Peptides

DDAVP · ADH Synthetic Analog

A synthetic antidiuretic-hormone (vasopressin) V2-receptor analog, FDA-approved for central diabetes insipidus, bedwetting, nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria, and perioperative bleeding control in mild hemophilia A and type 1 von Willebrand disease. It also triggers release of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor. Off-label memory-enhancement use is experimental and rests on limited, dated human data.

ADH Analog / MemoryFDA Approved. Central diabetes insipidus, primary nocturnal enuresis, perioperative hemostasis in mild hemophilia A and type 1/2M von Willebrand disease, and nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria (Noctiva, 2017). NOT approved for memory or cognitive enhancement.

Pancreatic Alpha-Cell Hormone

Insulin's counter-regulatory hormone, FDA-approved for emergency hypoglycemia and the basis for the dual/triple agonist drug classes (tirzepatide, retatrutide).

Counter-Regulatory HormoneFDA Approved (emergency hypoglycemia)

The Original Peptide Drug (1922)

The first peptide drug ever used clinically (1922, Banting and Best in Toronto) and the first peptide structurally characterized and synthesized, the foundational proof that small amino-acid chains could be therapeutic drugs.

Metabolic / FoundationalFDA approved. Recombinant human insulin (Eli Lilly Humulin) approved 30 October 1982; many analog and formulation approvals since.

Lupron · GnRH Long-Acting Agonist

A long-acting GnRH agonist, FDA-approved for prostate cancer, endometriosis, and precocious puberty. Paradoxically suppresses sex hormones through pituitary desensitization.

GnRH Agonist / Hormone SuppressionFDA Approved (Lupron)

Victoza / Saxenda (GLP-1 Analog)

A once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist and the direct predecessor to semaglutide, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Outpaced by newer agents but still widely prescribed and cheaper in some markets.

GLP-1 AgonistFDA Approved (Victoza, Saxenda)

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist · Ozempic / Wegovy

The drug that pulled all of peptide medicine into the mainstream.

Metabolic / GLP-1FDA approved: Ozempic (injection) 2017 for type 2 diabetes, Rybelsus (oral) 2019 for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy (2.4 mg) 2021 for chronic weight management; later cardiovascular and kidney indications added.

Forteo · PTH (1-34) Fragment

A PTH (1-34) fragment, FDA-approved for severe osteoporosis and the gold-standard anabolic bone builder. Growing longevity interest for age-related bone loss.

Bone Anabolic / PTH AnalogFDA Approved (Forteo)

Dual GIP/GLP-1 Agonist · Mounjaro / Zepbound

Beat semaglutide head-to-head: 20.2% vs 13.7%. The current peak of incretin medicine.

Metabolic / Dual IncretinFDA Approved (Mounjaro, Zepbound)

Decapeptyl · GnRH Long-Acting Agonist

A long-acting GnRH agonist, FDA-approved for prostate cancer via androgen deprivation. Used off-label in some hormone protocols.

GnRH Agonist / OncologyFDA Approved: Trelstar (triptorelin pamoate) for advanced prostate cancer; Triptodur (triptorelin depot) for central precocious puberty in children 2+

Tymlos · PTHrP Analog

A PTHrP analog FDA-approved to build bone in postmenopausal women (2017) and later in men (2022) with osteoporosis at high fracture risk. Its anabolic action draws bone-health interest, though use is limited to the approved osteoporosis setting.

Bone Anabolic / PTHrPFDA Approved (Tymlos), postmenopausal women 2017 and men at high fracture risk 2022; osteosarcoma boxed warning later removed

Scenesse · Melanotan I Analog

An FDA-approved alpha-MSH analog for erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare disorder of extreme sun sensitivity. Distinct from and far less risky than Melanotan II.

Alpha-MSH AnalogFDA Approved October 2019 (Scenesse, 16mg implant, EPP phototoxicity); EMA authorised December 2014

Byetta / Bydureon · Gila Monster Peptide

The first FDA-approved GLP-1 agonist (2005), derived from exendin-4 in Gila monster venom, the compound that launched the entire drug class. Now largely displaced by semaglutide and tirzepatide.

GLP-1 Agonist / Exendin-4FDA Approved: Byetta twice daily 28 Apr 2005 (first-in-class GLP-1 RA); Bydureon once weekly 27 Jan 2012

Dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist

Multiple randomized trials support weight and glycemic effects. Approval is limited by jurisdiction, and the long-term safety record is still developing.

Metabolic / Dual receptor agonistGovernmental and issuer-filed sources record approval for chronic weight management in China and Macau and for glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. No United States or European Union approval was established in the reviewed sources. Approval is indication-specific and jurisdiction-specific.

Symlin / Amylin Analog

A synthetic amylin analog, FDA-approved as an adjunct to insulin in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Reduces post-meal glucose spikes; underutilized despite approval.

Amylin / AppetiteFDA-approved 2005 (SYMLIN); boxed warning for severe hypoglycemia with insulin

Bremelanotide · Melanocortin Agonist (Vyleesi)

The only FDA-approved peptide for sexual dysfunction, and the one most used off-label.

Sexual DysfunctionFDA approved June 2019 as Vyleesi (bremelanotide injection, 1.75 mg subcutaneous) for acquired, generalized HSDD in premenopausal women; off-label injectable PT-141 for male ED or general libido is unapproved, and compounded PT-141 (including nasal spray) is not FDA-approved.

Triple GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon Agonist (Lilly)

Phase 3 hit 28.3% weight loss in May 2026. The biggest number in obesity medicine.

Triple Incretin AgonistNot FDA-approved. Phase 3 obesity trial TRIUMPH-1 topline reported positive May 2026 (n=2,339); TRIUMPH-2, TRIUMPH-3 and the cardiovascular outcomes trial ongoing. NDA submission anticipated but not yet filed as of July 2026.

