Injectable peptides

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 FDA-approved 1997 (as Geref) for pediatric GH deficiency; withdrawn 2008 for commercial reasons, now exclusively compounded.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.