A plain-language look at what peptides are, and — separately — a look at what the published research actually shows.
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BPC-157Explored for tendon, muscle, ligament, and gut-lining recoveryPeptidesRecoveryEarly-stage research
A synthetic peptide first described in 1993 and one of the most-studied compounds in this category — a 2024 literature review cites over 130 studies on tendon, muscle, ligament, and gut-lining healing.[1][2] Human research is still in its early stages, with small reported cases rather than large controlled trials so far.
[1] Sikiric P, et al. Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Curr Pharm Des (foundational description, 1993 onward).
[2] Multifunctionality and Possible Medical Application of the BPC 157 Peptide — Literature and Patent Review. PMC11859134.
TB-500Explored for tissue repair and recovery, alongside BPC-157PeptidesRecoveryEarly-stage research
Marketed as related to a naturally occurring tissue-repair protein (thymosin beta-4).[1] Human trial results haven't been published yet.
[1] Goldstein AL, Hannappel E, Kleinman HK. Thymosin β4: actin-sequestering protein moonlights to repair injured tissues. Trends Mol Med. 2005;11(9):421–429.
KPVStudied for calming gut inflammationPeptidesRecoveryEarly-stage research
A small peptide fragment studied for its anti-inflammatory effects on the gut lining.[1] It's also sold combined with BPC-157 and TB-500 in this catalog's blend products.
BPC/TB/KPV BlendCombines three peptides studied for recovery and gut supportPeptidesRecoveryEarly-stage research
Pairs BPC-157 and TB-500 with KPV (see each above) in one blend for recovery-focused protocols.[1] The combination itself hasn't been separately studied — see each ingredient's entry above.
BPC/TB-500 BlendPairs two well-known recovery peptides in one productPeptidesRecoveryEarly-stage research
Combines BPC-157 and TB-500 (see their entries above) in one vial. This specific pairing hasn't been separately studied — the research so far applies to each ingredient on its own.
[1] See the BPC-157 and TB-500 entries above for each component's individual research.
Glow Blend (GHK-Cu/BPC-157/TB-500)Combines recovery and skin-support peptides in one productPeptidesRecoveryEarly-stage research
Brings together GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500 (see their entries above) for recovery and skin goals together. This exact combination hasn't been studied as a blend — the evidence that exists is for each ingredient individually.
[1] See the GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500 entries above for each component's individual research.
KLOW (TB-500/BPC-157/GHK-Cu/KPV)A four-peptide blend for recovery and skin supportPeptidesRecoveryEarly-stage research
Combines TB-500, BPC-157, GHK-Cu, and KPV — all covered above — into one product. This exact combination hasn't been studied as a blend; the evidence that exists is for each ingredient on its own.
[1] See the TB-500, BPC-157, GHK-Cu, and KPV entries above for each component's individual research.
EpitalonStudied for pineal gland function, sleep, and healthy agingPeptidesLongevityEarly human data
Developed by a Russian research group studying telomerase activity and aging biomarkers.[1] Human data includes an observational cohort followed over several years and an open-label eye-health study,[2] both encouraging early signals rather than the placebo-controlled trials Western regulators typically require.
[1] Khavinson VK, et al. Peptide Epitalon activates chromatin at old age. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2003;24(5):329–333. PMID 14647006.
[2] Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK, et al. Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female mice. Biogerontology. 2003;4(4):193–202. PMID 14501183.
GHK-CuWell established in skincare; also studied for wound healingPeptidesLongevityEstablished (cosmetic) / early (medical)
A naturally occurring copper-binding peptide and a familiar ingredient in cosmetic skincare — a randomized, double-blind trial found a copper-peptide formulation improved measures of photoaged skin.[1] Its use for broader medical wound healing is earlier-stage.[2]
[1] Watson RE, Fisher GJ, et al. Repair of photoaged dermal matrix by topical application of a cosmetic antioxidant complex. Br J Dermatol. 2009.
[2] Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. PMC6073405.
MOTS-cStudied for energy metabolism and insulin sensitivityPeptidesLongevityHuman trials underway
A mitochondrial-derived peptide first characterized in 2015, with promising early data on metabolism.[1] A placebo-controlled human trial is currently in progress — results aren't published yet, so this is an active, developing area of research.