Dual glucagon and GLP-1 receptor agonist

An experimental dual glucagon/GLP-1 receptor agonist being tested in phase 3 trials for obesity, type 2 diabetes and liver disease.

Metabolic / Dual receptor agonistNo marketing approval was established in the sources reviewed through 2026-09-06. An EMA pediatric-plan decision concerns development and is not marketing authorization. An FDA warning letter described a marketed product bearing this name as an unapproved new drug.

GHRH Analog (Egrifta)

The only FDA-approved GHRH analog. Reduces visceral fat. Widely used off-label.

GH-Releasing / GHRH AnalogFDA approved November 10, 2010 (Egrifta) for excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy; F8 formulation approved as Egrifta WR. No approval for anti-aging, GH optimization, or body recomposition in healthy adults.

Prialt · Cone Snail Toxin Peptide

An FDA-approved pain medication derived from cone-snail venom, delivered only intrathecally (into the spinal cord). Powerful relief for refractory chronic pain.

Pain / N-Type Calcium Channel BlockerFDA approved December 28, 2004 (Prialt, intrathecal infusion) with boxed warning for severe psychiatric and neurological adverse effects

Long-Acting Amylin Analog (Novo Nordisk)

A long-acting amylin analog from Novo Nordisk, studied mostly in fixed combination with semaglutide as CagriSema. In Phase 3 REDEFINE 1 the combination was associated with about 22.7 percent weight loss at 68 weeks, which fell short of its 25 percent target; cagrilintide alone produced about 10.8 percent over 26 weeks in Phase 2. It is investigational and not FDA-approved, and any compounded or research-market cagrilintide sold today is unapproved and outside legal channels.

Amylin / Weight LossInvestigational; CagriSema NDA filed 18 Dec 2025, FDA decision expected late 2026. Not approved as of mid-2026.

Cagrilintide + Semaglutide (Novo Nordisk)

Novo Nordisk's once-weekly fixed combination of cagrilintide (amylin analogue) and semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist). Phase 3 REDEFINE 1 showed 22.7% mean weight loss, among the strongest obesity results reported, but it missed the company's own 25% ambition and sent the stock lower. An FDA NDA was filed in December 2025 with review expected in 2026; it is not yet approved.

Combined Amylin/GLP-1NDA submitted to FDA 18 December 2025 (REDEFINE 1 and REDEFINE 2); FDA review expected 2026; not yet approved

An experimental amylin receptor medicine for obesity, tested in clinical trials and reported to produce substantial weight loss, mostly as fat.

Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly Tetrapeptide (Epitalon)

Soviet Cold War science. Classified until 1991. Telomere claims no Western lab has verified.

Longevity / TelomereNot approved. Reviewed by the FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee in July 2026 among seven nominated peptides, with FDA briefing documents proposing it not be added to the 503A bulk drug substances list (advisory input, not a final agency determination).

Copper Tripeptide · Gly-His-Lys-Cu²⁺

In your blood since birth. Declining since 30. Search volume up 1,016% year-over-year.

Regenerative / Cosmetic / Gene-RegulatoryNot FDA drug-approved for any indication. Legal as a cosmetic ingredient (INCI copper tripeptide-1) under MoCRA; injectable is unapproved.

GLP-1 drug plus add-on metabolism peptides

approved drug plus unproven add-ons

Mixed: approved incretin drug plus experimental peptidesThe GLP-1 base drugs are FDA-approved: semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) are cleared for diabetes and/or obesity. GLP-1 means glucagon-like peptide-1, a gut hormone that signals fullness; tirzepatide also hits a second receptor called GIP. The add-on peptides are NOT approved as weight drugs: AOD-9604 has no drug approval (it holds a narrow food-ingredient GRAS notice and the FDA declined to add it to the compounding list in December 2024), and MOTS-c and 5-Amino-1MQ are sold as research chemicals only. The stack as a whole is not an approved regimen.

Gattex · GLP-2 Receptor Agonist

GLP-2 is an intestinotrophic gut hormone. Its DPP-4-resistant analog teduglutide (Gattex/Revestive) is FDA-approved for short bowel syndrome and reduces the need for intravenous nutrition, but native GLP-2 sold for leaky gut and IBD is an unapproved research chemical with no human trials.

GI Mucosal / Gut TrophicTeduglutide FDA Approved (Gattex, adults 2012; children 1yr+ 2019); native GLP-2 not approved

Synthetic GnRH

Gonadorelin is the natural GnRH decapeptide. It was formerly FDA-approved as Factrel for pituitary diagnostic testing and as Lutrepulse for pulsatile ovulation induction, both now discontinued in the US, so it is available only through compounding. Men's TRT clinics now use it off-label, injecting it to keep the testes stimulated during testosterone therapy, an unapproved application that the clinics themselves acknowledge has a limited controlled-trial base.

GnRH / ReproductiveFormerly FDA-approved as Factrel (diagnostic) and Lutrepulse (pulsatile ovulation-induction therapy); both discontinued for commercial reasons; no FDA-approved product currently marketed in the US, available only via 503A/503B compounding by prescription.

Nine-AA Hypothalamic Neuropeptide

The first peptide ever synthesized, a Nobel Prize, 1955. Now an intranasal favorite.

Social Bonding / NeuromodulatorIV oxytocin (Pitocin) FDA-approved for labor induction/stimulation and postpartum bleeding; intranasal oxytocin NOT approved, compounded off-label

FDA-approved GHRH drug used off-label in a fat-loss stack

approved drug, off-label stack

Growth-hormone-releasing peptide stackTesamorelin is FDA-approved, but ONLY as Egrifta/Egrifta SV to reduce excess belly fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Using it for general fat loss or anti-aging is off-label. Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved for anything, and the combination is not approved.

