Third-party tested • Lot-specific COA with every order • Box of 10 saves 25% • For research use onlyFor clinics: Wholesale →

Pep-Ed · 04 · The landscape

Categories
of peptides

04 · The landscape

Categories of peptides

Peptides are usually grouped by what they are being studied for. Pick a category to see how it works, what the research says, each compound’s common names and where it stands.

How to read the evidence labels

FDA-approved drug existsAn FDA-approved version exists for a specific medical use.
Some human dataTested in people, but in small, early or non-US studies, or still investigational.
Mostly lab & animalEvidence is mostly from cell and animal studies; little or no controlled human data.

Metabolic & Incretin

Most mimic the gut hormones (incretins such as GLP-1 and GIP, plus glucagon) that tell the body it has eaten: they slow digestion, signal fullness and help regulate insulin. Others act on fat metabolism or mitochondria.

What researchers are studying

Weight managementAppetite and cravingsBlood-sugar controlAbdominal (visceral) fatInsulin sensitivity

TirzepatideBrand names Mounjaro®, Zepbound®

FDA-approved drug exists

A dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist taken once a week.

Studied forFDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults with obesity lost substantially more weight than with placebo over 72 weeks.

RetatrutideInvestigational code LY3437943

Some human data

An investigational triple agonist of the GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors.

Studied forBeing studied by Eli Lilly for obesity and type 2 diabetes in phase 3 (TRIUMPH) trials. It is not FDA-approved; Lilly has said it plans to file for approval in 2027.

TesamorelinBrand name Egrifta®

FDA-approved drug exists

A growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog.

Studied forFDA-approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Also studied for visceral fat and liver fat.

MOTS-cMitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c

Mostly lab & animal

A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA, discovered in 2015.

Studied forIn mice it improved insulin sensitivity and protected against diet-induced weight gain. Human data are mostly observational (blood levels), not treatment trials.

Good to know. The most-studied class on this page, and also the one the FDA has warned about most. Common side effects in trials are gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhea, constipation). Approved brand versions are prescription drugs; the FDA has warned consumers about unapproved and counterfeit GLP-1 products. FDA: concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs →

Shop Weight Management & Metabolic →

Growth Hormone Secretagogues

These signal the pituitary gland to release more of the body's own growth hormone (GH). GHRH analogs (sermorelin, CJC-1295) act on the GHRH receptor; GHRPs (ipamorelin, hexarelin) act on the ghrelin receptor. The two types are often paired.

What researchers are studying

Growth hormone deficiencyBody composition (lean mass, fat)Sleep qualityRecoveryAge-related GH decline

SermorelinGHRH (1-29); formerly sold as Geref®

Some human data

A copy of the first 29 amino acids of natural growth hormone-releasing hormone.

Studied forWas FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency in children. The brand was discontinued for manufacturing reasons; in 2013 FDA determined it was not withdrawn for safety or effectiveness. Studied for adult GH decline.

CJC-1295 (no DAC)Modified GRF (1-29), Mod GRF

Some human data

A GHRH analog modified to resist breakdown; shorter-acting than the DAC version.

Studied forStudied to boost natural GH pulses. Published human trials used the long-acting DAC version, so evidence for the no-DAC form is limited.

IpamorelinA growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP)

Some human data

A five-amino-acid ghrelin-receptor agonist.

Studied forDescribed in 1998 as the first selective GH secretagogue (little effect on cortisol or prolactin in animal studies). Tested in a human trial for post-surgery gut recovery.

HexarelinA growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP)

Some human data

A six-amino-acid ghrelin-receptor agonist and one of the most potent GHRPs.

Studied forStudied for GH release and for effects on the heart. The GH response can fade with continued use.

CJC-1295 + IpamorelinGHRH + GHRP blend

Mostly lab & animal

Combines both GH pathways in one vial.

Studied forThe rationale is that the two pathways work together. No published clinical studies have tested this blend itself.

ResearchNo published studies of this blendCJC-1295 + Ipamorelin

Good to know. Raising GH also raises IGF-1 and can affect blood sugar, fluid retention and appetite. Growth-promoting signals are a theoretical concern for anyone with a history of cancer. All GH secretagogues are prohibited in sport by WADA. WADA Prohibited List →

Shop Growth Hormone & IGF →

Tissue Repair & Recovery

Studied for their roles in blood-vessel formation, cell migration and inflammation signaling, the processes that drive healing.

What researchers are studying

Tendon, ligament and muscle injuriesWound healingGut lining and digestive inflammationJoint discomfortInflammation

BPC-157Body Protection Compound-157

Mostly lab & animal

A 15-amino-acid fragment of a protein found in stomach juice.

Studied forIn animal studies it improved healing of tendon, ligament, muscle, bone and gut injuries. A 2025 systematic review found 35 preclinical studies and just 1 clinical study; a small 2025 pilot looked at IV safety in people.

TB-500Thymosin beta-4 fragment

Mostly lab & animal

A synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4, a protein involved in cell movement and repair.

Studied forStudied in animals for wound, muscle and tissue repair. The full thymosin beta-4 protein has reached early human trials for eye surface healing.

