Changelog
RSSMost-recently-updated content across the BestHealingPeptides library. Items are sorted by the page’s dateModified stamp.
For laboratory and research use only — not for human consumption.
- PeptideOrforglipron
An Eli Lilly Phase III oral non-peptide small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist — the first orally-active non-peptide GLP-1 agonist to advance to Phase III registration trials. Unlike semaglutide's oral formulation (Rybelsus), which requires SNAC absorption enhancement and stringent fasting protocols, orforglipron is a true small-molecule agonist with unrestricted oral bioavailability. Included on this reference alongside peptide GLP-1 agonists because it occupies the same GLP-1R pharmacological space with meaningfully different practical properties. Phase III ATTAIN (obesity) and ACHIEVE (type-2 diabetes) programmes are ongoing.
- PeptideCagriSema (cagrilintide + semaglutide)
A Novo Nordisk Phase III fixed-dose combination of semaglutide (the licensed GLP-1 receptor agonist) with cagrilintide (a long-acting amylin analogue) — pairing complementary appetite-suppressing mechanisms in a single weekly subcutaneous injection. Amylin (a pancreatic β-cell peptide co-secreted with insulin) provides an appetite-suppressing pathway distinct from GLP-1's incretin mechanism; combining the two produces additive weight-loss effects. Phase III REDEFINE programme is ongoing.
- PeptideSurvodutide
A Boehringer Ingelheim / Zealand Pharma Phase III dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist — a two-receptor mechanism intermediate between semaglutide's single GLP-1R agonism and retatrutide's triple GLP-1R/GIPR/glucagon-R agonism. The GLP-1 + glucagon combination pairs appetite suppression (GLP-1R) with energy-expenditure enhancement (glucagon-R) without the additional GIPR dimension of retatrutide. Phase III SYNCHRONIZE programme is ongoing in obesity and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
- Peptide5-Amino-1MQ
A small-molecule quinolinium-based selective inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) — the principal NAD+-salvage methylation enzyme that becomes pathologically overexpressed in obesity, where it depletes intracellular methyl-donor and NAD+ pools. Commonly grouped with metabolic research peptides despite being a small molecule, because of its adipocyte and skeletal-muscle metabolic effects in pre-clinical models. Pre-clinical research only — no human clinical-trial data.
- PeptideMOTS-c
A 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome — the first MDP discovered with established metabolic-regulatory function. MOTS-c modulates AMPK signalling and folate cycle methylation, with pre-clinical evidence for effects on insulin sensitivity, exercise capacity, and skeletal-muscle glucose handling. Cross-listed in the metabolic and longevity clusters; not licensed in any jurisdiction.
- PeptideSemax
A 7-amino-acid synthetic heptapeptide analogue of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment 4-10, developed by the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics (Moscow) in the 1980s for nootropic and neuroprotective applications. Lacks the corticotropic activity of native ACTH while retaining the neurotropic effects on hippocampal BDNF and NGF expression. Registered as a prescription medicine in Russia and several CIS countries; not licensed in the UK or other Western jurisdictions.
- PeptideSelank
A 7-amino-acid synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin (TKPR), developed alongside Semax by the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics in the 1990s. Distinguished from Semax by its principally anxiolytic rather than nootropic profile, with mechanism involving GABAergic and serotonergic modulation alongside enkephalinase inhibition. Registered as a prescription anxiolytic in Russia; unlicensed in the UK.
- PeptideCerebrolysin
A multi-component peptide and amino-acid preparation derived from porcine brain tissue by controlled enzymatic hydrolysis, developed and manufactured by Ever Pharma (formerly Ebewe Pharma, Austria). Used clinically for over 50 years in stroke, traumatic brain injury, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer's disease — registered as a prescription medicine in 50+ countries including most of continental Europe, but NOT in the UK, US, or Canada. Distinguished from defined-peptide research compounds by its multi-component composition.
- PeptideDihexa
A small synthetic hexapeptide angiotensin IV analogue developed by Joseph Harding's group at Washington State University as an orally-bioavailable cognitive enhancer. Distinguished by potentiation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) / c-Met signalling at femtomolar concentrations — approximately seven orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF on equivalent dendritic-spine-formation endpoints in hippocampal slice preparations. Pre-clinical only; no human clinical trials.