Thymalfasin / TA1

The other Goldstein thymic peptide. Approved in 35+ countries. Strong post-COVID research.

Immune Enhancement / ThymicNot FDA-approved for any US indication; marketed as Zadaxin (thymalfasin) in ~35 countries for chronic hepatitis B/C and as an immune adjunct. In the US it has been available only via compounding, and the FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (Dec 2024) reviewed TA1 as a 503A bulk drug substance and flagged immunogenicity/aggregation concerns, moving toward barring it from 503A compounding.

Ang-(1-7) · ACE2 Downstream Peptide

An endogenous heptapeptide generated by ACE2, angiotensin-(1-7) is the Mas-receptor agonist that forms the protective, counter-regulatory arm of the renin-angiotensin system, opposing the ACE/angiotensin II axis with signals associated with cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects. Its synthetic formulation TXA-127 (talfirastide) reached early-phase human trials, including COVID-19 ICU studies that showed safety but neutral efficacy, and no product is approved.

Cardioprotective / ACE2 AxisNo approval for any indication. TXA127 (talfirastide) holds several FDA orphan-drug designations (pulmonary arterial hypertension, stem-cell engraftment, myelodysplastic syndrome, and rare muscular dystrophies) and a fast-track designation for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, all pre-approval.

APJ Receptor Agonist Tridecapeptide

An endogenous APJ-receptor peptide that is inotropic, vasodilatory, anti-fibrotic, and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis. Plasma levels fall with heart failure and aging.

Cardiac / MetabolicNo approved product; investigational only. Native Apelin-13 has been used solely in short-term human research infusions, and analog programs (Novartis CLR325, BMS-986224, AMG 986) did not advance to approval.

Non-Erythropoietic EPO Fragment

An 11-amino-acid erythropoietin-derived (helix-B) peptide that activates the innate repair receptor without raising red blood cell count. Developed by Araim Pharmaceuticals; completed Phase 2 for sarcoidosis-associated small-fibre neuropathy with modest, promising but not confirmatory signals. Not FDA-approved.

Innate Repair Receptor AgonistNot FDA-approved. Completed Phase 2; holds FDA Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations for sarcoidosis neuropathic pain, which are development designations, not approvals.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3

A synthetic acetylated hexapeptide that mimics the N-terminal end of the SNAP-25 protein and, in vitro, competitively interferes with SNARE-complex assembly, marketed topically as a 'botox in a jar' alternative. In practice it is a legal cosmetic ingredient (INCI Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) with modest, manufacturer-favorable evidence for reducing the appearance of expression lines and a well-documented skin-penetration problem.

Cosmetic / Expression LinesNot FDA-approved as a drug; permitted for use as a cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8). The US does not pre-approve cosmetic ingredients, so 'approved cosmetic ingredient' overstates its status. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel assessed Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 Amide as safe as used in cosmetics.

Beta-Ala-His Dipeptide

A naturally occurring dipeptide concentrated in muscle and brain, with anti-glycation, antioxidant, and pH-buffering properties. Studied for exercise performance, aging, and metabolic health. Available as an oral supplement.

Antioxidant / Anti-Glycation DipeptideNot an FDA-approved drug; sold and regulated as a dietary supplement in the United States

Hydrolyzed Porcine Brain Peptide Complex

An injectable mixture of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids from enzymatically hydrolyzed porcine brain, made by EVER Pharma and approved in over 50 countries for stroke, TBI, and dementia. It is not FDA-approved in the USA, and Cochrane reviews found no benefit for acute ischaemic stroke and only weak, manufacturer-sponsored signals in dementia.

Neurotrophic ComplexNot FDA-approved for any indication; investigational only in the USA (orphan-drug designation for frontotemporal dementia). Approved in Austria, several EU states, Russia, and across Asia.

GHRH Analog + GH Secretagogue Stack

The most commercially active unapproved stack, and the most formally flagged by the FDA.

GH SecretagogueUnapproved; both reviewed by PCAC and recommended against 503A bulks inclusion

Triple-stack adding an older, stronger secretagogue

aggressive GH triple-stack

Growth-hormone-releasing peptide stackNo component is FDA-approved for any use. GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 are also on the FDA's list of peptides that cannot be legally compounded. Available only through unregulated channels.

Gly-Pro-Hyp · Oral Collagen

A purified low-molecular-weight fraction of hydrolyzed collagen enriched in the Gly-Pro-Hyp tripeptide, taken orally for skin and joint support. Small RCTs report gains in hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles, but a 2025 meta-analysis found those benefits concentrated in industry-funded and low-quality trials and non-significant in high-quality independent studies, and the digested-to-amino-acids versus bioactive-signaling question remains unresolved.

Oral CollagenNot FDA-approved as a drug; marketed as a food ingredient / dietary supplement. Hydrolyzed collagen is generally treated as a conventional food protein, but 'GRAS / approved' overstates a specific FDA determination for collagen tripeptide; the accurate status is an unapproved (for any disease claim) food ingredient sold under DSHEA, not an FDA-approved product.

GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500 skin-and-healing blend

Cosmetic and healing blend

Informal multi-peptide blend (copper tripeptide plus two repair peptides)None of the three ingredients is an FDA-approved drug. In late 2023 the FDA put BPC-157 and TB-500 on a restricted list (Category 2) that blocks pharmacies from compounding them. Most product sold is labeled research-use-only, not for human use.

Gamma-Glu-Cys-Gly Master Antioxidant Tripeptide

An endogenous master antioxidant tripeptide (gamma-Glu-Cys-Gly) present in every cell, whose levels decline with age. Oral bioavailability of the intact molecule is poor and debated. Small oral RCTs suggest a modest, inconsistent skin-brightening effect, and pilot liver data are preliminary. The IV 'skin-whitening' and detox use marketed by wellness clinics is unapproved and is the subject of US and Philippine FDA safety warnings, including reports of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and anaphylaxis.

