Researched and fact-checked in-house against primary literature and regulator records. Not reviewed by a named clinician — how we work.
Evidence-rated reference Updated August 2026
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Pepteyes .com
Evidence-rated peptide reference

Every peptide, rated by the evidence behind it.

Peptides are marketed with extraordinary confidence and wildly uneven proof. We publish an evidence rating, the regulatory status, and an honest benefit-and-risk breakdown for all 89 compounds — including the ones that failed their trials.

89Peptides reviewed
31FDA-approved
25Research-use only
Category
Status
89 peptides shown
The library

All 89 peptides

Grouped by what they act on. Each card shows the regulatory status, our evidence rating, and the headline benefits and risks. Open the infographic on any card, or read the full monograph.

Metabolic & Weight

15 peptides

Incretin and amylin analogs that alter appetite, glucose handling and body weight.

Not a Peptide
5-Amino-1MQ: structure not stated · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 1 of 5

5-Amino-1MQ

5-amino-1-methylquinolinium · 5A1MQ · 5A-1MQ

Not a peptide: a permanently charged N-methylated quinolinium cation, handled as its iodide salt, acting as a substrate-site inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Fat and body-weight effects in obese mice
  • Target engagement is actually demonstrable
  • Muscle regeneration and strength in aged mice
Key risks & cons
  • No human data of any kind
  • Unapproved, grey-market supply
  • Capsules are the wrong route for this molecule
Full monograph
Research Use Only
AOD-9604: 16 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 2 of 5

AOD-9604

hGH fragment 176-191

C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (residues 176–191)

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Does not raise IGF-1
  • Good short-term tolerability
  • Preclinical lipolytic activity
Key risks & cons
  • No demonstrated efficacy
  • Unapproved and unregulated
  • Unknown long-term safety
Full monograph
In Clinical Trials
Cagrilintide: 37 amino acids (from the sequence record), fatty-acid chain, disulfide bridge · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 3 of 5

Cagrilintide

CagriSema (with semaglutide)

Long-acting amylin analog

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Additive weight loss with semaglutide
  • Complementary satiety mechanism
  • Possible lean-mass sparing
Key risks & cons
  • Not approved
  • GI adverse effects
  • Variable individual response
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Dulaglutide: 550 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 5 of 5

Dulaglutide

Trulicity

GLP-1 analog fused to a modified human IgG4 Fc fragment

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Cardiovascular benefit in primary prevention
  • Reliable glycemic control
  • Simple delivery device
Key risks & cons
  • Modest weight loss
  • Thyroid C-cell boxed warning
  • GI adverse effects
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Exenatide: 39 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 5 of 5

Exenatide

Byetta · Bydureon · exendin-4

GLP-1 receptor agonist — synthetic exendin-4, from Gila monster venom

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Established glycemic efficacy
  • Cardiovascular safety demonstrated
  • Two decades of safety data
Key risks & cons
  • Superseded on efficacy
  • Twice-daily injection
  • Renal impairment cautions
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Glucagon: 29 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 5 of 5

Glucagon

GlucaGen · Baqsimi · Gvoke

Endogenous 29-residue single-chain peptide hormone secreted by pancreatic alpha cells; the physiological counter-regulator to insulin

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Reverses severe hypoglycaemia without intravenous access
  • Ready-to-use formulations work in real emergencies
  • Relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle for imaging
Key risks & cons
  • Fails when hepatic glycogen is depleted
  • Nausea and vomiting are common
  • Contraindicated in phaeochromocytoma and insulinoma
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Insulin: 51 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 5 of 5

Insulin

Human insulin · Insulin glargine · Insulin lispro

Endogenous 51-residue two-chain peptide hormone (A-chain 21 residues, B-chain 30 residues) joined by two interchain disulfide bridges; therapeutic versions are recombinant human insulin or analogues with residue substitutions that alter absorption rate

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Life-sustaining in type 1 diabetes
  • Reduces microvascular complications
  • Effective at any stage of type 2 diabetes
Key risks & cons
  • Hypoglycaemia, including severe and fatal
  • Deliberate misuse for physique or weight control
  • Weight gain
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Liraglutide: 31 amino acids (from the sequence record), fatty-acid chain · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 5 of 5

Liraglutide

Victoza · Saxenda

GLP-1 receptor agonist — acylated GLP-1 analog

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Proven cardiovascular benefit
  • Moderate weight loss
  • Approved in adolescents
Key risks & cons
  • Daily injection burden
  • GI intolerance
  • Thyroid C-cell boxed warning
Full monograph
Limited Approval
Mazdutide: 34 amino acids (from the sequence record), fatty-acid chain · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 4 of 5

Mazdutide

IBI362 · LY3305677

Dual glucagon / GLP-1 receptor agonist based on oxyntomodulin

4/5 Strong Evidence rating 4 out of 5: Strong
Key benefits
  • Phase 3 weight loss with regulatory approval
  • Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
  • Liver fat reduction
Key risks & cons
  • No FDA or EMA approval
  • Trial populations may not generalise
  • GI adverse effects
Full monograph
In Clinical Trials
Orforglipron: peptidomimetic / small molecule · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 4 of 5

Orforglipron

LY3502970

Non-peptide small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist — orally bioavailable

4/5 Strong Evidence rating 4 out of 5: Strong
Key benefits
  • Injection-free GLP-1 therapy
  • Weight loss in the GLP-1 range
  • Manufacturing scale
Key risks & cons
  • Not approved at the time of this review
  • GI adverse effects persist
  • Daily dosing adherence
Full monograph
In Clinical Trials
Retatrutide: 39 amino acids (from the sequence record), fatty-acid chain · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 3 of 5

Retatrutide

LY3437943 · triple-G · Reta

Triple GLP-1 / GIP / glucagon receptor agonist

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Largest reported pharmacologic weight loss
  • Marked hepatic fat reduction
  • Increased energy expenditure
Key risks & cons
  • No phase 3 safety data yet
  • Dose-dependent heart-rate increase
  • Glucose elevation potential
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Semaglutide: 31 amino acids (from the sequence record), fatty-acid chain · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 5 of 5