[1] Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab. 2015;21(3):443–454. PMID 25738459.
GlutathioneThe body's own antioxidant, studied for skin brightening and cellular supportPeptidesLongevityMixed early evidence
Made naturally in the body from three amino acids. Oral and topical studies on skin brightening have shown some positive results;[1] evidence for broader antioxidant or energy-support use is still developing — a small trial testing IV glutathione for Parkinson's disease, for example, didn't show a clear benefit over placebo.[2]
[1] RCT of combined topical/oral glutathione for skin whitening. PMID 33871071.
[2] Hauser RA, et al. Randomized, double-blind, pilot study of IV glutathione in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 2009. PMID 19230029.
NAD+A cellular energy coenzyme, popular for energy and healthy-aging supportPeptidesLongevityEvidence still developing
Your cells already make and rely on NAD+ for energy production. Related oral supplements (like NMN) have some human trial data with mixed results;[1] a recent review found the injectable/IV form specifically hasn't yet been tested in controlled human trials[2] — worth knowing as an evidence gap, not a mark against it.
[1] The Safety and Antiaging Effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide in Human Clinical Trials: an Update. PMC10721522.
[2] NAD+ supplementation for anti-aging and wellness: a PRISMA-guided systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence. Ageing Research Reviews, 2025/2026.
SS-31 (Elamipretide)A mitochondria-targeted peptide, FDA-approved for a rare muscle conditionPeptidesLongevityFDA-approved (narrow use)
Has real human trial history and, as of 2025, FDA approval (brand name Forzinity) for Barth syndrome, a rare genetic muscle disease.[1] Trials exploring other uses, like an eye condition called dry age-related macular degeneration, are ongoing with mixed results so far[2] — promising research, not yet a general longevity claim.
[1] FDA, "FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to First Treatment for Barth Syndrome." September 2025. TAZPOWER trial, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03098797.
PinealonStudied for brain-cell protection, from the same lineage as EpitalonPeptidesLongevityEarly human data
Studied for its role in protecting brain cells from oxidative stress.[1] One small human study in older adults reported benefits on aging-related markers[2] — an encouraging early signal, ahead of larger placebo-controlled trials.
[1] Pinealon increases cell viability by suppression of free radical levels. PMID 21978084.
[2] Effect of synthetic peptides on aging of patients with chronic polymorbidity and organic brain syndrome (n=32). Advances in Gerontology. 2015;28(1):62-7. PMID 26390612.
TesamorelinFDA-approved growth-hormone therapy for a specific conditionPeptidesMetabolicFDA-approved
A growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog FDA-approved (brand name Egrifta) to reduce excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, based on Phase 3 clinical trials.[1] Use for general weight loss or anti-aging goals is outside that approved indication.
[1] EGRIFTA WR (tesamorelin) prescribing information. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
CJC-1295 / IpamorelinA popular growth-hormone-support combinationPeptidesMetabolicEarly human data
Two compounds often used together to support the body's own growth hormone release. CJC-1295 has placebo-controlled human data on hormone levels;[1] Ipamorelin was studied in a gut-motility recovery trial.[2] Neither has a specific FDA-approved indication for this use.
[1] Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone and IGF-1 secretion by CJC-1295. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799–805. PMID 16352683.
[2] Beck DE, et al. Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of ipamorelin for postoperative ileus. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2015. doi:10.1007/s00384-014-2030-8.
RetatrutideAn investigational triple-hormone therapy for weight managementGLP-1MetabolicIn Phase 3 trials
Acts on three metabolic hormone receptors at once and is being developed by a major pharmaceutical company for obesity and type 2 diabetes. A published Phase 2 trial showed substantial weight loss over about a year,[1] and Phase 3 trials are underway now.[2] It's investigational — not yet an FDA-approved medicine.
[1] Jastreboff AM, et al. Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial. N Engl J Med. 2023. DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa2301972.