Antioxidant TripeptideNo FDA-approved drug for skin whitening, detox, or anti-aging by any route. Oral glutathione is sold as a dietary supplement. Injectable/IV glutathione for cosmetic skin lightening is unapproved; the US FDA issued 2019 warnings against compounding it into sterile injectables after endotoxin-linked adverse events, and it holds only narrow investigational/adjunct clinical roles.

KISS1 Peptide / Metastin

The master switch for puberty and reproductive hormones. Named after Hershey Kisses.

Reproductive / Sexual HealthNo FDA-approved kisspeptin product; investigational only, tested in early-phase and Phase 2 academic trials (Imperial College London) for IVF oocyte-maturation triggering and hypoactive sexual desire disorder

GLOW blend plus KPV anti-inflammatory tripeptide

Skin, healing, and anti-inflammation blend

Informal multi-peptide blend (GLOW plus an anti-inflammatory tripeptide)No ingredient in KLOW is an FDA-approved drug. BPC-157 and TB-500 were placed on the FDA restricted compounding list in late 2023. KPV and GHK-Cu are not approved drugs either. Almost all product is sold as research-use-only, not for human use.

AT-1001 Tight Junction Regulator

A synthetic 8-amino-acid tight junction regulator (zonulin antagonist) developed for celiac disease. It reached Phase 3, the furthest of any celiac drug, but that pivotal trial (9 Meters Biopharma, CeDLara) was discontinued in 2022 for futility after an interim analysis, and it is not approved. Gray-market 'leaky gut' use is unsupported by outcome trials.

Gut Permeability / Tight JunctionNever approved. Reached Phase 3 (CeDLara, 9 Meters Biopharma), the furthest any celiac drug has advanced, but the Phase 3 was discontinued in June 2022 for futility after an interim analysis. FDA Fast Track designation had been granted earlier; no approval followed.

Human Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide

The body's own antibiotic. In neutrophils and skin. Anti-cancer signals emerging.

Antimicrobial / ImmunomodulatoryNo FDA-approved LL-37 product; human use is limited to early-phase investigational trials (topical chronic-wound RCTs and a Phase I intratumoral melanoma study). Injectable and gray-market 'research chemical' LL-37 is unapproved for human use.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Sederma)

A widely used synthetic cosmetic peptide (pal-KTTKS) marketed to signal collagen and extracellular-matrix renewal. Human data supporting modest wrinkle improvement come mainly from small manufacturer-sponsored trials; it is a legal cosmetic ingredient, not an FDA-approved drug.

Cosmetic / CollagenNot FDA-approved. Cosmetics and their ingredients require no FDA premarket approval (only color additives do); Matrixyl is a legally marketed cosmetic ingredient regulated post-market, not an approved drug.

NAPVSIPQ Neuroprotective Peptide (AL-108)

An eight-amino-acid peptide (NAPVSIPQ) derived from Activity-Dependent Neuroprotective Protein (ADNP), discovered in the Gozes lab and developed as davunetide (AL-108). It reached human trials but its pivotal Phase 2/3 in progressive supranuclear palsy failed on all endpoints, and earlier signals in MCI and schizophrenia were small and mixed; it is now studied as intranasal CP201 for the rare pediatric ADNP syndrome.

NeuroprotectiveInvestigational and not approved for any indication. Its pivotal Phase 2/3 in progressive supranuclear palsy (n=313, 2010 to 2012) was completed and failed on all endpoints, which halted the original program. Intranasal CP201 holds FDA orphan drug and rare pediatric disease designations and entered a pediatric Phase 3 for ADNP syndrome in October 2024, with no efficacy readout yet.

Rigin · GQPR Lipopeptide

A palmitoylated tetrapeptide that lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8) in skin, a complementary mechanism to collagen-stimulating peptides like Matrixyl.

Cosmetic / Anti-InflammatoryNot FDA-approved; cosmetic ingredients require no FDA pre-market approval (only color additives do). It is a legally marketed topical cosmetic ingredient reviewed by the CIR Expert Panel (2018) as safe at typical use levels under 10 ppm, and permitted for cosmetic use in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.

Tuftsin Analog Heptapeptide

Built on a spleen peptide. Anxiety off, without sedation. No Western trial has ever been run.

Anxiolytic / NootropicNot approved (USA). Registered in Russia in 2009 for generalized anxiety disorder. Selank acetate (TP-7) was removed from FDA Category 2 of the interim 503A compounding list on September 20, 2024 after the nominator withdrew, and it is not on the approved 503A bulks list.

Russian nootropic and anti-anxiety peptide pair

russian nootropic pair

Synthetic regulatory peptides (ACTH-fragment analog + tuftsin analog), used intranasallyThe US Food and Drug Administration has not approved Semax or Selank for any use. They are not recognized US medicines. They are registered medicines in Russia.

GHRH 1-29 Analog (Geref)

FDA-approved analog whose approval lapsed for commercial reasons. The conservative entry to GH work.

GH-Releasing / GHRH AnalogGeref (sermorelin acetate) was FDA-approved in 1997 for pediatric growth hormone deficiency; the manufacturer EMD Serono voluntarily discontinued it in 2008 and requested withdrawal of NDA 20-443 for commercial, not safety, reasons. No FDA-approved sermorelin product exists today; all current use is off-label via compounding pharmacies.

Older once-approved GHRH analog used in milder GH stacks

once-approved, now compounded

Growth-hormone-releasing peptide stackSermorelin was FDA-approved in 1997 as Geref, but only as a diagnostic for childhood growth-hormone deficiency, not for anti-aging or fat loss; the brand was voluntarily discontinued in 2008 for business reasons. Today's sermorelin is sold as a compounded product off-label; Ipamorelin is not approved.

