Anti-inflammatory research peptides
The anti-inflammatory peptide class spans small NF-κB-targeting tripeptides (KPV), broader cytokine modulators (BPC-157, GHK-Cu), and direct anti-fibrotic compounds (AC-SDKP, pentosan polysulfate).
Peptides in this category
BPC-157
Body Protection Compound 157 · PL 14736 · Pentadecapeptide BPC 157
A 15-amino-acid pentadecapeptide derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. The most-studied healing research peptide, with extensive pre-clinical work on tendon, ligament, gut, and vascular repair.
TB-500
Thymosin Beta-4 fragment · Tβ4 17-23 · TB500
A synthetic peptide commonly described as a fragment of thymosin beta-4 incorporating the actin-binding 'LKKTETQ' motif. Studied for soft-tissue repair, wound healing, and cardiac tissue regeneration in animal models.
GHK-Cu
Copper tripeptide-1 · Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with Cu(II). Extensively studied in dermatology for wound healing, collagen synthesis, antioxidant defence, and hair-follicle stimulation.
Thymosin Beta-4
Tβ4 · TMSB4X · Full-length thymosin beta-4 · RGN-352
A 43-amino-acid actin-sequestering peptide expressed in nearly all human cells. Distinct from the shorter TB-500 fragment; investigated in cardiac repair, corneal healing, neural regeneration, and dermal regeneration.
Pentosan Polysulfate
PPS · PPS sodium · Elmiron · Cartrophen · SP54
A semi-synthetic sulfated polysaccharide investigated in osteoarthritis, interstitial cystitis, and connective-tissue research for its chondroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant effects — with a critical long-term safety signal regarding pigmentary maculopathy.
KPV
α-MSH 11-13 · Lysine-Proline-Valine tripeptide · alpha-MSH C-terminal fragment
A three-amino-acid C-terminal fragment of α-MSH studied for its anti-inflammatory effects in colitis, atopic skin conditions, and mucosal healing models — without the pigmentary effects of full-length MSH.
AC-SDKP (TB-500 Fragment)
AcSDKP · N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro · Goralatide · Acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro · N-Acetyl-SDKP
A naturally occurring N-terminal tetrapeptide released from thymosin beta-4 by prolyl oligopeptidase. AC-SDKP circulates endogenously, is rapidly degraded by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and is studied primarily for anti-fibrotic, pro-angiogenic, and haematopoietic regulatory effects across cardiac, renal, and pulmonary tissue.
Relevant research stacks
Tendon & Ligament Research Stack
Combine peptides studied for soft-tissue, vascular, and cellular-migration effects in tendon and ligament repair research.
Gut Healing Research Stack
Examine complementary effects on mucosal repair, inflammatory cytokine release, and tight-junction integrity in pre-clinical gut models.
Skin & Wound Healing Research Stack
Address dermal collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and antimicrobial defence in pre-clinical wound-healing models.
Relevant comparisons
BPC-157 vs TB-500
BPC-157 and TB-500 are the two most-discussed research peptides in soft-tissue repair. They have overlapping interest areas — tendon, ligament, and vascular healing — but operate by different mechanisms and rest on quite different bodies of evidence.
GHK-Cu vs TB-500
GHK-Cu and TB-500 are sometimes grouped together as 'tissue-repair peptides', but the two operate at very different scales — GHK-Cu primarily as a transcriptional modulator of dermal fibroblasts, TB-500 primarily as a cell-migration peptide.
KPV vs LL-37
KPV and LL-37 occupy overlapping but distinct niches in the inflammation–antimicrobial peptide space. KPV is small, charge-neutral, and primarily anti-inflammatory; LL-37 is larger, cationic, and combines direct antimicrobial activity with broad immunomodulation.
BPC-157 vs AOD-9604
Both BPC-157 and AOD-9604 are discussed in the context of post-injury recovery, but they originate from very different research programmes and target different tissues.
Where to source research peptides for laboratory research
The following UK-based suppliers stock research-grade, lyophilised peptides for in-vitro and pre-clinical work. Purity and provenance vary; always request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and confirm cold-chain storage on arrival. None of the products linked below are approved for human use.
- PeptideAuthority.co.uk
UK-based research peptide supplier with batch certificates of analysis and >99% purity testing.
- PeptideBarn.co.uk
Wide catalogue of research-grade lyophilised peptides shipped from the UK, including bulk vials.