SemaglutideThe active ingredient behind Ozempic, Wegovy, and RybelsusGLP-1MetabolicFDA-approved
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management under those brand names, backed by extensive clinical trials.[1] Compounded semaglutide follows a separate, evolving regulatory path tied to supply availability[2] — worth checking current status with your provider.
[1] WEGOVY (semaglutide) prescribing information. FDA label, accessdata.fda.gov.
[2] FDA, "FDA clarifies policies for compounders as national GLP-1 supply begins to stabilize."
TirzepatideThe active ingredient behind Mounjaro and ZepboundGLP-1MetabolicFDA-approved
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management under those brand names, backed by large clinical trials.[1] Compounded tirzepatide follows a separate regulatory path tied to supply availability[2] — worth checking current status with your provider. Not appropriate for anyone with a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers.
[1] ZEPBOUND (tirzepatide) prescribing information. FDA label, accessdata.fda.gov.
[2] FDA, "FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management."
AOD-9604Explored as a fat-metabolism-targeting growth-hormone fragmentPeptidesMetabolicEvidence unfavorable so far
A modified fragment of human growth hormone originally developed for weight loss. Its largest human trial didn't show a clear weight difference over placebo,[1] and its current compounding status is unsettled[2] — worth confirming directly with your pharmacy before purchase.
[1] Phase 2b randomized, placebo-controlled obesity trial (primary endpoint not met). Reported via BioSpace/Bioworld industry coverage.
[2] FDA Category 2 bulk drug substances list (added 2023, removed 2024) — current compounding eligibility unsettled.
SermorelinA growth-hormone-releasing peptide with a long history of usePeptidesMetabolicEstablished history, off-label today
Was FDA-approved in 1997 for a pediatric diagnostic test,[1] and the branded product was later discontinued for business reasons.[2] Today it's available as a compounded preparation, used off-label in adults for growth-hormone support.
[1] GEREF (sermorelin) FDA approval, 1997 — diagnostic use in pediatric growth hormone deficiency.
[2] Federal Register notice on Geref market withdrawal, reported March 2013 (via secondary sources).
CJC-1295A long-acting growth-hormone-releasing peptidePeptidesMetabolicEarly human data
Comes in two forms — a longer-lasting version (with DAC) and a faster-clearing version (Mod GRF 1-29, without DAC). Human data shows it reliably raises growth hormone and IGF-1 levels;[1] it hasn't yet been studied for a specific health outcome in a larger trial.
[1] Teichman SL, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 secretion by CJC-1295. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805. PMID 16352683.
IpamorelinA selective growth-hormone secretagoguePeptidesMetabolicEarly-stage research
Prompts the body to release more of its own growth hormone.[1] Human data is limited to one discontinued trial for an unrelated gut-recovery use;[2] it hasn't yet been tested in dedicated trials for weight, muscle, or recovery goals.
[1] Raun K, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561.
SemaxStudied in Russia for stroke recovery and cognitive supportPeptidesCognitiveEstablished in Russia
Developed and registered as a pharmaceutical in Russia, with published clinical studies on stroke recovery, cerebrovascular protection, and cognitive function.[1] It hasn't yet gone through FDA review or a Western-standard clinical trial.
[1] Semax clinical studies on ischemic stroke treatment. PMID 29798983.
[2] Semax cerebrovascular insufficiency prevention study (187 patients). PMID 15792140.
DSIPStudied for sleep support since the 1970sPeptidesCognitiveSmall human studies
A peptide with a long research history in sleep regulation, though its exact mechanism is still being studied. Small human studies from the 1980s–90s showed modest results on sleep[1] and on easing withdrawal symptoms.[2]
[1] Double-blind study of DSIP in insomnia. PMID 7028502.
SelankStudied in Russia for anxiety reliefPeptidesCognitiveEstablished in Russia
Developed by the same Russian institute behind Semax. A small clinical trial found effects similar to a standard anti-anxiety medication, without the same sedation,[1] and it's approved for clinical use there. It hasn't yet gone through FDA review or a Western-standard trial.
[1] Zozulia AA, Neznamov GG, et al. Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of selank in generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia. Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii. 2008;108(4):38-48. PMID 18454096.