Acetyl Octapeptide-3

A topical cosmetic peptide (INCI Acetyl Octapeptide-3), marketed as SNAP-8 and developed as an eight-residue elongation of Argireline, designed to mimic SNAP-25 and competitively dampen SNARE-mediated muscle contraction; efficacy rests mainly on supplier panels rather than independent trials.

Cosmetic / NeuromodulatorNot FDA-approved as a drug; used only as a cosmetic ingredient. Cosmetic ingredients are not premarket-approved by FDA, and any claim to affect muscle structure or function would fall outside cosmetic status. Permitted for cosmetic use in the EU under CosIng (Regulation EC 1223/2009) as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.

Elamipretide · Szeto-Schiller Peptide 31

Engineered to penetrate the inner mitochondrial membrane. FDA-approved September 2025.

Mitochondrial / CardioprotectiveFDA accelerated approval Sept 2025 (Forzinity, elamipretide HCl) for muscle strength in Barth syndrome only, in patients >=30 kg; granted on an intermediate/surrogate endpoint with confirmatory clinical-benefit trials still required. Preceded by an Aug 2021 refuse-to-file and a May 2025 complete response letter. No approval for any other indication; heart-failure and mitochondrial-myopathy programs failed.

TP-5 Synthetic Thymic Pentapeptide

A synthetic pentapeptide reproducing the active fragment (residues 32 to 36) of the thymic hormone thymopoietin, formerly marketed as Timunox in Italy for immunodeficiency and still sold as a generic in China, but never FDA- or EMA-approved.

Thymic Peptide / ImmuneNot FDA-approved. Orphan-drug designation only (2011, sarcoidosis). Formerly marketed as Timunox in Italy (approved 1985); available as a generic in China. No EMA central approval.

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

The inflammation resolver. The signature of Dr. Shoemaker's mold-illness protocol.

Neuropeptide / Immune RegulatorNo FDA-approved VIP or aviptadil product. FDA declined Emergency Use Authorization for Zyesami (aviptadil) in critical COVID-19 on 4 Nov 2021; holds orphan-drug designation for sarcoidosis (investigational only).

BPC-157 + TB-500 + GHK-Cu broader-healing trio

broad healing

peptide combination (injectable + copper peptide)Not FDA-approved as a stack. BPC-157 and TB-500 are unapproved drugs; BPC-157 was placed in compounding Category 2 in 2023-2024. GHK-Cu is permitted in topical cosmetics, but injectable GHK-Cu is not an approved drug and falls under the same compounding scrutiny.

BPC-157 + TB-500 injury-recovery peptide pairing

injury recovery

injectable peptide combination (research chemical)Not FDA-approved for any use. Neither peptide is an approved drug. The FDA placed BPC-157 in Category 2 of the 503A compounding bulk-substances list in 2023-2024, citing safety concerns and lack of human data; an April 2026 HHS announcement signaled intent to remove it from Category 2, but that process was not finalized at the time of writing.

Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone

The endogenous 13-amino-acid melanocortin hormone cleaved from pro-opiomelanocortin, with well-characterized MC1R-mediated pigmentation and anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical models; it is the parent scaffold of the approved analog afamelanotide (Scenesse) and of Melanotan and PT-141, while the native peptide itself remains a research peptide with no approved product and no human efficacy trials.

Melanocortin / Anti-InflammatoryNo approved product for native alpha-MSH; sold as a research peptide only. The synthetic analog afamelanotide (Scenesse) is FDA-approved (October 2019) for erythropoietic protoporphyria, and the analog bremelanotide (Vyleesi) is FDA-approved for HSDD; these are separate compounds.

HGH Fragment 176-191

The fat-burning fragment of HGH, no muscle effect. Australian origin. Failed its obesity trial.

Fat Metabolism / HGH FragmentNot FDA approved; no New Drug Application filed and no approval letter for any use. Industry expert-panel GRAS self-affirmation exists for limited food-ingredient use only, which is not FDA endorsement and does not cover drug or compounded use. Removed from Category 2 of the FDA interim 503A compounding bulks list on September 27, 2024 and referred to the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee.

Relaxin Single-Chain Peptide

A single-chain functional analog of the hormone relaxin, designed for anti-fibrotic effects without relaxin's synthesis complexity. Research interest for organ fibrosis (heart, lung, kidney).

Anti-Fibrotic / Relaxin AnalogNo FDA approval; preclinical research compound only, sold as research chemical not for human use

Body Protection Compound-157

The most discussed unapproved peptide in the world.

Tissue RepairUnapproved drug. Placed on the FDA 503A Category 2 list (bulk substances that may present significant safety risks) in 2023; removed from Category 2 in April 2026 on procedural grounds after nominations were withdrawn, then referred to the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC meeting July 23, 2026). Not FDA-approved and not on the positive 503A bulks list.

Ala-Asp-Glu-Leu Bronchial Tetrapeptide

A Khavinson tetrapeptide bioregulator targeting bronchial epithelium, with Russian data on chronic respiratory conditions in aging.

Respiratory BioregulatorNot approved; never evaluated by FDA or EMA. Sold as a research chemical or an imported Russian supplement, not for human consumption in the US.

Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg (AEDR) Cardiac Peptide Bioregulator

A Khavinson short-peptide (cytogen) heart bioregulator with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg (AEDR). Russian preclinical, in-vitro and animal data describe effects on cardiac gene expression, cytoskeletal protein synthesis and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, with no independent replication and no published human RCTs.

