Peptides Reference Library
Peptides are short chains of amino acids your body already makes by the thousand. The word covers everything from FDA-approved medicine to compounds sold online "for research only." Here's a plain-English tour of the ones people ask about most — what they are, what's actually been studied, and where each one stands legally. No protocols. No sales pitch. Just the science, sober.
Approved = FDA-approved medicine · Investigational = in clinical trials, not yet approved · Research use only = not approved for human use.
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Transformation through System
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Metabolic: Peptides studied in relation to weight and metabolism
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Semaglutide
A GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and support blood-sugar regulation. Status: FDA-approved (Ozempic, Wegovy) for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
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Tirzepatide
A dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist studied for blood-sugar regulation and appetite. Status: FDA-approved (Mounjaro, Zepbound) for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
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Retatrutide
An investigational triple-receptor agonist (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) being studied in Phase 3 trials for weight management. Status: Investigational — not FDA-approved. It cannot currently be legally prescribed, sold as a medicine, or compounded. Products sold online as "retatrutide" are unapproved and unverified.
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AOD-9604
A modified fragment of human growth hormone studied in research settings for its proposed effect on fat metabolism. Status: Research use only — not FDA-approved for weight loss or any human use.
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Cagrilintide
A long-acting amylin analog studied — including in combination with GLP-1 agonists — for appetite regulation. Status: Investigational — not FDA-approved as a standalone product.
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Growth-Factor peptides: studied in relation to growth hormone pathways
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CJC-1295
A GHRH analog studied in research for its effect on growth-hormone release. Status: Research use only — not FDA-approved.
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Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a growth-hormone secretagogue studied in research. Not FDA-approved. Educational use only.
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Tesamorelin
A synthetic GHRH analog. It is FDA-approved under the brand Egrifta for one specific condition — HIV-associated lipodystrophy — and is not approved for general weight loss, body composition, or anti-aging use.
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Sermorelin
A GHRH analog historically used to assess growth-hormone function. Status: Not currently marketed as an FDA-approved product in the U.S.; any availability is through compounding and depends on current regulations. Discuss legality with a licensed clinician or pharmacist.
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Hexarelin
A growth-hormone-releasing peptide studied in research. Status: Research use only — not FDA-approved.
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IGF-1 LR3
A long-acting synthetic analog of insulin-like growth factor-1 studied in research. Status: Research use only — not FDA-approved. Banned by WADA for athletes.
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Follistatin
A protein studied in research for its interaction with myostatin and muscle regulation. Status: Research use only — not FDA-approved; long-term human safety data is lacking.
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Repair, Immunity & Cellular Peptides
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BPC-157
A synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in gastric juice. In animal and preclinical research it has been studied for possible roles in tissue repair and inflammation; human data is limited. Status: Research use only — not approved for human use. Banned by WADA (2022). Note: its regulatory category in the U.S. has shifted more than once and may change again.
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MOTS-c
A mitochondria-derived peptide studied in research for its role in cellular energy regulation. Status: Research use only — not FDA-approved.
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Thymosin alpha 1
A thymus-derived peptide studied as an immune modulator. Status: Approved in some countries for chronic hepatitis B and C; not FDA-approved in the U.S.
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SS-31
A peptide studied in research for its interaction with mitochondrial membranes. Status: Investigational — not FDA-approved.
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NAD+ coenzyme
A coenzyme (not a peptide) central to cellular energy and DNA repair, sold as supplements and IV preparations. Status: Not an FDA-approved drug for the longevity or energy uses often claimed for it.
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LL-37
A naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide studied in laboratory research for its role in innate immunity and wound healing. Status: Research use only — not FDA-approved for human use.
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L-Glutathione
An antioxidant tripeptide (glutamine, cysteine, glycine) sold as a supplement and IV preparation. Status: Sold as a dietary supplement; not an FDA-approved drug for detoxification, immune, or anti-aging claims.
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