[2] Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects. Doklady Biochemistry and Biophysics. 2020. PMID 32342318.
KisspeptinAn emerging hormone studied for sexual desire and fertility supportPeptidesSexual HealthEarly-stage research
Sits upstream of the body's reproductive hormone system. Early academic studies have found it can increase brain activity linked to arousal in people with low desire,[1] and it's also being studied as part of fertility treatment.[2] Promising, still early-stage research.
[1] Mills EG, et al. Effects of Kisspeptin on Sexual Brain Processing and Penile Tumescence in Men With HSDD. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(2):e2254313. PMID 36735255.
[2] Jayasena CN, et al. Efficacy of Kisspeptin-54 to Trigger Oocyte Maturation. PMID 26192876.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)FDA-approved treatment for low sexual desire in womenPeptidesSexual HealthFDA-approved
FDA-approved (brand name Vyleesi) for premenopausal women with low sexual desire.[1] Like many medications, it carries a boxed warning for blood pressure/fainting risk, especially with alcohol — worth reviewing with your provider before starting.
[1] VYLEESI (bremelanotide) prescribing information. FDA label, NDA 210557, accessdata.fda.gov.
Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide)FDA-approved for a rare skin conditionPeptidesSexual HealthFDA-approved (different use)
FDA-approved (brand name Scenesse) to help people with a rare light-sensitivity disorder tolerate more sun exposure.[1] Its approved use includes periodic skin monitoring, since it affects pigmentation — worth knowing this is a different approved use than tanning or libido.
[1] SCENESSE (afamelanotide) FDA approval announcement, October 8, 2019. Prescribing information, scenesse.com.
Melanotan 2Used off-label for tanning and sometimes libidoPeptidesSexual HealthNot FDA-approved
Not FDA-approved for any use and sold as an unregulated substance. Published case reports describe some serious adverse events in users, including kidney injury and skin changes[1][2] — worth being an informed buyer and discussing with your provider before use.
[1] Nelson S, Bryant J. Melanotan II injection resulting in systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis. PMID 23121206.
[2] Eruptive melanocytic naevi following melanotan injection. PMID 19575725.
OxytocinA natural hormone, explored for bonding and sexual responsePeptidesSexual HealthFDA-approved (different use)
FDA-approved in injectable form for labor induction,[1] a well-established but unrelated use. The nasal-spray "bonding" use marketed here is a newer research area — early studies have had trouble replicating in larger follow-ups,[2] so treat it as promising but still unproven.
[1] PITOCIN (oxytocin injection) prescribing information. FDA label, DailyMed.
[2] Leng G, Ludwig M. Intranasal Oxytocin: Myths and Delusions. Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(3):243-250. DOI 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.05.003.
PT-141/Oxytocin BlendPairs two hormones studied for desire and connectionPeptidesSexual HealthEarly-stage research
Combines PT-141 (see above) with oxytocin (see above) in one spray. This specific pairing hasn't been separately studied — see each ingredient's entry for its own evidence.
[1] See the PT-141 and Oxytocin entries above for each component's individual research.
LL-37A natural infection-fighting peptide, studied for wound healingPeptidesImmune SupportMixed evidence
Part of the body's own immune defense. Human trials for chronic wound healing have shown mixed results — a benefit appeared mainly in a smaller subgroup of one study.[1] Separate research also links this peptide to certain autoimmune conditions,[2] so the fuller picture is still developing.
[1] Mahlapuu M, et al. Phase IIb trial of LL-37 in venous leg ulcers. Wound Repair Regen. 2021. PMID 34687253.
[2] Chen X, et al. Immunomodulatory Role of the Antimicrobial LL-37 Peptide in Autoimmune Diseases and Viral Infections. Vaccines. 2020. PMID 32927756.
Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA-1)Used internationally for immune support in chronic conditionsPeptidesImmune SupportApproved abroad, mixed data
Marketed abroad (brand name Zadaxin) for chronic hepatitis and as a cancer-treatment adjunct in some countries; not FDA-approved in the US. COVID-19 research on it has been mixed, without a clear signal either way in the largest pooled analysis.[1]
[1] Wu Y, et al. Meta-analysis of thymosin alpha-1 in COVID-19 (9 studies, n=5,352). Int Immunopharmacol. 2023. PMID 36527881.
