Peptide Guide
& Database

BPC-157

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.

TB-500

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.

GHK-Cu

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.

CJC-1295

Growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog

A synthetic GHRH analog studied for stimulating growth-hormone release. Exists in a short-acting 'no-DAC' form (modified GRF 1-29) and a long-acting 'DAC' form.

Ipamorelin

Ghrelin-receptor agonist (GH secretagogue)

A selective ghrelin-receptor agonist studied for stimulating growth-hormone release with comparatively little effect on cortisol or prolactin, making it a frequently referenced 'clean' secretagogue.

Sermorelin

Growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog

A GHRH (1-29) analog — the shortest fully active fragment of GHRH — historically used clinically as a diagnostic agent and studied for supporting endogenous growth-hormone output.

Tesamorelin

Stabilized GHRH analog

A stabilized GHRH analog that is FDA-approved (as Egrifta) to reduce excess visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy — one of the few peptides in this index with an approved human indication.

GHRP-2

Growth-hormone-releasing peptide (ghrelin-receptor agonist)

A potent growth-hormone-releasing peptide and ghrelin-receptor agonist studied for stimulating GH release; also investigated as a diagnostic test of pituitary GH reserve.

GHRP-6

Growth-hormone-releasing peptide (ghrelin-receptor agonist)

An early growth-hormone-releasing hexapeptide notable in research for a pronounced appetite-stimulating (hunger) effect alongside GH release.

Hexarelin

Growth-hormone-releasing peptide (ghrelin-receptor agonist)

A potent synthetic GH-releasing hexapeptide, structurally related to GHRP-6, additionally studied for cardiovascular-tissue effects in preclinical models.

IGF-1 LR3

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.

Semaglutide

GLP-1 receptor agonist

A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, FDA-approved for type-2 diabetes and chronic weight management under brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. One of the most-studied incretin peptides.

Tirzepatide

Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist

A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, FDA-approved as Mounjaro (type-2 diabetes) and Zepbound (weight management). Trials reported notably large reductions in body weight.

Retatrutide

Triple GIP / GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonist

An investigational 'triple agonist' targeting the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors. Phase-2 trials reported among the largest weight reductions seen for an incretin agent. Not approved.

MOTS-c

Mitochondrial-derived peptide

A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied as a metabolic regulator and exercise-mimetic in preclinical models, and of interest in aging and insulin-sensitivity research.

NAD+

Cellular coenzyme (not a peptide; included as a research cofactor)

A coenzyme central to cellular energy metabolism and DNA-repair signaling. Levels decline with age, making it a major focus of longevity and mitochondrial research. Included here as a commonly co-studied research cofactor.

Epithalon

Synthetic tetrapeptide

A synthetic tetrapeptide derived from the pineal peptide epithalamin, studied in longevity research — notably for reported effects on telomerase activity in cell and animal models.

PT-141

Melanocortin receptor agonist

A melanocortin-receptor agonist, FDA-approved as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Studied for arousal via central nervous-system pathways rather than the vascular route.

Melanotan II

Melanocortin receptor agonist

A synthetic melanocortin agonist studied for skin pigmentation (tanning) and, secondarily, arousal. It is not approved, and research notes meaningful safety considerations.

Selank

Synthetic heptapeptide (tuftsin analog)

A synthetic analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed in Russia and studied for anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and cognitive effects, often administered intranasally in research.

Semax

Synthetic ACTH(4-10) fragment analog

A synthetic peptide derived from a fragment of ACTH, developed in Russia and studied for nootropic and neuroprotective effects, typically administered intranasally in research.

AOD-9604

Modified growth-hormone fragment

A modified fragment of the C-terminus of human growth hormone (residues 176-191) studied for fat metabolism without the full growth-promoting effects of intact GH.

Cagrilintide

Long-acting amylin analog

A long-acting synthetic analog of the hormone amylin, developed for weight management and most often studied alongside semaglutide in the fixed combination known as CagriSema. It remains investigational.

Survodutide

GLP-1 / glucagon dual receptor agonist

An investigational once-weekly peptide that activates both the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, studied for obesity and metabolic liver disease (MASH).

Mazdutide

GLP-1 / glucagon dual receptor agonist (oxyntomodulin analog)

A once-weekly GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist based on the gut hormone oxyntomodulin. It has been approved in China for weight management and remains investigational in other regions.

5-Amino-1MQ

Small-molecule NNMT inhibitor (not a peptide)

A small-molecule inhibitor of the enzyme NNMT — not a peptide — studied mainly in cell and animal models for its effects on fat-cell metabolism and its potential to preserve NAD+.