Cardiac BioregulatorNot Approved (USA); sold research-use-only, unapproved as a drug

Glu-Asp-Gly Bronchial Bioregulator

A Khavinson tripeptide targeting bronchial and lung epithelial tissue. Russian data on respiratory function in aging.

Respiratory BioregulatorNot approved by FDA for any indication; sold only as a research chemical labeled not for human consumption

Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro Khavinson Bioregulator

A Khavinson neuropeptide bioregulator targeting nervous-system tissue and peripheral nerve regeneration. Russian clinical data only.

Neuro BioregulatorNot approved (USA); sold as research chemical, not for human consumption

Cerebral Cortex Polypeptide Complex

A complex of polypeptides from bovine cerebral cortex, approved in Russia for stroke, TBI, and cognitive decline. Genuine positive Russian/Eastern European data.

Neuropeptide ComplexNot approved (US); registered prescription drug in Russia and several CIS states

Somatostatin Analog Neuropeptide

A neuropeptide closely related to somatostatin, with anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and neuroprotective properties. Potential for autoimmune, sepsis, and neuroinflammation work.

Neuropeptide / Anti-InflammatoryNo FDA approval; investigational neuropeptide studied only in preclinical animal and in-vitro models, sold where available as a research chemical not for human use

PNB-0408 Nootropic Peptide

Seven orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF, in mice. Human data: none.

Cognitive Enhancement / NeurotrophinNot FDA approved; dihexa itself has never been in a human trial. Its prodrug fosgonimeton (ATH-1017, Athira Pharma) reached human testing but failed the Phase 2/3 LIFT-AD Alzheimer's trial in September 2024.

Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide

A nonapeptide isolated in the mid-1970s by the Schoenenberger-Monnier group from the cerebral venous blood of rabbits in induced sleep, and named for the delta (slow-wave) sleep it appeared to promote. Despite the name, that sleep-promoting role was never robustly confirmed, and the human evidence stays sparse, old, and inconsistent. It is sold as an unapproved research chemical for sleep and is now under FDA advisory-committee review under the name Emideltide, which is a compounding review rather than an approval.

Sleep / NeuromodulatoryNot FDA approved. Nominated to the Section 503A bulk drug substances list as Emideltide (DSIP); scheduled for Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee review July 23-24, 2026, for opioid withdrawal, chronic insomnia, and narcolepsy. Review only, not an approval.

Senolytic Peptide / D-isomer Retro-Inverso

Selectively kills "zombie" senescent cells. Mice regrew hair and stamina. Human data: zero.

Senolytic / Anti-AgingNo FDA approval and no approved human indication; sold research-use-only, not for human consumption

Growth Differentiation Factor 11

A circulating TGF-beta family protein at the center of the "young blood" parabiosis controversy. Early studies suggested it rejuvenated aged tissue; later work disputed the findings. One of the most scientifically contested longevity factors.

TGF-Beta Family / Young Blood FactorNo FDA approval and no human administration trials of GDF11 itself; investigational research target only

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6

The original GH secretagogue. Big appetite spike. Largely replaced by ipamorelin.

GH SecretagogueNot Approved

Stabilized MOTS-c Analog

A stabilized synthetic analog of MOTS-c in clinical development to overcome the native peptide's synthesis and stability challenges. Earliest stage of development.

Mitochondrial AnalogNo FDA approval. The one clinically tested analog, CB4211, completed a single Phase 1a/1b study and was discontinued when CohBar dissolved; consumer 'MOTS-c analog' products are sold as research chemicals, not for human use.

HGH C-Terminal Fat Metabolism Fragment

A C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone marketed for fat loss, essentially the same molecule as AOD-9604 aside from a stabilizing N-terminal tyrosine. AOD-9604 failed its pivotal Phase 2b obesity trial against placebo and was discontinued; the fragment itself has no human trials, no FDA-approved product, and is sold as an unapproved research chemical.

Fat Metabolism FragmentNo FDA-approved product. In the near-identical analog AOD-9604, the FDA proposed at the December 4, 2024 PCAC meeting not to include it on the 503A bulk drug substances list, citing insufficient safety and efficacy data, immunogenicity risk, and the absence of an approved application. The fragment itself is sold as an unapproved research chemical.

24-AA Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide

Found while hunting Alzheimer's-resistance genes. From the same mitochondrial DNA as MOTS-c.

Mitochondrial / NeuroprotectiveNot FDA approved for any indication; no completed human interventional trials. Research stage / preclinical only.

S14G-Humanin Enhanced Analog

An S14G-substituted humanin analog roughly 1,000x more potent than native humanin, researched for Alzheimer's resistance and insulin sensitization.

Mitochondrial / NeuroprotectiveNo FDA approval and no completed human trial; not on the FDA 503A or 503B compounding bulk lists. Supplied only as a research-use laboratory chemical, not for human consumption.

Long R3 Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1

A direct anabolic signal that skips the pituitary. Serious risk profile.

Anabolic / Muscle GrowthNot approved for human use. Sold as a cell-culture research reagent labeled not for human consumption. The only FDA-approved recombinant IGF-1 is the separate native-sequence drug mecasermin (Increlex), approved in 2005 solely for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency in children.

FNDC5 Cleavage Product · Exercise Myokine

An exercise-induced protein hormone from muscle that promotes fat-tissue browning, improves insulin sensitivity, and crosses the blood-brain barrier. Dubbed a "fountain of youth" protein in popular press.

Exercise Myokine / Metabolic HormoneNot an FDA-approved drug and not a marketed supplement; exists only as a research reagent and preclinical target, with no completed human intervention trials.

Lys-Pro-Val Anti-Inflammatory Tripeptide

The anti-inflammatory tail of MSH. Gut-specific. Now in front of the FDA committee.