- PeptideHumanin
A 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA region (MTRNR2 gene), discovered by Hashimoto and colleagues in 2003 as a cytoprotective peptide against β-amyloid toxicity in neuronal culture. The first mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) with established bioactive function — foundational to the broader MDP field alongside MOTS-c. Circulating humanin concentrations decline with age and are reduced in Alzheimer's disease, type-2 diabetes, and other age-related conditions.
- PeptideSS-31 (Elamipretide)
A cell-permeable, mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide developed by Hazel Szeto's laboratory (Cornell/Weill Cornell) — the leading clinical-development pharmacological compound targeting cardiolipin biology. SS-31 (elamipretide, formerly Bendavia) selectively partitions into the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin, stabilising cristae architecture during oxidative stress. Advanced through Phase III trials in primary mitochondrial myopathy, dry age-related macular degeneration, Barth syndrome, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Not yet licensed but with substantial clinical-trial evidence base.
- PeptideThymosin Alpha-1
A 28-amino-acid N-terminally acetylated peptide originally isolated from bovine thymus by Allan Goldstein's laboratory in 1977, subsequently characterised as an endogenous immune-modulating peptide produced by thymic epithelial cells. Marketed as Zadaxin (thymalfasin) with regulatory approval in 35+ countries — including in Europe (Italy) but NOT in the UK or US — for chronic hepatitis B and C, as an adjuvant in hepatocellular carcinoma, and in HIV/AIDS contexts. Distinct from Thymosin Beta-4 in both sequence and mechanism.
- PeptideThymulin
A 9-amino-acid endogenous thymic peptide (formerly called 'Facteur Thymique Sérique' or FTS) discovered by Jean-François Bach in Paris in the 1970s. Uniquely requires zinc coordination for biological activity — the zinc-bound form (zinc-thymulin) is the bioactive species and zinc deficiency abolishes activity. Studied as an endogenous immune-modulator whose circulating levels decline with age and thymic involution. Pre-clinical and limited early clinical experience; not licensed in any jurisdiction.
- PeptidePT-141 (Bremelanotide)
A cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin-receptor agonist developed by Palatin Technologies as a Melanotan II derivative optimised for central-nervous-system sexual-function effects with reduced pigmentation activity. Licensed by the FDA as Vyleesi in June 2019 for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women — the first melanocortin-receptor agonist approved for sexual-function indication. Not licensed in the UK.
- PeptideMelanotan II
A cyclic heptapeptide non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist originally developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s as a synthetic α-MSH analogue for skin pigmentation research. Produces both intended pigmentation effects (via MC1R) and off-target sexual-function effects (via MC4R) — the latter observation leading to the subsequent development of PT-141/Bremelanotide as a Melanotan II derivative. Not licensed in any jurisdiction; widely used in grey-market cosmetic and sexual-function contexts.
- PeptideMatrixyl
A palmitoylated pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) developed by Sederma (a Croda company) as a topical cosmetic ingredient targeting dermal collagen synthesis. The KTTKS pentapeptide is derived from the type-I procollagen α1 chain C-terminal propeptide; the palmitoyl fatty acid modification enables percutaneous absorption to dermal fibroblasts. Widely used in commercial anti-ageing cosmetic products in the UK under the INCI name Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4. Legal cosmetic ingredient under UK Cosmetic Products Regulation.
- PeptideArgireline
A synthetic hexapeptide developed by Lipotec (Barcelona, subsequently acquired by Lubrizol) as a topical cosmetic ingredient producing a 'topical Botox-like' anti-wrinkle effect through SNARE complex disruption. Derived from the N-terminal region of the SNAP-25 protein — the neuronal target of botulinum toxin type A. INCI-listed as Acetyl Hexapeptide-8; widely used in commercial anti-ageing skincare products. Legal cosmetic ingredient in the UK.
- PeptideDSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)
A 9-amino-acid endogenous peptide first isolated by Marcel Monnier and colleagues from rabbit cerebral venous blood during sleep induction experiments in 1977. Named for the sleep-related activity observed in the initial characterisation, though the pharmacology has proven far broader than the name suggests — including effects on stress adaptation, opioid system modulation, and neuroprotection. Never licensed as a medicine in any jurisdiction; remains a research-chemical and academic-research compound.