Semaglutide

Ozempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus

GLP-1 receptor agonist — 31-amino-acid acylated analog of human GLP-1

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Substantial, durable weight loss
  • Strong glycemic control
  • Cardiovascular event reduction
Key risks & cons
  • Gastrointestinal intolerance
  • Thyroid C-cell tumor boxed warning
  • Pancreatitis and gallbladder disease
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Setmelanotide: 8 amino acids (from the sequence record), cyclic, disulfide bridge · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 5 of 5

Setmelanotide

Imcivree

Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist — cyclic octapeptide

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Large weight loss in genetically defined obesity
  • Marked hunger reduction
  • Clear genetic selection criteria
Key risks & cons
  • Skin hyperpigmentation
  • Depression and suicidal ideation warning
  • Spontaneous penile erections
Full monograph
In Clinical Trials
Survodutide: 29 amino acids (from the sequence record), fatty-acid chain · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 3 of 5

Survodutide

BI 456906

Dual glucagon / GLP-1 receptor agonist

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • MASH improvement in phase 2
  • Substantial weight reduction
  • Added energy expenditure
Key risks & cons
  • Not approved anywhere
  • High GI adverse event rate
  • Heart rate increase
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Tirzepatide: 39 amino acids (from the sequence record), fatty-acid chain · Metabolic & Weight · evidence 5 of 5

Tirzepatide

Mounjaro · Zepbound

Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist — 39-amino-acid acylated peptide

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Best-in-class weight reduction
  • Superior HbA1c lowering
  • Treats obstructive sleep apnea
Key risks & cons
  • Gastrointestinal side effects
  • Thyroid C-cell tumor boxed warning
  • Pancreatitis and gallbladder events
Full monograph

Growth Hormone Axis

11 peptides

GHRH analogs and ghrelin-receptor secretagogues that raise endogenous GH and IGF-1.

Research Use Only
CJC-1295: 30 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Growth Hormone Axis · evidence 2 of 5

CJC-1295

Modified GRF (1-29) · CJC-1295 with DAC · tesamorelin cousin

GHRH analog; the DAC version bears a maleimide linker that binds serum albumin

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation
  • Reduced injection frequency
  • Synergy with ghrelin agonists
Key risks & cons
  • Continuous GH exposure is non-physiological
  • Development discontinued
  • Insulin resistance and glucose elevation
Full monograph
Limited Approval
GHRP-2: 6 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Growth Hormone Axis · evidence 3 of 5

GHRP-2

Pralmorelin · KP-102

Growth hormone-releasing peptide — synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin mimetic

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Strong, reliable GH release
  • Appetite stimulation
  • Oral and intranasal bioavailability studied
Key risks & cons
  • Cortisol and prolactin elevation
  • No therapeutic approval
  • Tachyphylaxis
Full monograph
Research Use Only
GHRP-6: 6 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Growth Hormone Axis · evidence 2 of 5

GHRP-6

Growth Hormone Releasing Hexapeptide

First-generation growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Powerful appetite stimulation
  • Reliable GH release
  • Preclinical cytoprotective signals
Key risks & cons
  • Intense hunger
  • Cortisol and prolactin elevation
  • No approved use anywhere
Full monograph
Research Use Only
Hexarelin: 6 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Growth Hormone Axis · evidence 2 of 5

Hexarelin

Examorelin

Synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Highest GH release potency in class
  • GH-independent cardioprotection signals
  • Retains some activity in GH-deficient states
Key risks & cons
  • Rapid and marked tachyphylaxis
  • Cortisol and prolactin elevation
  • No approved indication
Full monograph
Research Use Only
IGF-1 LR3: 83 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Growth Hormone Axis · evidence 1 of 5

IGF-1 LR3

Long R3 IGF-1

Modified insulin-like growth factor 1 analog with reduced binding-protein affinity

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Potent anabolic signalling in vitro
  • Native IGF-1 has approved uses
Key risks & cons
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Cancer promotion concern
  • No human safety data whatsoever
Full monograph
Research Use Only
Ipamorelin: 5 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Growth Hormone Axis · evidence 2 of 5

Ipamorelin

NNC 26-0161

Selective ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist — pentapeptide

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Selective GH release
  • Minimal appetite stimulation
  • Good short-term tolerability
Key risks & cons
  • No proven clinical benefit
  • Unapproved and unregulated
  • Glucose and insulin effects
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Macimorelin: 3 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Growth Hormone Axis · evidence 5 of 5

Macimorelin

Macrilen · AEZS-130

Orally active ghrelin receptor agonist — peptidomimetic

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Replaces a genuinely dangerous test
  • High diagnostic agreement
  • Oral and outpatient
Key risks & cons
  • Diagnostic use only
  • QT interval prolongation
  • Dysgeusia
Full monograph
Not a Peptide
MK-677 (Ibutamoren): peptidomimetic / small molecule · Growth Hormone Axis · evidence 3 of 5

MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Ibutamoren · Nutrobal · L-163,191

Non-peptide, orally active ghrelin receptor agonist — listed here because it is universally marketed alongside peptides

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Reliable IGF-1 elevation, orally
  • Increases fat-free mass
  • Improved sleep architecture
Key risks & cons
  • Failed its key clinical trial
  • Congestive heart failure signal
  • Insulin resistance and hyperglycemia
Full monograph
Limited Approval
Sermorelin: 29 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Growth Hormone Axis · evidence 3 of 5

Sermorelin

GHRH (1-29) · Geref

Truncated GHRH analog — first 29 amino acids of human GHRH

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Physiological GH pulses
  • Documented efficacy in GH-deficient children
  • Well tolerated in short-term use
Key risks & cons
  • Weak evidence for adult anti-aging use
  • Very short half-life
  • Glucose intolerance with sustained GH elevation
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Somatropin (recombinant hGH): 191 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Growth Hormone Axis · evidence 5 of 5