Anti-Inflammatory / GutNot FDA-approved for any indication. Reviewed at the July 2026 PCAC meeting, where FDA proposed NOT adding KPV to the Section 503A bulk drug substances list, citing that the substance is not well characterized and that human evidence of effectiveness and safety is lacking. Sold as a research chemical and via compounding, not as an approved drug.

Methionine-Inositol-Choline Injectable

Not a true peptide but a staple of weight-loss clinics, a compounded blend of methionine, inositol, and choline (often with B12) marketed to support fat metabolism. Grouped with injectable wellness compounds. Minimal controlled evidence.

Lipotropic / Fat MetabolismUnapproved compounded product; no FDA-approved MIC/lipotropic injection and FDA states no credible evidence that injected fat-dissolving compounds work for fat elimination

Livagen (Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala / KEDA), Khavinson liver bioregulator tetrapeptide

A Khavinson liver peptide bioregulator. Proposed mechanism: epigenetic gene regulation in liver tissue.

Liver / Gene RegulatoryNo FDA approval; sold as a research chemical labeled not for human consumption, with no completed FDA action on record

Afamelanotide Precursor / Linear MSH Analog

The linear alpha-MSH analog [Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH, which is the same molecule that Clinuvel developed into the FDA- and EMA-approved implant Scenesse (afamelanotide) for erythropoietic protoporphyria. The version sold on the gray market as 'Melanotan 1' for cosmetic tanning is unapproved, illegal to supply in the UK, EU, and Australia, and is associated in case reports with mole changes and melanoma.

Alpha-MSH Analog / TanningSame molecule is FDA approved as Scenesse (afamelanotide) since Oct 2019 for erythropoietic protoporphyria; the gray-market injectable sold as 'Melanotan 1' for tanning is unapproved and not legally marketed for that use

MT-II / Cyclic MSH Analog

The "Barbie drug." Tanning and libido. Multiple FDA warnings. Huge gray market.

Tanning / Sexual HealthNot approved; FDA warning letter to Melanocorp (2007) and later felony conviction plus debarment of a supplier (Manookian, 2016)

Mechano Growth Factor

An IGF-1 splice variant produced locally in damaged muscle in response to mechanical stress, activating satellite cells for repair. Strong animal data for hypertrophy.

Muscle RepairNot FDA-approved and not evaluated by the FDA for human use; marketed only as a research chemical

CJC-1295 Without DAC

CJC-1295 without the albumin-binding DAC. Shorter half-life, requiring more frequent dosing, but considered by some protocols to produce a more physiological GH pulse.

GHRH AnalogNot approved; sold only as a research chemical. Evaluated for the 503A compounding bulks list and flagged for immunogenicity, aggregation, and impurity concerns; not an approved or compoundable drug.

Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA Type-C

A small peptide made from mitochondrial DNA that rises with exercise and falls with age.

Mitochondrial / Exercise MimeticNot FDA approved for any indication; investigational only. First human interventional trial (Phase 2a, NCT07505745) enrolling in 2026; sold elsewhere as a research chemical labeled not for human use.

NAPVSIPQ-derived Neurogenic Peptide

A peptide derived from the CNTF/NAP family with proposed BDNF-mimetic and neurogenesis-promoting properties. Early research; growing nootropic community interest for neuroplasticity.

Neurogenesis / BDNF-AdjacentNot FDA approved. No IND-stage registered human clinical trial identified; preclinical (animal and in-vitro) only. Sold as a research chemical labeled not for human consumption.

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide

A neuropeptide encoded by ADCYAP1, present as PACAP-38 and PACAP-27, that signals through the PAC1 receptor with neuroprotective, neurotrophic, and vasodilatory activity in preclinical models. In humans it is studied mainly as a migraine and post-traumatic-headache TARGET: infused PACAP-38 provokes migraine attacks, and the therapeutics in development are anti-PACAP antibodies that block it, not the peptide as an intervention.

Neuroprotective / VasodilatoryNo approved PACAP product. PACAP itself is a research reagent and migraine-provocation probe, not an FDA-approved or investigational therapeutic for administration; the investigational agents are anti-PACAP antibodies (Lu AG09222/bocunebart, Phase 2/2b) that block the peptide.

Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp Pancreatic Bioregulator

A Khavinson tetrapeptide targeting pancreatic tissue and glucose-regulation gene expression in aging. Russian data only.

Pancreatic BioregulatorNot approved by FDA (also not approved by EMA); no registered clinical trials; sold internationally as a research chemical 'not for human consumption,' and in Russia as a registered dietary supplement

BPC-157 Arginine Variant

A modified BPC-157 with an arginine substitution, created to stay accessible to compounding pharmacies after the 2023 BPC-157 restrictions. Rising fast as a "legal" alternative despite very little independent data.

Tissue Repair / Arginine-ModifiedNot FDA approved; the parent compound BPC-157 is designated a Category 2 bulk drug substance (significant safety risks, not permitted for 503A/503B compounding). PDA is not separately listed and inherits this status as the same active pentadecapeptide sequence.

Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor

A PEGylated MGF with a dramatically extended half-life (days vs. minutes), allowing once-weekly dosing. No clinical data.

Muscle Repair (Extended)Not Approved

PNX-14 Anorexigenic Neuropeptide

A hypothalamic neuropeptide first identified in 2013, cleaved from the SMIM20 precursor and signaling through the orphan receptor GPR173. In animal and cell studies it is associated with reduced anxiety-like behavior, positive regulation of the reproductive axis, and metabolic and anti-inflammatory signaling. Human data are limited to observational associations of circulating phoenixin-14 with conditions such as PCOS, obesity and type 2 diabetes, with no human intervention trials.

Neuropeptide / ReproductiveNot FDA approved; no marketing application. Human work to date is observational measurement of endogenous levels, not administration.