BPC-157 + TB-500Repair blend

Mostly lab & animal

Combines the two repair peptides above.

Studied forCombined for overlapping repair pathways. No published clinical studies have tested this blend.

ResearchNo published studies of this blendBPC-157 + TB-500

KPVLysine-proline-valine; alpha-MSH fragment

Mostly lab & animal

A three-amino-acid fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone.

Studied forReduced intestinal inflammation in mouse colitis models. The FDA has said it has identified no human exposure data.

IGF-1 LR3Long R3 IGF-1

Mostly lab & animal

A modified, longer-acting analog of insulin-like growth factor 1, used mainly in cell-culture research.

Studied forDesigned to resist the proteins that normally bind IGF-1, so it stays active longer. No human clinical trials; IGF-1 can lower blood sugar. It is prohibited in sport and has turned up in black-market products.

Good to know. The most popular category online, and the one with the thinnest human evidence. In October 2026 HHS announced it would not take enforcement action against licensed 503A pharmacies compounding BPC-157, TB-500 and KPV (plus three others) under strict conditions. That does not make them FDA-approved. BPC-157 and TB-500 are prohibited in sport. HHS policy, Federal Register (Oct 30, 2026) →

Shop Tissue Repair & Recovery →

Neuropeptides & Cognitive

Short peptides that act on brain signaling: stress hormones, neurotrophic (nerve-growth) factors and sleep regulation.

What researchers are studying

Focus and memoryStress and anxietySleepRecovery after stroke

SemaxACTH (4-10) analog

Some human data

A modified fragment of the stress hormone ACTH, usually given as a nasal spray.

Studied forUsed in Russia after stroke and for cognitive conditions; lab studies show effects on nerve-growth factors. Western clinical evidence is limited.

SelankTuftsin analog

Some human data

A synthetic analog of tuftsin, an immune-system peptide.

Studied forDeveloped in Russia as an anti-anxiety peptide and studied in small trials of generalized anxiety.

DSIPDelta sleep-inducing peptide

Some human data

A nine-amino-acid peptide first isolated in 1977 during deep sleep in rabbits.

Studied forStudied for sleep and stress, with inconsistent results. How it works is still unresolved.

Good to know. Semax and Selank were developed and are used clinically in Russia, so most published research is Russian-language and small-scale. None of these is FDA-approved.

Shop Cognitive & Sleep →

Skin, Cosmetic & Longevity

Peptides and coenzymes that support collagen, skin repair and cellular energy (mitochondria), which decline with age.

What researchers are studying

Skin firmness and collagenFine lines and skin repairHair and wound healingMitochondrial energyHealthy aging

GHK-CuCopper peptide

Some human data

A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in blood plasma; levels fall with age.

Studied forWidely used in topical skincare; studied for collagen production, skin firmness and wound healing. Evidence for injected forms is limited.

GLOWGHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500

Mostly lab & animal

A three-peptide blend pairing the copper peptide with two repair peptides.

Studied forCombines skin- and repair-focused compounds. No published studies have tested the blend itself.

ResearchNo published studies of this blendGLOW

KLOWGHK-Cu + KPV + BPC-157 + TB-500

Mostly lab & animal

GLOW plus KPV.

Studied forAdds KPV for its anti-inflammatory research profile. No published studies have tested the blend itself.

ResearchNo published studies of this blendKLOW

SS-31Elamipretide; brand name Forzinity®

FDA-approved drug exists

A four-amino-acid peptide that targets cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Studied forIn September 2025 the FDA granted accelerated approval for Barth syndrome, a rare mitochondrial disease. Also studied in mitochondrial myopathy and heart failure.

NAD+Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (not a peptide)

Some human data

A coenzyme found in every cell, essential to energy metabolism and DNA repair.

Studied forNAD+ levels decline with age. Human trials (mostly oral precursors such as NR and NMN) show NAD+ levels can be raised safely, but clinical benefits are still mixed.

Good to know. GHK-Cu has the longest track record, mainly in topical skincare. Blends combine compounds that have not been studied together. NAD+ is a coenzyme, not a peptide; it is grouped here because it is used for the same goals.

Shop Longevity & Mitochondrial →  ·  Shop Skin & Cosmetic →

Reproductive & Signaling

Peptides that act on the brain's desire, bonding and reproductive signaling pathways.

What researchers are studying

Sexual desire (libido)Social bondingLabor and postpartum care (approved oxytocin)

PT-141Bremelanotide; brand name Vyleesi®

FDA-approved drug exists

A melanocortin-receptor agonist that acts in the brain rather than on blood flow.

Studied forFDA-approved in 2019 for acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (low sexual desire) in premenopausal women.

OxytocinBrand name Pitocin® (IV/IM)

FDA-approved drug exists

A natural nine-amino-acid hormone often called the 'bonding hormone'.

Studied forFDA-approved in hospitals to start or strengthen labor and control bleeding after birth. Nasal oxytocin has been studied for social connection and bonding, with mixed results.

Good to know. Both have FDA-approved versions for narrow uses, with known side effects: bremelanotide commonly causes nausea, flushing and headache and can briefly raise blood pressure.