Somatropin (recombinant hGH)

rhGH · Genotropin · Norditropin

191-amino-acid recombinant human growth hormone — a protein, not a short peptide

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Restores growth in deficient children
  • Body composition in adult deficiency
  • Bone density improvement
Key risks & cons
  • Distributing it for anti-aging is a federal crime in the US
  • Insulin resistance and diabetes
  • Fluid retention, arthralgia and carpal tunnel
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Tesamorelin: 44 amino acids (from the sequence record), fatty-acid chain · Growth Hormone Axis · evidence 5 of 5

Tesamorelin

Egrifta

Stabilised growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Selective visceral fat reduction
  • Triglyceride improvement
  • Liver fat reduction
Key risks & cons
  • Glucose intolerance
  • Fluid retention, arthralgia, carpal tunnel
  • Contraindicated in active malignancy
Full monograph

Healing & Tissue Repair

6 peptides

Compounds promoted for tendon, muscle, gut and wound repair — the widest evidence gaps on this site.

In Clinical Trials
ARA-290 (Cibinetide): 11 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Healing & Tissue Repair · evidence 3 of 5

ARA-290 (Cibinetide)

Cibinetide · pHBSP

11-amino-acid peptide derived from the helix B region of erythropoietin

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Improved neuropathic symptoms in phase 2
  • Increased corneal nerve fibre density
  • No erythropoietic effect
Key risks & cons
  • Not approved; development slow
  • Small trials
  • Extremely short plasma half-life
Full monograph
Research Use Only
BPC-157: 15 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Healing & Tissue Repair · evidence 1 of 5

BPC-157

Body Protection Compound 157 · Pentadecapeptide BPC 157

Synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a sequence in human gastric juice protein BPC

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Consistent tendon and ligament healing in rodents
  • Gut protection in animal models
  • Angiogenic activity
Key risks & cons
  • No published randomized human trials
  • Angiogenesis cuts both ways
  • The safety findings behind the 2023 listing were never answered
Full monograph
Research Use Only
Cartalax: 3 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Healing & Tissue Repair · evidence 1 of 5

Cartalax

AED · AED peptide · Ala-Glu-Asp

Synthetic tripeptide Ala-Glu-Asp, one of the Khavinson short peptide bioregulators, designed from the composition of an animal cartilage polypeptide extract

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Chondrogenic markers in ageing human stem cells
  • Senescence markers normalised in cultured chondrocytes
  • Sirtuin and collagen response in ageing fibroblasts
Key risks & cons
  • No human data of any kind
  • Unapproved grey-market material of unverifiable identity
  • The entire evidence base comes from one research group
Full monograph
Research Use Only
Pentadeca Arginate (PDA): 15 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Healing & Tissue Repair · evidence 1 of 5

Pentadeca Arginate (PDA)

PDA · BPC-157 arginate salt · Pentadecapeptide arginate

Arginate salt form of the BPC-157 pentadecapeptide

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Possible improved stability
  • Shares BPC-157 preclinical rationale
Key risks & cons
  • Zero independent evidence
  • Regulatory workaround, not a regulatory clearance
  • Inherits every BPC-157 concern
Full monograph
Research Use Only
PTD-DBM: 25 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Healing & Tissue Repair · evidence 1 of 5

PTD-DBM

Protein transduction domain-Dishevelled binding motif · PTD-DBM peptide · CXXC5-Dvl competitor peptide

Synthetic 25-residue fusion peptide: an octa-arginine cell-penetrating domain, a tetraglycine linker and a 13-residue Dishevelled-binding motif copied from CXXC5

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Hair regrowth in shaved mice
  • New follicles in a wound-neogenesis model
  • Activity in human dermal papilla cells
Key risks & cons
  • Unapproved, research-only, grey-market supply
  • No human safety data whatsoever
  • Deliberately de-represses a growth pathway
Full monograph
Research Use Only
TB-500 / Thymosin Beta-4: 43 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Healing & Tissue Repair · evidence 2 of 5

TB-500 / Thymosin Beta-4

TB4 · Tβ4 · RGN-259 (ophthalmic TB4)

Thymosin beta-4 is a 43-amino-acid actin-sequestering protein; TB-500 is a synthetic active fragment

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Corneal wound healing evidence in humans
  • Cell migration and angiogenesis
  • Anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic signals
Key risks & cons
  • Injectable fragment is untested in humans
  • Angiogenesis and tumour concern
  • No established systemic dosing or safety
Full monograph

Immune & Anti-inflammatory

4 peptides

Thymic, antimicrobial and cytokine-modulating peptides.

Research Use Only
KPV: 3 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Immune & Anti-inflammatory · evidence 1 of 5

KPV

Lysine-Proline-Valine · α-MSH (11-13)

C-terminal tripeptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Anti-inflammatory without pigmentation
  • Colitis improvement in rodents
  • Antimicrobial activity in vitro
Key risks & cons
  • No human trials
  • Immune modulation is not inherently benign
  • Unapproved and unregulated
Full monograph
Limited Approval
Thymalin: a mixture, not one molecule · Immune & Anti-inflammatory · evidence 2 of 5

Thymalin

Thymus extract peptide complex

Polypeptide complex extracted from calf thymus — a mixture, not a single molecule

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Reported immune restoration
  • Long-term mortality signal
  • Long clinical use history
Key risks & cons
  • Undefined composition
  • No independent replication
  • Bovine biological source
Full monograph
Limited Approval
Thymosin Alpha-1: 28 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Immune & Anti-inflammatory · evidence 4 of 5

Thymosin Alpha-1

Tα1 · Zadaxin · thymalfasin

Naturally occurring 28-amino-acid thymic peptide

4/5 Strong Evidence rating 4 out of 5: Strong
Key benefits
  • Antiviral effect in chronic hepatitis B
  • Immune reconstitution in sepsis
  • Vaccine adjuvant activity
Key risks & cons
  • Not FDA-approved
  • Autoimmune disease flare risk
  • Transplant rejection risk
Full monograph
In Clinical Trials
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP): 28 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Immune & Anti-inflammatory · evidence 2 of 5

Endogenous 28-amino-acid neuropeptide

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Potent anti-inflammatory signalling
  • Pulmonary surfactant and bronchodilation
  • Signals in sarcoidosis
Key risks & cons
  • COVID-19 trials did not secure approval
  • Hypotension and flushing
  • Diarrhea
Full monograph

Cognitive & Neurological

7 peptides

Neurotrophic and neuroprotective peptides, several approved only outside the West.

