The most-studied research peptides for connective-tissue, tendon, ligament, and gut-lining repair — whether you are comparing BPC-157 and TB-500, checking a reconstitution, or reading the mechanism behind a compound.
Start with the fundamentals before comparing compounds.
12 compounds in this research area. Each links to a full profile, dosing chart, and sourcing.
Synthetic pentadecapeptide
A stable synthetic peptide based on a partial sequence identified in gastric juice. It is one of the most-studied research peptides for connective-tissue and gut-lining repair in animal models.
Synthetic actin-binding peptide fragment
A synthetic fragment related to Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring actin-regulating peptide. Studied in preclinical models for cell migration, wound healing, and flexibility.
Copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys)
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide whose plasma level declines with age. Extensively studied in skin biology for remodeling, and in topical cosmetic formulations.
Recombinant IGF-1 analog
A modified, long-acting analog of insulin-like growth factor 1 widely used as a research reagent in cell-culture and preclinical growth studies.
Alpha-MSH-derived tripeptide
A tripeptide fragment (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from the C-terminus of alpha-MSH, studied for anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in models of gut inflammation.
Pegylated IGF-1 splice variant (Mechano Growth Factor)
A pegylated form of Mechano Growth Factor, a splice variant of IGF-1 linked to muscle repair. Human data are limited and its use is investigational.
43-amino-acid actin-sequestering peptide (full-length thymosin beta-4)
Thymosin beta-4 is a naturally occurring 43-amino-acid peptide and a major intracellular actin-sequestering molecule. It is the full-length parent from which the research fragment commonly sold as TB-500 is derived, and it is studied for tissue repair, angiogenesis, and cell migration. It remains investigational.
11-amino-acid innate repair receptor (IRR) agonist derived from erythropoietin helix-B
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is an 11-amino-acid peptide modeled on the helix-B region of erythropoietin. It selectively engages the innate repair receptor without stimulating red-cell production, and has been studied for neuropathic pain and tissue protection, notably in sarcoidosis-related small-fiber neuropathy. It is investigational.
Truncated IGF-1 analog
IGF-1 DES(1-3) is a truncated form of insulin-like growth factor 1 missing its first three N-terminal amino acids, a change that sharply lowers binding to IGF-binding proteins and increases potency. It is a laboratory research reagent with no approved human use and essentially no controlled human data.
IGF-1 splice-variant peptide (IGF-1Ec)
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 known as IGF-1Ec, expressed transiently by muscle after mechanical loading or damage. The non-pegylated form described here is very short-acting and is distinct from the stabilized PEG-MGF variant. Evidence is preclinical and it is not an approved therapeutic.
Single-chain relaxin-2 peptide analog
B7-33 is a single-chain peptide analog of human relaxin-2 engineered to retain relaxin anti-fibrotic activity in a simpler, more synthesizable molecule. It is a preclinical research reagent studied in models of cardiac, lung, and kidney fibrosis, with no human trials and no approved use.
Recombinant peptide hormone (relaxin-2)
Serelaxin is recombinant human relaxin-2 (RLX030) studied mainly as a short intravenous infusion in acute heart failure. After early promise, the large RELAX-AHF-2 trial did not meet its primary endpoints, and the compound remains investigational and unapproved. Human data therefore exist but are ultimately negative for its lead indication.
In-depth, research-framed reading for this category.
Educational summary only. Dosing figures describe how these compounds appear in the research literature and research-community references — they are not a personal treatment plan or a recommendation for human use. For laboratory research use only.