- PeptideIGF-1 LR3
A recombinant analogue of human insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) with two engineering modifications: N-terminal 13-amino-acid extension (giving the 'Long' designation) and glutamate-to-arginine substitution at position 3 (the 'R3' designation). Both modifications reduce affinity for IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), leaving more free unbound IGF-1 available for IGF-1R receptor binding and consequently substantially extending biological half-life versus native IGF-1. Widely used in cell culture research; not licensed as a medicine.
- PeptideFollistatin
A secreted glycoprotein originally isolated from ovarian follicular fluid as an inhibitor of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion — the origin of the name. Subsequently characterised as a high-affinity inhibitor of members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily, particularly myostatin (GDF-8) and activin. The myostatin-inhibitor mechanism has driven substantial research interest in skeletal-muscle applications including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and sarcopenia. Not licensed as a medicine.
- PeptideFOXO4-DRI
A synthetic D-amino-acid retro-inverso peptide developed by Peter de Keizer's laboratory in Utrecht as a senolytic — a compound that selectively kills senescent cells. Disrupts the FOXO4-p53 protein-protein interaction that senescent cells specifically depend on, triggering p53-mediated apoptosis in senescent but not healthy cells. Extensively researched in pre-clinical longevity models; no clinical development to marketing authorisation.
- PeptideKlotho
A single-pass transmembrane glycoprotein named after Klotho, the Greek Fate who spins the thread of life. Encoded by the Klotho gene whose loss-of-function in mice produces a dramatic accelerated-ageing phenotype (Kuro-o et al., Nature 1997), establishing Klotho as one of the most-validated 'longevity gene' targets in mammalian aging biology. Multiple functions: FGF23 co-receptor for phosphate homeostasis, and independent effects on IGF-1 signalling, oxidative stress, and neuronal function through mechanisms partially incompletely characterised. Not licensed as a medicine.
- ComparisonSemaglutide vs Tirzepatide
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are the two most clinically significant incretin-pathway peptide drugs of the late 2020s. Both are MHRA-licensed for type-2 diabetes and chronic weight management, both are
- ComparisonSemax vs Selank
Semax and Selank are the two prototype Russian-developed research peptides for cognitive and behavioural applications — both developed by the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics, both intranasally
- ComparisonThymosin Alpha-1 vs Thymosin Beta-4
Thymosin Alpha-1 and Thymosin Beta-4 share the historical 'thymosin' name because both were originally isolated from the same bovine thymic Fraction 5 preparation by Allan Goldstein's laboratory in th
- ComparisonSemaglutide vs Retatrutide
Semaglutide is the licensed GLP-1 monoagonist that defined the modern incretin weight-loss category; retatrutide is Eli Lilly's Phase III triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonist that has produced the highes
- ComparisonIpamorelin vs Hexarelin
Ipamorelin and hexarelin are both growth-hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) acting as GHSR-1a agonists at the ghrelin receptor. They differ substantially in selectivity, potency, receptor kinetics, an
- ComparisonHumanin vs MOTS-c
Humanin and MOTS-c are both mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) — small peptides encoded within mitochondrial DNA that act as retrograde signalling molecules between mitochondria and nucleus. They a
- ComparisonMatrixyl vs Argireline
Matrixyl and argireline are the two most-visible cosmetic peptides on the ingredient-label market, both regulated as cosmetic ingredients rather than medicines in the UK. They operate by fundamentally
- StackTendon & Ligament Research Stack
Combine peptides studied for soft-tissue, vascular, and cellular-migration effects in tendon and ligament repair research.
- StackGut Healing Research Stack
Examine complementary effects on mucosal repair, inflammatory cytokine release, and tight-junction integrity in pre-clinical gut models.
- StackSkin & Wound Healing Research Stack
Address dermal collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and antimicrobial defence in pre-clinical wound-healing models.
- StackMetabolic Research Stack — Incretin Pharmacology Reference
Map the pharmacological space available for metabolic-disease and obesity research, distinguishing licensed incretin pharmacology (semaglutide, tirzepatide) from complementary research-only AMPK-pathway (MOTS-c, 5-Amino-1MQ) and lipolytic (AOD-9604) compounds. This page is a reference framework, NOT a recommendation for combined clinical use.
