All peptides

Porcine-brain-derived neuropeptide preparation used decades-long in Austrian, Russian, and Eastern European stroke / TBI / dementia clinical practice. Bornstein 2018 meta-analysis + CARS stroke trial (Muresanu 2016) are the canonical evidence base. IV / IM. Not FDA-approved in the US.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mimetic and angiotensin IV analog. Animal data shows ~7 orders of magnitude greater synaptogenic potency than BDNF. Crosses BBB. Research-only. Concern: HGF mimetics carry theoretical oncogenic risk — nasal route may localize exposure better than oral.

Small CNTF-derived peptide that stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis in mouse models. Mechanistic interest in cognitive aging and Alzheimer's research. No human clinical trials. Research compound only; not therapeutically established.

7-amino-acid synthetic analog of tuftsin developed in Russia for generalized anxiety. Acts on enkephalin-degrading enzymes; produces calm without sedation, no withdrawal syndrome. Prescription drug in Russia/CIS, research-only in US/EU. Standard delivery is intranasal spray for fast onset.

A synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH(4-7) with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro motif for peptidase resistance. Developed in Russia; used clinically there for ischemic stroke, ADHD, and cognitive support. Intranasal delivery is the clinical standard.

The most popular growth-hormone secretagogue stack. CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) stimulates pituitary GH release; ipamorelin (a selective ghrelin receptor agonist) amplifies that release without raising cortisol or prolactin. Designed to mimic natural pulsatile GH secretion rather than replacing it.

WADA prohibited

29-aa GHRH analog. FDA-approved 1997 (as Geref) for pediatric GH deficiency; withdrawn 2008 for commercial reasons, now exclusively compounded. Produces tight physiologic GH pulses (~10 min half-life) — contrasts with CJC-1295's sustained 8-day elevation. Daily SC dosing, typically pre-bed.

WADA prohibited

GHRH analog FDA-approved (as Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Reduces visceral adipose tissue by ~15-20% via endogenous GH/IGF-1 elevation. Off-label use for visceral fat reduction in metabolically unhealthy adults; gaining traction as a 'muscle-sparing' adjunct to GLP-1 weight loss.

WADA prohibited

C-terminal α-MSH tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) with documented mast-cell-stabilizing and NF-κB-inhibiting activity. Phase 2 evidence in ulcerative colitis; off-label use in MCAS, IBS, and inflammatory skin protocols. Oral bioavailable via the PepT1 transporter.

Small-molecule NNMT inhibitor (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase). Animal-model data shows fat-loss + metabolic-regulation effects via SAM-cycle and NAD+ modulation. Minimal human data. Research compound, not a peptide — included for the platform's metabolic-research scope.

47-amino-acid D-retro-inverso peptide designed to disrupt FOXO4-p53 binding and trigger apoptosis in senescent ('zombie') cells. Baar 2017 Cell paper showed clear effects in aged mice. Zero published human trials. Pre-clinical research candidate; ProxofIM is the clinical-development spinout.

Fragment of growth hormone (residues 176-191) originally developed for lipolysis. Failed Phase 2b trials for weight loss (Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, 2007). Currently used compounded as an adjunct compound; clinical evidence base is thin and the GH axis indications never reached registration.

Novo Nordisk's fixed-dose combination of cagrilintide (long-acting amylin analog) and semaglutide. REDEFINE 1 (March 2026) reported ~22.7% mean weight loss vs ~16.1% for semaglutide alone over 68 weeks. Filed with FDA Q1 2026; PDUFA expected late 2026.

Eli Lilly's first non-peptide oral GLP-1 receptor agonist. Small-molecule structure means no SNAC carrier required, no food-timing restrictions (unlike Rybelsus), and no injection. Phase 3 ATTAIN-1 read-out April 2026 showed ~14.7% mean weight loss at 72 weeks. PDUFA date pending.

Lilly's triple GLP-1 / GIP / glucagon receptor agonist for chronic weight management. TRIUMPH-1 Phase 2 reported ~24% mean weight loss at 48 weeks — exceeding both semaglutide and tirzepatide trial benchmarks. Phase 3 TRIUMPH program in progress; not yet FDA-approved.

GLP-1 receptor agonist (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus). FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management, and cardiovascular risk reduction in obesity. STEP-1 mean weight loss 14.9% at 68 weeks; SELECT 20% MACE reduction in adults without diabetes.

Triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (DA, NE, 5-HT) originally developed for Alzheimer's. Phase 3 trials show ~10% weight loss — comparable to early GLP-1 era results. Approved in Mexico (2023) as a non-peptide weight-loss drug; FDA application stalled over CV safety concerns.

The first dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Eli Lilly's tirzepatide produced superior weight loss to semaglutide in the head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 trial (20.2% vs 13.7%), making it the most effective peptide weight-loss drug currently approved.

Pentadecapeptide derived from a human gastric-juice protein, extensively studied in rodent models for tendon, ligament, and gut-tissue healing via angiogenesis and fibroblast-migration mechanisms. Human evidence base remains thin. FDA Interim Category 2 pending July 2026 PCAC review.

WADA prohibited

Thymosin β-4 fragment with documented actin-binding and pro-angiogenic activity. Stacks with BPC-157 for tendon, ligament, and soft-tissue recovery. Animal model evidence robust; no human RCT. Interim FDA Category 2 status pending the July 2026 PCAC meeting.

WADA prohibited

Synthetic α-MSH analog with broad melanocortin-receptor agonism. Originally researched for tanning; off-label use for libido and skin pigmentation. Documented case reports of fatal cardiac events, severe priapism, rhabdomyolysis. Banned for human use in UK, Australia, New Zealand. NOT recommended.

Nonapeptide. FDA-approved IV for labor induction; off-label intranasal use for social bonding, sexual response, and autism research. Heinrichs trust-game studies are foundational. Context-dependent: chronic stress, attachment style, and partner dynamics modulate response substantially.

Bremelanotide. Melanocortin receptor agonist FDA-approved as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Off-label use in men and post-menopausal women is common; mechanism is central rather than vascular. Subcutaneous; ~6h onset.

Acetyl hexapeptide-8 — 'Botox in a bottle' topical peptide. SNAP-25 inhibition mechanism, different molecular target than botulinum toxin but adjacent expression-line softening effect. Modest RCT evidence (Blanes-Mira 2002, Wang 2013). Topical-only.

Copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys + Cu) with decades of cosmetic-industry research. Documented mechanism on collagen synthesis, matrix-metalloproteinase modulation, and antioxidant defense. Widely available as cosmetic-grade topical under standard cosmetic regulation.

WADA prohibited

Combination of two palmitoylated peptides that signal collagen and fibronectin synthesis in dermal fibroblasts. Best clinical evidence among topical anti-aging peptides — multiple split-face trials show measurable wrinkle reduction over 8-12 weeks. Often layered over GHK-Cu in technical stacks.

8-aa elongation of Argireline's mechanism with stronger SNARE-complex inhibition. Marketed as more potent than Argireline at same concentration. Limited independent peer-reviewed studies; manufacturer (Lipotec) data shows ~30% expression-line reduction over 4 weeks. Topical only.