotal Fracture Prevention Trial. The 2002 boxed warning was substantially revised in 2020 after 15+ years of post-market surveillance found no human osteosarcoma signal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.