- StackCognitive Research Stack — Nootropic & Neurotrophic Combination
Combine mechanistically distinct cognitive-enhancement peptides — BDNF/NGF upregulation (Semax), enkephalinase-mediated anxiolysis (Selank), and HGF/c-Met potentiation (Dihexa) — to explore the additive or synergistic effects of multi-pathway neurotrophic and behavioural modulation in pre-clinical research models.
- StackLongevity Research Stack — Mitochondrial & Cellular Ageing Peptides
Combine mechanistically distinct longevity-research peptides — mitochondrial-derived humanin (Bax/Bak inhibition, cytoprotection) and MOTS-c (AMPK activation, metabolic), pharmacological cardiolipin-stabilising SS-31 (cristae architecture preservation), and pineal-derived telomerase-modulating epitalon — to explore integrated effects on the mitochondrial-dysfunction, replicative-senescence, and cellular-ageing framework of ageing biology in pre-clinical models.
- StackImmune Research Stack — Thymic Peptide Framework
Combine mechanistically distinct immune-modulator research peptides — thymic-lineage T-cell maturation (thymosin alpha-1), zinc-dependent thymic immune modulation (thymulin), antimicrobial host-defence (LL-37), and NF-κB-suppression anti-inflammatory (KPV) — to explore multi-mechanism immune pharmacology in pre-clinical research models.
- Condition hubResearch peptides in hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is characterised by persistently low sexual desire causing personal distress, occurring in the absence of medical or psychiatric explanation. Historically pharmacologically intractable, HSDD has become a live pharmaceutical research space through the melanocortin receptor system — specifically through central MC4R activation, which drives sexual arousal via central nervous system mechanisms distinct from the peripheral vascular pharmacology of PDE5 inhibitors. PT-141 (bremelanotide) is the FDA-licensed melanocortin agonist for HSDD in premenopausal women; Melanotan II is the pharmacological precursor from which PT-141 was derived, though Melanotan II carries MHRA warnings for melanoma and naevus concerns. The pre-clinical and clinical melanocortin pharmacology across these compounds establishes the current best-characterised pharmacological approach to central arousal deficit.
- Condition hubResearch peptides in obesity: incretin, mitochondrial, and lipolytic approaches
Obesity has become the pharmaceutical space with the most dramatic pharmacological progress of the 2020s, driven by the incretin peptide class. Semaglutide's ~15% weight-loss magnitude at Phase III (STEP trial programme) established the modern incretin era; tirzepatide's ~22% (SURMOUNT programme) and retatrutide's Phase II ~24% extended the effect-size trajectory further. Beyond the incretin approach, peptide research on obesity spans lipolytic (AOD-9604), mitochondrial-metabolic (MOTS-c AMPK activation), and NNMT-inhibitor (5-Amino-1MQ) pharmacology. Not all peptides in this space are licensed — the pharmacological toolkit for obesity research extends well beyond the currently licensed incretin medicines.
- Condition hubResearch peptides in sarcopenia: myostatin, GH-axis, and mitochondrial approaches
Sarcopenia — age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function — affects an estimated 5-13% of adults aged 60-70 and 11-50% of adults over 80, contributing substantially to falls, disability, and mortality in older populations. Pharmacological approaches to sarcopenia remain limited relative to the disease burden, with resistance exercise and adequate protein intake as the mainstay interventions. Peptide research spans three complementary approaches: myostatin-pathway inhibition (follistatin and related compounds), IGF-1/protein synthesis stimulation (IGF-1 LR3), and mitochondrial/exercise-mimetic pharmacology (MOTS-c, tesamorelin GH-axis). Clinical translation across these approaches has been challenging, with functional-endpoint requirements proving difficult to meet consistently.
- Mechanism hubNeurotrophic signalling: BDNF, NGF, and the cognitive peptide research framework
Cognitive and nootropic research peptides act predominantly through upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and related neurotrophins, or through direct receptor agonism at hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) / c-Met. The pathway converges on hippocampal synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and neuronal survival.
- Mechanism hubMitochondrial dynamics: cardiolipin, cristae architecture, and mitochondrial-derived peptides
Mitochondrial dynamics research peptides address the structural, energetic, and signalling functions of mitochondria — the cellular organelles whose decline with age underpins much of the longevity-research framework. Compounds include the cardiolipin-stabilising tetrapeptide SS-31 (elamipretide) and the mitochondrial-derived peptides humanin and MOTS-c.