Limited Approval
Cerebrolysin: a mixture, not one molecule · Cognitive & Neurological · evidence 3 of 5

Cerebrolysin

FPF-1070

Porcine brain-derived peptide preparation — a mixture, not a single molecule

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Some cognitive benefit signals in vascular dementia
  • Large accumulated clinical experience
  • Neurotrophic activity in preclinical models
Key risks & cons
  • Cochrane review found no benefit in acute stroke
  • Possible increase in serious adverse events
  • Porcine biological source
Full monograph
In Clinical Trials
Davunetide: 8 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Cognitive & Neurological · evidence 3 of 5

Davunetide

NAP · AL-108 · CP201

Eight-amino-acid fragment of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP)

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Well-defined molecular mechanism
  • Encouraging phase 2 signals
  • Excellent safety profile
Key risks & cons
  • Failed a well-designed phase 3
  • Phase 2 signals did not replicate
  • Not available
Full monograph
Research Use Only
Dihexa: 3 amino acids (from the sequence record), fatty-acid chain · Cognitive & Neurological · evidence 1 of 5

Dihexa

N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide · PNB-0408

Angiotensin IV analog — small oligopeptide HGF/c-Met potentiator

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Extremely potent synaptogenesis in vitro
  • Cognitive restoration in rodent models
  • Orally active and CNS-penetrant
Key risks & cons
  • No human data of any kind
  • c-Met is an oncogene pathway
  • Uncontrolled synaptic remodelling
Full monograph
Limited Approval
Noopept: 2 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Cognitive & Neurological · evidence 2 of 5

Noopept

N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester · GVS-111 · Omberacetam

Dipeptide-derived nootropic — a proline-containing dipeptide ethyl ester

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Reported cognitive benefit in mild impairment
  • Neurotrophin upregulation
  • Active at low doses
Key risks & cons
  • Not a lawful supplement in the US
  • Evidence base not independently replicated
  • Irritability, headache and sleep disruption
Full monograph
Research Use Only
PE-22-28: 7 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Cognitive & Neurological · evidence 1 of 5

PE-22-28

PE 22-28 · mini-spadin · spadin (22-28)

Heptapeptide fragment of spadin — residues 22-28 of the sortilin propeptide; selective blocker of the TREK-1 two-pore-domain potassium channel

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Very potent, selective TREK-1 blockade
  • Antidepressant-like behaviour in mice
  • Hippocampal neurogenesis after four days
Key risks & cons
  • No human data of any kind
  • Unapproved, unregulated grey-market material
  • Depression is a dangerous condition to self-treat
Full monograph
Limited Approval
Selank: 7 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Cognitive & Neurological · evidence 2 of 5

Selank

TP-7 · tuftsin analog

Synthetic heptapeptide analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Anxiolysis without sedation
  • No reported dependence or withdrawal
  • BDNF and neuroplasticity effects
Key risks & cons
  • No Western trials
  • Not a substitute for treated anxiety disorder
  • Unknown long-term effects
Full monograph
Limited Approval
Semax: 7 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Cognitive & Neurological · evidence 2 of 5

Semax

ACTH (4-10) Pro-Gly-Pro · N-acetyl semax

Synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH (4-10) with no corticotropic activity

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Neuroprotection in stroke models
  • BDNF upregulation
  • Reported attention and memory effects
Key risks & cons
  • No Western regulatory review
  • Trial methodology concerns
  • Unknown long-term neurological effects
Full monograph

Longevity & Mitochondrial

8 peptides

Telomere, senolytic and mitochondrial-derived peptides marketed for aging.

FDA Approved
Elamipretide (SS-31): 4 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Longevity & Mitochondrial · evidence 4 of 5

Elamipretide (SS-31)

SS-31 · MTP-131 · Bendavia

Cardiolipin-targeting mitochondrial tetrapeptide

4/5 Strong Evidence rating 4 out of 5: Strong
Key benefits
  • Approved for Barth syndrome
  • Well-defined molecular mechanism
  • Improved muscle strength signals
Key risks & cons
  • Failed its largest trials
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Very narrow approved indication
Full monograph
Research Use Only
Epitalon: 4 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Longevity & Mitochondrial · evidence 2 of 5

Epitalon

Epithalon · AEDG peptide · Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly

Synthetic tetrapeptide modelled on the pineal extract epithalamin

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Telomerase activation in cell culture
  • Melatonin rhythm normalisation
  • Reduced mortality in Russian cohort studies
Key risks & cons
  • No independent replication
  • Telomerase activation and cancer
  • No Western trials
Full monograph
Research Use Only
FOXO4-DRI: 46 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Longevity & Mitochondrial · evidence 1 of 5

FOXO4-DRI

FOXO4-p53 interfering peptide

Retro-inverso D-amino acid peptide targeting the FOXO4-p53 interaction

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Selective senescent cell clearance in mice
  • Reversal of aging phenotypes in mice
  • D-amino acid stability
Key risks & cons
  • No human data at all
  • p53 activation is a blunt instrument
  • Senescent cells have useful functions
Full monograph
Research Use Only
GDF-11: 218 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Longevity & Mitochondrial · evidence 1 of 5

GDF-11

Growth Differentiation Factor 11 · BMP-11

TGF-beta superfamily protein, closely homologous to myostatin (GDF-8)

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Reported cardiac rejuvenation in mice
  • Reported neurogenesis and vascular effects
  • Genuine developmental role
Key risks & cons
  • Core findings contested by independent groups
  • Assay cross-reactivity problem
  • Muscle atrophy in some studies
Full monograph
Research Use Only
Humanin: 24 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Longevity & Mitochondrial · evidence 1 of 5