Adrenal Bioregulator (Glandokort)Part of the Khavinson bioregulator line, targeted at adrenal supportCapsulesBioregulatorsLimited independent data
Made from a peptide-nucleoprotein complex derived from young-animal adrenal tissue, based on the theory that specific peptides can support gene expression in the matching organ. Independently published human research under this exact product name hasn't been found yet — the broader Khavinson research tradition (see Epitalon above) is the closest related evidence base.
[1] A manufacturer-cited study is referenced on retailer pages, but no independently verifiable, peer-reviewed publication was found under this product name.
Cartilage Bioregulator (Sigumir)Targeted at cartilage and joint supportCapsulesBioregulatorsSmall human study
From the same Khavinson research tradition as Epitalon. A small study of older adults with jaw-joint disease reported improvement using this peptide as part of a combined treatment plan[1] — the most human data of any product in this group, though not tested alone or against placebo.
[1] Iordanishvili AK, et al. Combined therapy including Sigumir for temporomandibular joint disease in elderly patients (n=62). Advances in Gerontology. 2012. PMID 22708467.
CNS Bioregulator (Cerluten)Targeted at brain and nervous-system supportCapsulesBioregulatorsLimited independent data
From the same Khavinson research tradition as Epitalon, aimed at the brain and nervous system. It's sometimes confused with a related, better-studied product (Cortexin) from the same research group — that product's evidence doesn't carry over to this one specifically.
[1] No independently verifiable publication was found under this specific product name. Not to be confused with the separately-studied Cortexin.
Liver Bioregulator (Svetinorm)Targeted at liver-cell supportCapsulesBioregulatorsLimited independent data
From the same Khavinson research tradition as Epitalon, aimed at liver-cell metabolism. Independently published human research under this specific product name hasn't been found yet.
[1] No independently verifiable publication was found under this specific product name.
Muscle Bioregulator (Gotratix)Targeted at muscle-tissue supportCapsulesBioregulatorsLimited independent data
From the same Khavinson research tradition as Epitalon, aimed at muscle tissue. Independently published human research under this specific product name hasn't been found yet.
[1] No independently verifiable publication was found under this specific product name.
Ovary Bioregulator (Zhenoluten)Targeted at reproductive and hormonal supportCapsulesBioregulatorsLimited independent data
From the same Khavinson research tradition as Epitalon, aimed at ovarian tissue. Independently published human research under this specific product name hasn't been found yet.
[1] No independently verifiable publication was found under this specific product name.
Pineal Bioregulator (Endoluten)Targeted at pineal gland support, in capsule formCapsulesBioregulatorsLimited independent data
From the same Khavinson research tradition as Epitalon. This is a different product from Pinealon (an injectable/spray version covered under Longevity above); independently published human research under this specific capsule product hasn't been found yet.
[1] No independently verifiable publication was found under this specific product name. Distinct from Pinealon (see Longevity above), which has separate, limited preclinical data — PMID 28670782.
Thyroid Bioregulator (Thyreogen)Targeted at thyroid supportCapsulesBioregulatorsLimited independent data
From the same Khavinson research tradition as Epitalon, aimed at thyroid function. Independently published human research under this specific product name hasn't been found yet.
[1] No independently verifiable publication was found under this specific product name.
Educational summaries only — not medical advice, not a guarantee of any outcome, and not a substitute for your provider’s evaluation. Most compounds above have limited or no large-scale human clinical trial data yet — much of the supporting research so far is lab and animal studies — and aren’t FDA-approved for the uses discussed unless an entry says otherwise. We call out FDA-approval status, boxed warnings, or notable safety findings only where they materially affect what you’re buying, rather than repeating it on every line. Compounding availability can change as FDA guidance evolves. Individual results vary.
Compounded peptide products are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing. Dispensed only pursuant to a valid prescription based on a provider’s clinical evaluation at checkout. Membership is billed separately and does not guarantee a prescription.