- Mechanism hubThe melanocortin system: MC1R–MC5R receptors and peptide pharmacology
The melanocortin system comprises five G-protein-coupled receptors (MC1R–MC5R) engaged by endogenous ligands derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) processing — α-MSH, β-MSH, γ-MSH, and ACTH. Synthetic melanocortin-receptor agonists including PT-141 (bremelanotide) and Melanotan II exploit this system pharmacologically for pigmentation, appetite, and sexual-function research.
- Mechanism hubmTOR and autophagy axis: nutrient sensing, longevity, and peptide modulators
The mTOR-autophagy axis integrates cellular nutrient status with anabolic-catabolic balance — the switch between growth and cellular self-renewal. This nutrient-sensing hub is central to the caloric-restriction longevity framework and to peptide research on mitochondrial and metabolic longevity.
- Mechanism hubTGF-β / SMAD signalling: fibrosis, tissue repair, and peptide modulators
TGF-β/SMAD signalling is the master fibrosis pathway — driving fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, collagen deposition, and pathological scarring across cardiac, renal, hepatic, and pulmonary tissues. Multiple research peptides modulate this axis through distinct entry points, from ligand sequestration to SMAD suppression.
- Mechanism hubSirtuin / NAD⁺ axis: NAD⁺ salvage, sirtuin family, and longevity peptides
The sirtuin family of NAD⁺-dependent deacylases and the NAD⁺ salvage pathway together form one of the most extensively-studied longevity axes in modern biology. Peptide research on this axis includes MOTS-c, humanin, epitalon, and NNMT-inhibitor pharmacology through compounds like 5-Amino-1MQ.
- GlossaryTNF-α
Pro-inflammatory cytokine central to the NF-κB signalling cascade; principal downstream readout in anti-inflammatory peptide research.
- GlossaryIL-6
Pleiotropic cytokine bridging pro-inflammatory NF-κB signalling and the acute-phase response; principal downstream endpoint in inflammation research.
- GlossaryClaudin
Family of tetraspan transmembrane proteins forming the sealing strand of epithelial tight junctions; determines paracellular permeability selectivity.
- GlossaryHydroxyproline
Post-translationally hydroxylated proline residue characteristic of collagen; principal biochemical readout for tissue collagen content.
- PeptideSemaglutide
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk, modified from native GLP-1 with aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) at position 8 (DPP-4 resistance) and a C18 fatty diacid moiety on lysine 26 (albumin binding for ~1-week half-life). Licensed in the UK by the MHRA for type-2 diabetes (Ozempic, subcutaneous; Rybelsus, oral) and chronic weight management (Wegovy, subcutaneous). The most clinically significant GLP-1 receptor agonist of the late 2020s.
- PeptideTirzepatide
A 39-amino-acid synthetic peptide developed by Eli Lilly as a dual GIPR/GLP-1R co-agonist — the first commercially successful dual incretin receptor agonist. Engineered with C20 fatty diacid acylation on lysine 20 for albumin binding and weekly dosing. Licensed in the UK by the MHRA for type-2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and chronic weight management (Zepbound). Produces larger weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head trials (SURPASS-2, SURMOUNT-5).
- PeptideRetatrutide
An Eli Lilly Phase III development triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors — the next-generation extension of tirzepatide's dual-agonist mechanism with added glucagon-receptor activation for enhanced energy expenditure. Phase II results (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2023) demonstrated 24.2% mean body weight loss over 48 weeks at the 12 mg dose, exceeding any prior published obesity pharmacotherapy. Not yet licensed in any jurisdiction; TRIUMPH Phase III programme ongoing.
- PeptideCJC-1295
A 30-amino-acid synthetic GHRH analogue derived from sermorelin (GHRH 1-29) with four amino acid substitutions that confer protease resistance. Available as 'no-DAC' (short-acting; identical to Mod GRF 1-29) or 'DAC' (drug-affinity-complex maleimide-modified for covalent albumin binding and ~8-day half-life). Activates the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs to drive pulsatile growth-hormone release.
- PeptideIpamorelin
A pentapeptide GHRP (growth-hormone-releasing peptide) developed by Novo Nordisk in the 1990s, acting as a selective agonist of the GHSR (ghrelin receptor) on pituitary somatotrophs. Distinguished from other GHRP-class compounds by its high GH selectivity — minimal effects on cortisol, prolactin, ACTH, or aldosterone — making it the cleanest GHRP-class research tool when GH-pulse isolation is the experimental goal.