SS-31

Mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide

A mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide, also known as elamipretide, studied clinically for mitochondrial diseases and other conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction.

Humanin

Mitochondrial-derived peptide

A small peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA (a 'mitochondrial-derived peptide') that has been studied for cytoprotective and metabolic signaling in aging research.

Thymosin Alpha-1

Immunomodulatory 28-amino-acid peptide

An immune-modulating 28-amino-acid peptide, marketed as Zadaxin in a number of countries. It is among the more clinically studied immune peptides, though it is not FDA-approved in the United States.

LL-37

Cathelicidin-derived antimicrobial peptide

The only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, studied for direct antimicrobial activity as well as roles in inflammation and wound healing. Human therapeutic use is investigational.

KPV

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.

Larazotide

Synthetic octapeptide (tight-junction regulator)

An orally administered octapeptide studied as a 'tight-junction regulator' for reducing intestinal permeability, most notably in celiac-disease research.

DSIP

Nonapeptide

Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide, a nonapeptide first isolated in connection with sleep regulation. Its effects in humans remain poorly characterized and inconsistent.

Cerebrolysin

Porcine brain-derived neuropeptide preparation

A neurotrophic preparation of low-molecular-weight peptides and amino acids derived from porcine brain tissue, used in several countries for neurological conditions but not FDA-approved.

Kisspeptin-10

Kisspeptin decapeptide fragment

A decapeptide fragment of kisspeptin, a key upstream regulator of reproductive hormones, studied in fertility and reproductive-neuroendocrine research.

Gonadorelin

Synthetic GnRH decapeptide

A synthetic form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It has established diagnostic and fertility uses and is also used off-label to support endogenous hormone production.

PEG-MGF

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.

Follistatin-344

Recombinant follistatin isoform (glycoprotein)

A recombinant isoform of follistatin, a natural inhibitor of myostatin, studied for its potential to increase muscle mass. Most human work uses gene therapy rather than the injected protein.

Afamelanotide

Synthetic alpha-MSH (MC1R) analog

A synthetic analog of alpha-MSH, approved as Scenesse (a subcutaneous implant) for the rare light-sensitivity disorder erythropoietic protoporphyria. It is the same molecule as melanotan I.

Argireline

Topical cosmetic hexapeptide

A topical cosmetic hexapeptide (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) marketed for the appearance of expression lines. It is a skincare ingredient, not an injectable.

MK-677

Orally active non-peptide ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist / growth hormone secretagogue

MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an orally active growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin at the GHS-R1a receptor. Despite being grouped with research peptides, it is a small non-peptide molecule taken by mouth rather than injected. It remains investigational and is not an approved drug in the United States.

Liraglutide

GLP-1 receptor agonist (acylated human GLP-1 analog)

Liraglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed as Victoza (type 2 diabetes) and Saxenda (chronic weight management). It is a once-daily injectable analog of human GLP-1 modified with a fatty-acid chain that extends its duration of action relative to native GLP-1.

Dulaglutide

Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 analog-IgG4 Fc fusion protein)

Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is an FDA-approved once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction. It is a fusion protein linking two modified GLP-1 analog peptides to a human IgG4 Fc fragment, which substantially extends its half-life.

Oxytocin

Nonapeptide neurohypophyseal hormone (9-amino-acid cyclic peptide)

Oxytocin is an endogenous nine-amino-acid neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. The injectable form (Pitocin/Syntocinon) is FDA-approved for labor induction and postpartum use, while intranasal oxytocin is widely researched for social bonding, trust, and anxiety.

Thymosin Beta-4

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.

ARA-290

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.

Dihexa

Angiotensin IV-derived oligopeptide analog (HGF/c-Met potentiator)

Dihexa is a small angiotensin IV-derived peptide analog developed as a candidate for cognitive disorders. In preclinical work it is reported to potentiate hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling at the c-Met receptor and to promote synaptogenesis. Human data are essentially absent; it is preclinical/research-only.

SNAP-8

Topical cosmetic octapeptide (SNAP-25 mimetic)

SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a topical cosmetic peptide marketed as a neuromodulating anti-wrinkle ingredient. It is an eight-amino-acid fragment modeled on the N-terminus of SNAP-25 and is used in leave-on skincare rather than by injection. Evidence is largely manufacturer- and cosmetic-study based.

Matrixyl

Topical cosmetic palmitoylated pentapeptide (collagen matrikine)

Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Pal-KTTKS) is a topical cosmetic peptide built from a procollagen-derived KTTKS sequence conjugated to a palmitic-acid chain for skin penetration. It is used in anti-aging skincare to support the appearance of firmness and fine lines, based mainly on cosmetic clinical testing.