Shop Sexual Health & Wellness →

All categories at a glance

The evidence column counts compounds in each category: ● FDA-approved drug exists   ● some human data   ● mostly lab & animal.

CategoryHow they workStudied forCommon namesFDA-approved examplesEvidence
Metabolic & IncretinMimic gut hormones that control appetite, digestion and insulinWeight management, Appetite and cravings, Blood-sugar control, Abdominal (visceral) fat, Insulin sensitivityTirzepatide, Retatrutide, Tesamorelin, MOTS-cTirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®), Tesamorelin (Egrifta®)2 1 1
Growth Hormone SecretagoguesPrompt the pituitary to release the body's own growth hormoneGrowth hormone deficiency, Body composition (lean mass, fat), Sleep quality, Recovery, Age-related GH declineSermorelin, CJC-1295 (no DAC), Ipamorelin, Hexarelin, CJC-1295 + IpamorelinNone4 1
Tissue Repair & RecoveryInfluence blood-vessel growth, cell migration and inflammationTendon, ligament and muscle injuries, Wound healing, Gut lining and digestive inflammation, Joint discomfort, InflammationBPC-157, TB-500, BPC-157 + TB-500, KPV, IGF-1 LR3None5
Neuropeptides & CognitiveAct on brain signaling for stress, nerve growth and sleepFocus and memory, Stress and anxiety, Sleep, Recovery after strokeSemax, Selank, DSIPNone3
Skin, Cosmetic & LongevitySupport collagen, skin repair and mitochondrial energySkin firmness and collagen, Fine lines and skin repair, Hair and wound healing, Mitochondrial energy, Healthy agingGHK-Cu, GLOW, KLOW, SS-31, NAD+SS-31 (Forzinity®)1 2 2
Reproductive & SignalingAct on brain pathways for desire and bondingSexual desire (libido), Social bonding, Labor and postpartum care (approved oxytocin)PT-141, OxytocinPT-141 (Vyleesi®), Oxytocin (Pitocin® (IV/IM))2

References

Sources

  1. Muttenthaler et al., Trends in peptide drug discovery, Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021
  2. Wang et al., Therapeutic peptides: current applications and future directions, 2022
  3. Ashraf et al., Safety and risk of no-prescription online semaglutide purchases, JAMA Netw Open 2024
  4. Choules et al., NMR reveals an undeclared constituent in custom synthetic peptides, 2020
  5. FDA: Bulk drug substances that may present significant safety risks in compounding
  6. FDA: Concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
  7. HHS enforcement discretion policy for 503A peptide compounding, Federal Register, Oct 30 2026
  8. WADA Prohibited List
  9. Tirzepatide: SURMOUNT-1, NEJM 2022
  10. Retatrutide: Phase 2 trial, NEJM 2023
  11. Retatrutide: Lilly: what to know about retatrutide
  12. Tesamorelin: Falutz et al., NEJM 2007
  13. MOTS-c: Lee et al., Cell Metabolism 2015
  14. MOTS-c: Kim et al., Physiol Rep 2019
  15. Sermorelin: Walker, Clin Interv Aging 2006
  16. Sermorelin: FDA determination, Federal Register 2013
  17. CJC-1295 (no DAC): Teichman et al., JCEM 2006 (DAC version)
  18. Ipamorelin: Raun et al., Eur J Endocrinol 1998
  19. Ipamorelin: Beck et al., Int J Colorectal Dis 2014
  20. Hexarelin: Mao et al., J Geriatr Cardiol 2014
  21. BPC-157: Vasireddi et al., systematic review 2025
  22. BPC-157: Lee et al., human IV safety pilot 2025
  23. BPC-157: Seiwerth et al., wound-healing review 2021
  24. TB-500: Sosne, Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018 (thymosin beta-4)
  25. KPV: Dalmasso et al., Gastroenterology 2008
  26. IGF-1 LR3: Black-market detection study, 2010
  27. Semax: Stroke-stage study, 2018 (Russian)
  28. Semax: Neurotrophin gene study, 2010
  29. Selank: Zozulia et al., GAD trial 2008 (Russian)
  30. DSIP: Kovalzon et al., J Neurochem 2006
  31. GHK-Cu: Pickart et al., Int J Mol Sci 2018
  32. SS-31: FDA approval announcement, 2025
  33. SS-31: TAZPOWER extension, Genet Med 2024
  34. NAD+: Nature Metabolism review, 2025
  35. NAD+: Systematic review, Am J Physiol 2024
  36. PT-141: RECONNECT phase 3 trials, Obstet Gynecol 2019
  37. Oxytocin: Keech et al., meta-analysis 2018

Educational information only. Pep-Ed summarizes published research so you can make informed decisions with a licensed healthcare provider. It is not medical advice and does not describe how to use any product.

Unless a product page states otherwise, BioDynamics Labs products are not FDA-approved drugs and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Brand names (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, Egrifta®, Vyleesi®, Pitocin®, Forzinity®) are trademarks of their owners and refer to FDA-approved products not sold by BioDynamics Labs.

Last reviewed November 2026.