- PeptideSermorelin
The first 29 amino acids of native human GHRH — the biologically active N-terminal fragment retaining full GHRH-receptor agonism. The prototype GHRH analogue; formerly licensed as Geref by Serono for paediatric growth-hormone deficiency diagnostic testing. Short half-life (~5-12 minutes) and pulsatile-preserving GH-release pattern make it the classical GH-axis research probe.
- PeptideTesamorelin
A stabilised analogue of full-length human GHRH (1-44) with a trans-3-hexenoyl group attached to the N-terminal tyrosine, conferring protease resistance against DPP-4. The only GHRH-analogue compound to hold current FDA approval — licensed as Egrifta (marketed by Theratechnologies) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Distinguished from sermorelin and CJC-1295 by its retained full 44-amino-acid sequence rather than the 1-29 truncation.
- PeptideHexarelin
A synthetic hexapeptide GHRP-class secretagogue developed by Mediolanum Farmaceutici (Italy) as an analogue of GHRP-6 with enhanced GH-releasing activity. Distinguished pharmacologically by producing the largest acute GH-releasing capacity of any GHRP at saturating doses and by direct binding to cardiac CD36 receptors — a unique cardiac-conditioning mechanism not shared by other GHRPs.
- ComparisonTB-500 vs Thymosin Beta-4
TB-500 is widely described as a fragment of thymosin beta-4, but in the research-chemical market the molecular identity supplied under the TB-500 label is not always defined. This comparison clarifies
- ComparisonKPV vs Larazotide
KPV and larazotide are both studied for gut-barrier indications but operate at completely different points in the mucosal pathology cascade. KPV suppresses NF-κB-driven inflammatory cytokine release i
- ComparisonEpitalon vs GHK-Cu
Epitalon and GHK-Cu are both grouped under 'anti-aging' peptide research but address different biological axes. Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide studied for telomerase upregulation and pineal-rela
- ComparisonBPC-157 vs Larazotide
BPC-157 and larazotide both have gut-healing applications but operate at completely different points in mucosal biology. BPC-157 supports mucosal angiogenesis and ulcer healing through a broad pro-reg
- ComparisonIpamorelin vs Sermorelin
Ipamorelin and sermorelin are the two most-studied GH-axis research peptides, but they activate the pituitary GH-release machinery through fundamentally different receptors. Ipamorelin is a GHRP-class
- StackPost-Surgical Recovery Research Stack
Combine peptides studied for anastomotic integrity, wound-edge vascularisation, and connective-tissue repair in pre-clinical post-operative models.
- StackAthletic Injury Recovery Research Stack
Cover the heterogeneous tissue injury profile seen in athletic injury models — combining tendon, muscle, dermal, and antimicrobial peptide research candidates in one combined research arm.
- StackPost-Cycle Soft-Tissue Recovery Research Stack
Investigate combined peptide effects on soft-tissue and cartilage repair in post-exercise and post-cycle recovery research models.
- StackAnti-Aging Skin Research Stack
Explore combined effects on dermal collagen and elastin synthesis, cellular ageing markers, and antimicrobial barrier integrity in skin-research models.
- StackMucosal Immune Defence Research Stack
Address the three mechanistic axes of mucosal defence — anti-inflammatory cytokine suppression, antimicrobial peptide activity, and tight-junction barrier integrity — in pre-clinical gut-immunity models.
- StackGH Secretagogue Research Stack — Dual-Pathway Pulsatile GH Release
Exploit the synergistic dual-pathway activation of pituitary somatotrophs — GHRH-receptor (Gαs/cAMP) plus GHSR-1a ghrelin-receptor (Gq/PLC/Ca²⁺) — to produce GH pulses materially larger than either monotherapy while preserving the physiological pulsatile pattern.
- Mechanism hubGrowth-hormone axis: GHRH, GHRP, ghrelin receptor, and the GH/IGF-1 cascade
The growth-hormone axis comprises GHRH-driven and ghrelin-receptor-driven release of pulsatile growth hormone from the pituitary, with IGF-1 as the principal downstream effector. Synthetic GHRH analogues and GHRP-class secretagogues activate this axis through distinct receptors.