Adipotide

Pro-apoptotic targeting peptide (prohibitin-homing motif fused to a KLAKLAK apoptotic domain)

Adipotide (FTPP) is an experimental targeting peptidomimetic aimed at the vasculature supporting white adipose tissue. In preclinical studies it induced fat loss by triggering apoptosis of the blood vessels feeding fat. It is preclinical/research-only, with notable renal toxicity signals in animal work.

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)

28-amino-acid vasoactive and immunomodulatory neuropeptide (secretin/glucagon family)

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide with broad roles in vasodilation, smooth-muscle relaxation, secretion, and immune regulation. A synthetic form, aviptadil, has been investigated clinically for respiratory and pulmonary conditions. Some research communities use intranasal VIP; the systemic half-life is very short.

Glutathione

Endogenous tripeptide antioxidant (gamma-Glu-Cys-Gly)

Glutathione (GSH) is an endogenous tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine that serves as a master intracellular antioxidant and cofactor for detoxification enzymes. It is researched and used across several routes - IV, subcutaneous, nebulized, and oral/liposomal - for oxidative-stress, hepatic, and dermatologic contexts. Oral bioavailability of standard forms is poor.

Thymulin

Zinc-dependent nonapeptide thymic hormone

Thymulin is a nine-amino-acid thymic peptide hormone that requires bound zinc for biological activity. Secreted by thymic epithelial cells, it participates in T-cell differentiation and immune regulation and has been studied for immunomodulation, inflammation, and (in analog form) pain and neuroinflammation. It is investigational.

P21

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF)-derived neurogenic peptide (adamantylated small-peptide derivative)

P21 (P021) is a small peptidergic compound derived from an active region of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), chemically modified (adamantylation) for stability and brain penetration. In preclinical models it is reported to enhance neurogenesis and BDNF signaling and to reduce tau pathology. It is preclinical/research-only.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Glycoprotein hormone (gonadotropin)

HCG is a placental glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone and is FDA-approved for fertility indications and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In male research and TRT-adjacent contexts it is used to maintain testicular testosterone production and testicular size. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder dosed in international units (IU) rather than milligrams.

Somatropin (Recombinant HGH)

Recombinant peptide hormone (191-amino-acid growth hormone)

Somatropin is recombinant human growth hormone, the 191-amino-acid hormone itself rather than a secretagogue. It is FDA-approved across several growth-hormone-deficiency and growth-failure indications and is the hormone that peptides such as sermorelin, CJC-1295, and the GHRPs prompt the pituitary to release. Because it is the native hormone, its effects and risks are comparatively well characterized.

IGF-1 DES (1-3)

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.

MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)

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.

ACE-031 (Ramatercept)

Recombinant Fc-fusion decoy receptor (ActRIIB-Fc)

ACE-031 (ramatercept) is a fusion protein linking the activin receptor type IIB extracellular domain to an antibody Fc region, designed to trap myostatin and related ligands and thereby increase muscle mass. It reached early human trials, including in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but development was halted over vascular safety signals. It is investigational and not approved.

SLU-PP-332

Small-molecule ERR agonist (not a peptide)

SLU-PP-332 is a small-molecule agonist of the estrogen-related receptors investigated as an exercise-mimetic candidate that increases oxidative metabolism and endurance in rodents. Despite being frequently grouped with research peptides, it is not a peptide. Evidence is preclinical with no human data, and it is not approved.

Tesofensine

Small-molecule triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (not a peptide)

Tesofensine is an orally active small-molecule triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor first trialed for neurodegenerative disease and later repurposed for obesity. It is not a peptide. It remains investigational and is not FDA-approved, though it produced notable weight loss in Phase 2 obesity trials.

B7-33

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.

Serelaxin (Recombinant Relaxin-2)

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.

Pinealon

Short peptide bioregulator (tripeptide)

Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) from the Khavinson short-peptide bioregulator program, studied for neuroprotective and cognitive effects. Almost all supporting evidence comes from a single Russian research lineage, and it is not approved; independent human data are very limited.

Thymalin

Thymic peptide bioregulator (polypeptide fraction)

Thymalin is a peptide fraction extracted from thymus tissue and used in Russian clinical research as an immunomodulator intended to restore T-cell balance in aging and illness. It is used as a drug in Russia but is not FDA-approved, and most evidence comes from Russian-language literature.

Noopept

Dipeptide-derived nootropic (small molecule, oral)

Noopept is a synthetic dipeptide-derived nootropic (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester) developed in Russia and taken orally, not by injection. It is a prescription nootropic in Russia and sold elsewhere as a supplement, but it is not FDA-approved and robust independent clinical evidence is limited.