Glu-Asp-Arg Khavinson Pineal Tripeptide

A short synthetic Khavinson tripeptide targeting pineal function and neuronal protection. Russian data suggests sleep and cognitive benefits in aging.

Pineal BioregulatorNot FDA approved for any human indication; not on the FDA 503A/503B category 1 bulk drug substance compounding list. Sold research-use-only outside Russia.

Extended Pineal Cognitive Tripeptide

A research variant in the pineal-bioregulator family targeting cognitive protection and circadian regulation. Minimal published data.

Pineal Bioregulator VariantUnapproved; sold for research use only / not for human consumption, no FDA-approved human indication and not an established compounding bulk substance

Lys-Glu-Asp-Pro Prostate Bioregulator

Prostamax is the synthetic Khavinson tetrapeptide KEDP (Lys-Glu-Asp-Pro), the defined-sequence successor to the Russian bovine prostate extract Prostatilen/Vitaprost; it is associated in preclinical Russian rat and cell-culture models with reduced prostate inflammation and reparative signals, but it has no Western RCTs, no independent replication and no FDA or EMA approval.

Prostate BioregulatorNo FDA approval; not an FDA-approved drug and sold in the US only as a research chemical labeled not for human consumption. Not an EMA-approved medicine. (Separately, the related bovine extract Prostatilen/Vitaprost is registered as a medicine in Russia, not in the US or EU.)

ACTH(4-10) Synthetic Analog Heptapeptide

Soviet Cold War neuropharmacology. Designed for astronauts. Approved and sold in Russia, where the nasal spray is approved to treat stroke recovery and cognitive disorders, but it lacks approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and large-scale Western studies have never been performed.

Cognitive / NeuroprotectiveNot FDA approved. Not EMA approved. Sold in the West as a research chemical / not for human consumption; included among peptides reviewed by an FDA compounding advisory panel. Registered and marketed in Russia (and Ukraine) since the 1990s.

GH Optimization Combination

A common compounding-pharmacy combination pairing the GHRH analog sermorelin with the secretagogue GHRP-2 for a synergistic growth-hormone pulse. The more conservative cousin of the CJC-1295/Ipamorelin stack.

GH Secretagogue StackNo FDA-approved sermorelin+GHRP-2 combination product. Prepared as an off-label compounded stack. Sermorelin was FDA-approved as Geref in 1997 and discontinued in 2008 for commercial reasons; GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) was never FDA-approved and sits in Category 3 of the interim 503A bulks list, while related GH-secretagogue peptides have been removed from Category 2 and referred to PCAC review.

Small Humanin-Like Peptide 2

A member of the humanin family from the USC mitochondrial-peptide program. Higher plasma levels associate with longer survival; anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective in preclinical models.

Mitochondrial-Derived PeptideNot FDA approved for any indication; no approved drug application, no completed human clinical trials. Available only as a research reagent, not for human use.

Small Humanin-Like Peptide 6

From the same USC mitochondrial-peptide discovery program as Humanin and MOTS-c, with anti-apoptotic properties observed in cancer cell lines.

Mitochondrial-Derived PeptideNo FDA approval and no investigational (IND) program on record; available only as a research-use-only laboratory reagent, not for human consumption

NPQ Peptide · Appetite Suppressor

A neuropeptide that suppresses food intake and promotes fat utilization; plasma levels correlate inversely with obesity. A potential weight-management target, still very early.

Metabolic / AppetiteNo FDA status; unapproved research chemical with no drug application and no ClinicalTrials.gov registration for administered spexin

Thymosin Beta-4 Synthetic Fragment

Naturally present in nearly every human cell. Banned in every sport.

Regenerative / Anti-InflammatoryNot FDA-approved for any use. FDA proposed at the July 23, 2026 Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee that TB-500 (free base) and TB-500 acetate not be added to the 503A compounding bulks list, citing a lack of human effectiveness data, an in-vitro study in which TB-500 did not induce wound healing in fibroblast cultures, and immunogenicity concerns from injectable routes.

Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly Gonadal Bioregulator

A Khavinson tetrapeptide targeting testicular gene expression and testosterone maintenance in aging men. Russian data only.

Gonadal BioregulatorNot approved by the FDA for any indication; not evaluated by any Western regulator; no ClinicalTrials.gov registration; sold in the United States only as a research chemical labeled not for human use

Khavinson Thymic Peptide Complex

A bovine thymus-derived peptide complex developed in the 1970s by Vladimir Khavinson and Vyacheslav Morozov and part of the Russian bioregulator system, registered as a pharmaceutical in Russia for immune restoration. Nearly all efficacy data originates from Russian institutions in the Khavinson lineage and has not been independently replicated.

Thymic BioregulatorNot approved (USA); subject of an FDA warning letter

Glu-Trp Immune Dipeptide

A synthetic immune dipeptide developed in Russia, approved there as an immunomodulator for infections and immune deficiency. Among the simplest bioactive peptides, just two amino acids.

Thymic Dipeptide / ImmuneNot FDA approved. Registered in Russia in three formulations (IM injection, nasal spray, topical); marketed in the West only as a research chemical.

Lys-Glu-Asp Vascular Bioregulator

A Khavinson tripeptide bioregulator targeting vascular tissue and endothelial function in aging. Russian data only.

Vascular BioregulatorNot FDA approved for any indication; not evaluated by the FDA. Sold in the United States only as a research chemical labeled not for human consumption; in Russia it is marketed as a non-prescription peptide bioregulator/dietary preparation.

Lys-Glu Immune Dipeptide (Khavinson)

A Khavinson dipeptide bioregulator with Russian data on immune restoration and gene expression in aging. One of the shortest peptides in the bioregulator system.

Immune Bioregulator DipeptideNot approved by the FDA for any indication. Sold in the United States and elsewhere only as a research chemical for laboratory use, labeled not for human consumption.