Humanin

HN · HNG (potent analog)

Mitochondrial-derived peptide — 24 amino acids

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Neuroprotection in animal models
  • Anti-apoptotic activity
  • Metabolic effects
Key risks & cons
  • No human trials
  • Anti-apoptotic effects are double-edged
  • Poor pharmacokinetics
Full monograph
Research Use Only
Livagen: 4 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Longevity & Mitochondrial · evidence 2 of 5

Livagen

KEDA · KEDA peptide · Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala

Synthetic tetrapeptide Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala, one of the Khavinson short peptide bioregulators, designed from the amino acid composition of a calf-liver polypeptide extract

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Protein synthesis restored in hepatocytes from old rats
  • Chromatin loosened in blood cells from people in their eighties
  • One open comparison in chronic hepatitis, published only in a patent
Key risks & cons
  • The human record is one patent example that cannot be examined
  • Unapproved grey-market material of unverifiable identity
  • The evidence base traces to one programme
Full monograph
Research Use Only
MOTS-c: 16 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Longevity & Mitochondrial · evidence 1 of 5

MOTS-c

Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c

Mitochondrial-derived peptide — 16 amino acids encoded in mitochondrial DNA

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Improved insulin sensitivity in mice
  • Exercise-mimetic effects in animals
  • A human genetic signal that later reversed direction
Key risks & cons
  • No completed human trial, and none with results
  • Unknown dosing and pharmacokinetics
  • Broad transcriptional effects
Full monograph
Not a Peptide
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): structure not stated · Longevity & Mitochondrial · evidence 2 of 5

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

NAD · NAD+ · Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

Dinucleotide coenzyme, not a peptide — nicotinamide mononucleotide joined to adenosine monophosphate by a pyrophosphate bridge; a redox carrier and enzyme substrate in every living cell

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Oral precursors raise blood NAD+ reliably
  • Infused material does reach the circulation
  • Short-term tolerability of the oral precursors
Key risks & cons
  • No controlled trial of anything it is sold for
  • Infusion reactions are the rule, not the exception
  • Unapproved, grey-market and inconsistently made
Full monograph

Sexual Health & Melanocortin

3 peptides

Melanocortin receptor agonists affecting desire, arousal and pigmentation.

FDA Approved
Afamelanotide: 13 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Sexual Health & Melanocortin · evidence 5 of 5

Afamelanotide

Melanotan I · Scenesse · NDP-MSH

Selective MC1R agonist — alpha-MSH analog

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Increased pain-free light exposure in EPP
  • Improved quality of life
  • Receptor selectivity
Key risks & cons
  • Generalised skin darkening
  • Implant site reactions
  • Melanocytic lesion monitoring required
Full monograph
Research Use Only
Melanotan II: 7 amino acids (from the sequence record), cyclic · Sexual Health & Melanocortin · evidence 1 of 5

Melanotan II

MT-II · MT2

Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R/MC5R)

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Produces tanning without UV
  • Appetite suppression
  • Sexual arousal effects
Key risks & cons
  • Melanoma and changing moles
  • Rhabdomyolysis
  • Priapism
Full monograph
FDA Approved
PT-141 (Bremelanotide): 7 amino acids (from the sequence record), cyclic · Sexual Health & Melanocortin · evidence 5 of 5

PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

Bremelanotide · Vyleesi

Melanocortin receptor agonist (MC3R/MC4R) — cyclic heptapeptide

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Statistically significant desire improvement
  • On-demand rather than daily dosing
  • Central mechanism
Key risks & cons
  • Nausea
  • Transient blood pressure increase
  • Hyperpigmentation with repeated dosing
Full monograph

Hormonal & Reproductive

7 peptides

Peptides acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

Limited Approval
Gonadorelin: 10 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Hormonal & Reproductive · evidence 3 of 5

Gonadorelin

GnRH · LHRH · Factrel

Synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone — decapeptide identical to the endogenous hormone

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Maintains testicular function during TRT
  • Fertility restoration in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
  • Diagnostic utility
Key risks & cons
  • Paradoxical suppression with incorrect dosing
  • Limited comparative evidence in TRT use
  • Requires an intact pituitary
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): 237 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Hormonal & Reproductive · evidence 5 of 5

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Pregnyl · Novarel · Ovidrel

Glycoprotein hormone with an LH-like beta subunit — technically a glycoprotein rather than a simple peptide

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Restores testicular testosterone production
  • Preserves fertility on TRT
  • Ovulation induction
Key risks & cons
  • The hCG diet does not work
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
  • Estradiol elevation and gynecomastia in men
Full monograph
In Clinical Trials
Kisspeptin-10: 10 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Hormonal & Reproductive · evidence 3 of 5

Kisspeptin-10

KP-10 · metastin fragment

Decapeptide fragment of kisspeptin, the master regulator of GnRH release

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Safer IVF trigger
  • Sexual desire effects in randomized trials
  • Physiological upstream mechanism
Key risks & cons
  • Not approved
  • Very short half-life
  • Receptor desensitisation with continuous exposure
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Lanreotide: 8 amino acids (from the sequence record), cyclic, disulfide bridge · Hormonal & Reproductive · evidence 5 of 5

Lanreotide

Somatuline Depot · Somatuline Autogel · Cipla lanreotide

Synthetic cyclic octapeptide somatostatin analogue, disulfide-bridged and D-amino acid substituted; formulated as a supersaturated aqueous gel that self-assembles into a depot without a polymer carrier

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Prolongs progression-free survival in GEP-NETs
  • Biochemical control in acromegaly
  • Controls carcinoid syndrome symptoms
Key risks & cons
  • Gallstones and biliary sludge
  • Glucose dysregulation
  • Injection site reactions and nodules
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Leuprolide: 9 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Hormonal & Reproductive · evidence 5 of 5