- Mechanism hubGLP-1 and the incretin pathway: peptide drugs for metabolic disease
The incretin pathway — driven by GLP-1 from intestinal L-cells and GIP from K-cells — accounts for 50–70% of the postprandial insulin response in healthy adults. Pharmacological agonists of GLP-1R (semaglutide), GLP-1R/GIPR (tirzepatide), and GLP-1R/GIPR/glucagon-R (retatrutide) have transformed type-2 diabetes and obesity treatment in the late 2020s.
- GlossaryGHRH
Hypothalamic peptide that stimulates anterior-pituitary growth-hormone release.
- GlossaryGHRP
Synthetic peptide that stimulates GH release by acting at the ghrelin (GHSR) receptor.
- GlossarySecretagogue
A substance that stimulates the secretion of an endogenous compound — most commonly applied to GH-releasing peptides.
- GlossarymTOR
Serine/threonine kinase that integrates growth, nutrient, and stress signals to regulate cell growth and protein synthesis.
- GlossaryIGF-1
Insulin-like growth factor 1 — the principal downstream mediator of growth-hormone effects on tissue growth.
- GlossaryIGF-1R
Transmembrane tyrosine-kinase receptor for IGF-1, structurally related to the insulin receptor.
- GlossaryGLP-1R
G-protein-coupled receptor for GLP-1; molecular target of incretin-class metabolic peptides.
- GlossaryGIP
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide — an intestinal incretin hormone released after carbohydrate or fat ingestion.
- GlossaryMC4R
Hypothalamic G-protein-coupled receptor for α-MSH; regulates appetite, energy balance, and sexual function.
- GlossaryGHSR
The ghrelin receptor — G-protein-coupled receptor through which GHRPs and ibutamoren stimulate GH release.
- GlossaryIU vs mg
Two distinct unit systems used in peptide and biologic dosing — IU is a potency-based unit, mg a mass-based unit.
- GlossaryPeptide bond
The amide linkage between the α-carboxyl of one amino acid and the α-amino group of the next; the structural backbone of all peptides.
- GlossarySC vs IM
Two parenteral injection routes for peptides — SC into adipose tissue, IM into skeletal muscle — with distinct PK profiles.
- GlossaryPepT1
Intestinal di-/tripeptide transporter that drives oral absorption of small peptides and peptidomimetics.
- GlossaryMyofibroblast
A contractile fibroblast phenotype expressing α-smooth-muscle actin; central driver of wound contraction and fibrotic scarring.
- GlossaryEnthesis
The fibrocartilaginous insertion of tendon or ligament into bone — the anatomical zone where most repair failures occur.
- GlossaryCationic amphipathic helix
α-helical structural motif of antimicrobial peptides with one cationic face and one hydrophobic face — drives selective membrane disruption.
- GlossaryBDNF
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor — the principal neurotrophin supporting neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis.
- GlossaryNGF
Nerve growth factor — the prototype neurotrophin; supports sympathetic and sensory neuron survival and regeneration.
- GlossaryNAD+
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — an essential metabolic coenzyme whose decline with age is a target of longevity research.
- GlossarySirtuin
Family of NAD+-dependent protein deacetylases that regulate metabolism, stress response, DNA repair, and longevity.
- GlossaryAutophagy
Cellular self-digestion pathway that clears damaged organelles and protein aggregates; principal cellular quality-control mechanism.
- GlossaryTelomere
Repetitive (TTAGGG)n DNA-protein structure that caps and protects chromosome ends; shortens with each cell division.
- GlossaryATP synthase
Mitochondrial F0F1 enzyme that synthesises ATP by harnessing the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
- GlossaryROS
Reactive oxygen species — superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and singlet oxygen; modulated by anti-oxidant peptides.
- Glossaryα-MSH
α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone — POMC-derived tridecapeptide acting at melanocortin receptors; parent molecule of KPV.
- GlossaryGLP-1
Glucagon-like peptide-1 — incretin hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells that drives glucose-dependent insulin release.
- GlossaryIncretin effect
The greater insulin secretion observed after oral glucose ingestion compared with isoglycaemic intravenous glucose — mediated by GLP-1 and GIP.
- GlossaryLipolysis
The enzymatic breakdown of triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids, predominantly in adipose tissue.
- Glossaryβ-oxidation
Mitochondrial pathway that catabolises fatty acids into acetyl-CoA for ATP generation through the citric-acid cycle.