Leuprolide

Lupron · Eligard · leuprorelin

GnRH receptor superagonist — nonapeptide analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Effective androgen deprivation in prostate cancer
  • Halts central precocious puberty
  • Reduces endometriosis pain and fibroid volume
Key risks & cons
  • Testosterone flare in the first two weeks
  • Bone mineral density loss
  • Cardiometabolic effects
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Octreotide: 8 amino acids (from the sequence record), cyclic, disulfide bridge · Hormonal & Reproductive · evidence 5 of 5

Octreotide

Sandostatin · Sandostatin LAR · Bynfezia

Synthetic cyclic octapeptide analogue of somatostatin, cyclised by a disulfide bridge and built with D-amino acids that resist enzymatic breakdown

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Biochemical control in acromegaly
  • Controls carcinoid syndrome
  • Slows tumour progression in midgut NETs
Key risks & cons
  • Gallstones and biliary sludge
  • Disturbed glucose control in both directions
  • Gastrointestinal effects on starting
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Oxytocin: 9 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Hormonal & Reproductive · evidence 5 of 5

Oxytocin

Pitocin · Syntocinon

Endogenous nonapeptide hormone

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Effective labor induction and augmentation
  • Postpartum hemorrhage control
  • Milk ejection reflex support
Key risks & cons
  • Boxed warning against elective induction
  • Water intoxication and hyponatremia
  • Uterine hyperstimulation and rupture
Full monograph

Gut & Gastrointestinal

4 peptides

Peptides acting on the gut lumen and mucosa — several approved, several barely absorbed by design.

In Clinical Trials
Larazotide Acetate: 8 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Gut & Gastrointestinal · evidence 3 of 5

Larazotide Acetate

AT-1001 · INN-202

Octapeptide tight-junction regulator (zonulin antagonist)

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Phase 2 symptom improvement in celiac disease
  • Excellent safety profile
  • Validated a mechanism
Key risks & cons
  • Failed phase 3
  • Not available
  • Headache and gastrointestinal symptoms
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Linaclotide: 14 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Gut & Gastrointestinal · evidence 5 of 5

Linaclotide

Linzess · Constella

Guanylate cyclase-C agonist — 14-amino-acid peptide with three disulfide bridges

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Relieves both constipation and abdominal pain
  • Essentially no systemic exposure
  • Consistent phase 3 results
Key risks & cons
  • Boxed warning: contraindicated in young children
  • Diarrhea
  • Severe diarrhea and dehydration
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Plecanatide: 16 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Gut & Gastrointestinal · evidence 4 of 5

Plecanatide

Trulance

Guanylate cyclase-C agonist — 16-amino-acid uroguanylin analog

4/5 Strong Evidence rating 4 out of 5: Strong
Key benefits
  • Phase 3 efficacy in both indications
  • pH-dependent activity
  • Single dose strength for constipation
Key risks & cons
  • Boxed warning: contraindicated in young children
  • Diarrhea
  • No head-to-head comparison
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Teduglutide: 33 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Gut & Gastrointestinal · evidence 5 of 5

Teduglutide

Gattex · Revestive

GLP-2 receptor agonist — 33-amino-acid analog resistant to DPP-4

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Reduces parenteral nutrition dependence
  • Genuine mucosal growth
  • Reduces infusion days per week
Key risks & cons
  • Colorectal cancer surveillance required
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Biliary and pancreatic disease
Full monograph

Antimicrobial & Antibiotic

4 peptides

Peptide antibiotics in frontline hospital use, plus the host-defence peptides marketed as supplements.

FDA Approved
Colistin (Polymyxin E): 10 amino acids (from the sequence record), cyclic, fatty-acid chain · Antimicrobial & Antibiotic · evidence 4 of 5

Colistin (Polymyxin E)

Colistimethate sodium · Coly-Mycin M · polymyxin E

Cyclic cationic polypeptide antibiotic with a fatty acyl tail

4/5 Strong Evidence rating 4 out of 5: Strong
Key benefits
  • Activity against carbapenem-resistant organisms
  • Inhaled delivery for lung infection
  • Slow resistance development historically
Key risks & cons
  • Nephrotoxicity in a large fraction of patients
  • Neurotoxicity
  • Confusing dosing units
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Daptomycin: 13 amino acids (from the sequence record), cyclic, fatty-acid chain · Antimicrobial & Antibiotic · evidence 5 of 5

Daptomycin

Cubicin

Cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic — 13 amino acids with a decanoyl fatty acid tail

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Effective against MRSA bacteraemia
  • Rapid bactericidal activity
  • Once-daily dosing
Key risks & cons
  • Inactivated by pulmonary surfactant — useless in pneumonia
  • Rhabdomyolysis and myopathy
  • Eosinophilic pneumonia
Full monograph
Research Use Only
LL-37: 37 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Antimicrobial & Antibiotic · evidence 2 of 5

LL-37

Cathelicidin · hCAP-18 fragment

Human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide — 37 residues

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
  • Chronic wound healing signal
  • Endotoxin neutralisation
Key risks & cons
  • Drives autoimmune skin disease
  • Pro-inflammatory at higher concentrations
  • Cytotoxic to human cells at higher doses
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Vancomycin: 7 amino acids (from the sequence record), cyclic · Antimicrobial & Antibiotic · evidence 5 of 5

Vancomycin

Vancocin

Glycopeptide antibiotic — a heavily modified, glycosylated seven-residue peptide

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Reliable anti-MRSA activity
  • Oral therapy for C. difficile
  • Broad Gram-positive coverage
Key risks & cons
  • Nephrotoxicity
  • Requires therapeutic drug monitoring
  • Vancomycin infusion reaction
Full monograph

Cardiac & Vascular

3 peptides

Natriuretic and vasopressin-family peptides — and a lesson in why surrogate endpoints mislead.

In Clinical Trials
Angiotensin (1-7): 7 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Cardiac & Vascular · evidence 3 of 5

Angiotensin (1-7)

Ang-(1-7) · A(1-7) · Angiotensin 1-7

Endogenous heptapeptide of the renin-angiotensin system — angiotensin II minus its C-terminal phenylalanine; agonist at the Mas (MAS1) receptor

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Tolerated in randomised human trials
  • Platelet protection during chemotherapy
  • Biomarker signal in early cancer trials
Key risks & cons
  • Failed its largest randomised test
  • Serious neurological events ended the dose escalation
  • Unapproved and unregulated outside a trial
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Desmopressin: 9 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Cardiac & Vascular · evidence 5 of 5

Desmopressin

DDAVP · Nocdurna · Stimate

Synthetic vasopressin analog — nonapeptide selective for the V2 receptor

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Definitive therapy for central diabetes insipidus
  • Releases von Willebrand factor and factor VIII
  • Reduces nocturia and nocturnal enuresis
Key risks & cons
  • Hyponatremia — the central risk
  • Fluid restriction is mandatory, not advisory
  • Elderly patients are markedly higher risk
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Nesiritide: 32 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Cardiac & Vascular · evidence 5 of 5

Nesiritide

Natrecor · recombinant BNP

Recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide — 32 amino acids

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Reduces pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
  • Small improvement in dyspnoea
  • No proarrhythmia
Key risks & cons
  • No benefit on death or rehospitalisation
  • Hypotension
  • Earlier renal safety controversy
Full monograph

Ophthalmic

2 peptides

Peptides approved for the eye, where local delivery separates efficacy from systemic toxicity.

FDA Approved
Cenegermin: 118 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Ophthalmic · evidence 5 of 5

Cenegermin

Oxervate · recombinant human nerve growth factor

Recombinant human nerve growth factor — a 118-amino-acid protein

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Heals persistent corneal defects
  • First approved therapy for the condition
  • Durable healing
Key risks & cons
  • Eye pain during treatment
  • Demanding regimen
  • Ocular hyperaemia and inflammation
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Ciclosporin (Cyclosporine A): 11 amino acids (from the sequence record), cyclic · Ophthalmic · evidence 5 of 5

Ciclosporin (Cyclosporine A)

Restasis · Cequa · Neoral

Cyclic undecapeptide of fungal origin, containing several non-standard amino acids

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Treats the cause of dry eye, not just symptoms
  • Made modern transplantation possible
  • Negligible systemic exposure ophthalmically
Key risks & cons
  • Systemic use is nephrotoxic
  • Systemic use raises malignancy and infection risk
  • Ocular burning on instillation
Full monograph

Skin & Cosmetic

9 peptides

Topical peptides with human data for wrinkles, collagen and skin repair.

Cosmetic Ingredient
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3: 4 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Skin & Cosmetic · evidence 2 of 5

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

Ac-KGHK-NH2 · N2-acetyl-L-lysylglycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysinamide · Acetyl Tetrapeptide-1

Synthetic N-acetylated tetrapeptide C-terminal amide, Ac-Lys-Gly-His-Lys-NH2 — the GHK matrikine motif extended by an N-terminal lysine

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Terminal hair counts rose in the one randomised trial
  • Matrix proteins increase in cell and explant culture
  • Follicle elongation in organ culture
Key risks & cons
  • The peptide has never been tested alone in people
  • Cosmetic lawfulness is not evidence of efficacy
  • The mechanistic evidence is manufacturer-generated
Full monograph
Cosmetic Ingredient
AHK-Cu: 3 amino acids (from the sequence record), metal centre · Skin & Cosmetic · evidence 1 of 5

AHK-Cu

Copper tripeptide-3 · AHK copper peptide · Ala-His-Lys copper

Copper(II) complex of the synthetic tripeptide Ala-His-Lys — GHK with alanine in place of the N-terminal glycine

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Follicle elongation in organ culture
  • Dermal papilla cell proliferation
  • An anti-apoptotic signal in the same cells
Key risks & cons
  • No clinical trial exists
  • Cosmetic legality is not efficacy evidence
  • Copper loading if it is injected
Full monograph
Cosmetic Ingredient
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8): 6 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Skin & Cosmetic · evidence 3 of 5

Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)

Acetyl hexapeptide-3 · AH8

Synthetic hexapeptide modelled on the N-terminal end of SNAP-25

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Measurable wrinkle-depth reduction
  • Excellent safety profile
  • No injections or downtime
Key risks & cons
  • Far weaker than injectable neuromodulators
  • Limited skin penetration
  • Effects reverse on stopping
Full monograph
Cosmetic Ingredient
Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 (Biotinyl-GHK): 3 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Skin & Cosmetic · evidence 2 of 5

Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 (Biotinyl-GHK)

Biotinyl-GHK · Biotin-GHK · Biotinyl-Gly-His-Lys

Vitamin-peptide conjugate: the tripeptide GHK (Gly-His-Lys) with biotin amide-bonded to the glycine N-terminus

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Hair-shaft growth in cultured human follicles
  • Root-sheath cell division maintained ex vivo
  • Reported to localise around the follicle
Key risks & cons
  • The peptide alone has never been tested in people
  • Multi-ingredient attribution problem, compounded
  • Cosmetic lawfulness is not evidence of efficacy
Full monograph
Cosmetic Ingredient
GHK-Cu: 3 amino acids (from the sequence record), metal centre · Skin & Cosmetic · evidence 3 of 5

GHK-Cu

Copper tripeptide-1 · Gly-His-Lys copper complex

Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Improved skin firmness and wrinkle depth
  • Wound healing acceleration
  • Collagen and elastin stimulation
Key risks & cons
  • Injectable use has no evidence base
  • Copper accumulation concern
  • Skin irritation and contact dermatitis
Full monograph
Cosmetic Ingredient
GPIGS (Pentapeptide-20): 5 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Skin & Cosmetic · evidence 3 of 5

GPIGS (Pentapeptide-20)

Pentapeptide-20 · Gly-Pro-Ile-Gly-Ser · GPIGS peptide

Unmodified linear pentapeptide Gly-Pro-Ile-Gly-Ser, free at both termini; originally isolated from a bacterial culture broth and now made synthetically

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • More thick hairs in a controlled trial
  • Fewer vellus hairs in the same trial
  • Blinded photographic grading favoured the peptide
Key risks & cons
  • One small trial is the entire human record
  • Run by the organisation that developed it
  • Hair density did not increase
Full monograph
Cosmetic Ingredient
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4): 5 amino acids (from the sequence record), fatty-acid chain · Skin & Cosmetic · evidence 3 of 5

Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)

Pal-KTTKS · Matrixyl 3000 (with Pal-GHK)

Lipidated pentapeptide — a collagen fragment conjugated to palmitic acid

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Wrinkle and roughness improvement in controlled trials
  • Comparable to retinol with better tolerance
  • Collagen and matrix stimulation
Key risks & cons
  • Modest effect sizes
  • Slow onset
  • Concentration varies widely between products
Full monograph
Cosmetic Ingredient
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1: 3 amino acids (from the sequence record), fatty-acid chain · Skin & Cosmetic · evidence 3 of 5

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Pal-GHK · Matrixyl Synthe'6 component · palmitoyl oligopeptide

Lipidated tripeptide — the GHK sequence conjugated to palmitic acid

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Wrinkle depth reduction in controlled studies
  • Collagen and matrix stimulation
  • Better penetration than unmodified GHK
Key risks & cons
  • Effect sizes are modest
  • Evidence largely from ingredient suppliers
  • Combination products obscure attribution
Full monograph
Cosmetic Ingredient
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3): 8 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Skin & Cosmetic · evidence 2 of 5

SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3)

Acetyl glutamyl heptapeptide-1

Synthetic octapeptide — an elongated analog of Argireline

2/5 Limited Evidence rating 2 out of 5: Limited
Key benefits
  • Reported wrinkle-depth reduction
  • Good tolerability
  • Non-invasive alternative
Key risks & cons
  • Evidence base is largely manufacturer-generated
  • Penetration challenges
  • Effects reverse on discontinuation
Full monograph

Bone, Muscle & Other

6 peptides

Bone-anabolic, myostatin-related, sleep and miscellaneous peptides.

FDA Approved
Abaloparatide: 34 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Bone, Muscle & Other · evidence 5 of 5

Abaloparatide

Tymlos · BA058

Synthetic 34-residue analogue of human parathyroid hormone-related protein PTHrP(1-34), with substitutions that bias it toward the RG conformation of the PTH1 receptor

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Large reduction in vertebral fracture
  • Reduces non-vertebral fracture
  • Anabolic rather than antiresorptive
Key risks & cons
  • Bone loss on stopping without follow-on therapy
  • Osteosarcoma signal in rats
  • Orthostatic hypotension
Full monograph
Research Use Only
Adipotide: 25 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Bone, Muscle & Other · evidence 1 of 5

Adipotide

FTPP · prohibitin-targeting peptide

Peptidomimetic targeting prohibitin on adipose vasculature, fused to a pro-apoptotic domain

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Rapid fat loss in primates
  • Novel targeting mechanism
Key risks & cons
  • Dose-dependent nephrotoxicity
  • Almost no human data
  • Non-selective apoptosis
Full monograph
Research Use Only
DSIP: 9 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Bone, Muscle & Other · evidence 1 of 5

DSIP

Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide

Nonapeptide isolated from rabbit cerebral venous blood during induced sleep

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Some sleep-onset improvement reported
  • Possible stress-axis modulation
  • Opioid withdrawal signals
Key risks & cons
  • Inconsistent and largely negative evidence
  • Extremely short half-life
  • No defined mechanism
Full monograph
Research Use Only
Follistatin-344: 315 amino acids (from the sequence record), disulfide bridge · Bone, Muscle & Other · evidence 1 of 5

Follistatin-344

FST-344 · myostatin inhibitor

Recombinant follistatin isoform — an activin and myostatin-binding glycoprotein

1/5 Minimal Evidence rating 1 out of 5: Minimal
Key benefits
  • Dramatic muscle growth in animal models
  • Gene therapy signals in muscular dystrophy
  • Antifibrotic activity
Key risks & cons
  • Injectable form is unstudied in humans
  • Activin blockade affects multiple systems
  • Tendon-muscle mismatch injury
Full monograph
Limited Approval
Glutathione: 3 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Bone, Muscle & Other · evidence 3 of 5

Glutathione

GSH · L-glutathione

Endogenous tripeptide antioxidant (glutamate-cysteine-glycine)

3/5 Moderate Evidence rating 3 out of 5: Moderate
Key benefits
  • Essential endogenous antioxidant
  • Supports hepatic detoxification
  • Modest skin-lightening signal orally
Key risks & cons
  • Endotoxin in dietary-supplement-grade powder
  • IV skin-lightening infusions are unapproved and unsafe
  • Poor oral bioavailability
Full monograph
FDA Approved
Teriparatide: 34 amino acids (from the sequence record) · Bone, Muscle & Other · evidence 5 of 5

Teriparatide

Forteo · PTH (1-34)

Recombinant human parathyroid hormone fragment — first 34 amino acids

5/5 Very strong Evidence rating 5 out of 5: Very strong
Key benefits
  • Reduces vertebral fractures
  • Reduces non-vertebral fractures
  • Genuinely anabolic
Key risks & cons
  • Historic osteosarcoma signal
  • Hypercalcemia
  • Orthostatic hypotension
Full monograph
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Every monograph carries a 1-5 evidence rating tied to a published, fixed definition. A peptide with enthusiastic online testimonials and no human trials is rated 1, however popular it is.

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For approved drugs we describe the studied indication. For research compounds we describe what was studied and in what species. Inventing a human dose for a compound never tested in humans is not education.

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When evidence changes or we get something wrong, the monograph is updated and the change is noted. Regulatory status in particular moves quickly.

Meet the review board Read the safety guidance

Before you consider any peptide Most compounds in this library are not approved for human use, and the ones that are approved are prescription drugs with real contraindications. Grey-market vials have repeatedly failed independent testing for identity, purity and sterility. Talk to a physician who knows your history — and read our safety page first.