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. [1] Sikiric P, et al. Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Curr Pharm Des (foundational description, 1993 onward).
2. [2] Multifunctionality and Possible Medical Application of the BPC 157 Peptide — Literature and Patent Review. PMC11859134.

Marketed as related to a naturally occurring tissue-repair protein (thymosin beta-4).[1] Human trial results haven't been published yet.

1. [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.

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.

1. [1] Dalmasso G, Charrier-Hisamuddin L, Nguyen HT, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166–178. PMID 18061177.

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.

1. [1] Dalmasso G, Charrier-Hisamuddin L, Nguyen HT, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166–178. PMID 18061177.

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. [1] See the BPC-157 and TB-500 entries above for each component's individual 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. [1] See the GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500 entries above for each component's individual 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. [1] See the TB-500, BPC-157, GHK-Cu, and KPV entries above for each component's individual research.

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. [1] Khavinson VK, et al. Peptide Epitalon activates chromatin at old age. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2003;24(5):329–333. PMID 14647006.
2. [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.

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. [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. [2] Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. PMC6073405.

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. [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.

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. [1] RCT of combined topical/oral glutathione for skin whitening. PMID 33871071.
2. [2] Hauser RA, et al. Randomized, double-blind, pilot study of IV glutathione in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 2009. PMID 19230029.

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. [1] The Safety and Antiaging Effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide in Human Clinical Trials: an Update. PMC10721522.
2. [2] NAD+ supplementation for anti-aging and wellness: a PRISMA-guided systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence. Ageing Research Reviews, 2025/2026.

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. [1] FDA, "FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to First Treatment for Barth Syndrome." September 2025. TAZPOWER trial, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03098797.
2. [2] ReCLAIM-2 Phase 2 trial report (dry AMD). Ophthalmology Science. ReNEW Phase 3 trial, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06373731.

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. [1] Pinealon increases cell viability by suppression of free radical levels. PMID 21978084.
2. [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.

A growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that stimulates the body's own growth hormone secretion, with its best-established effect being a reduction in visceral (abdominal) fat, based on Phase 3 clinical trials.[1] Its FDA approval (brand name Egrifta) is specifically for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; use for general weight loss or body-composition goals is outside that approved indication.

1. [1] EGRIFTA WR (tesamorelin) prescribing information. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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. [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. [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.

Combines Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin (see their entries above) in one product. This specific pairing hasn't been separately studied — the research so far applies to each ingredient on its own.

1. [1] See the Tesamorelin and CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin entries above for each component's individual research.

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. [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.
2. [2] Phase 3 trial (TRIUMPH program). ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05929079.

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. [1] WEGOVY (semaglutide) prescribing information. FDA label, accessdata.fda.gov.
2. [2] FDA, "FDA clarifies policies for compounders as national GLP-1 supply begins to stabilize."

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. [1] ZEPBOUND (tirzepatide) prescribing information. FDA label, accessdata.fda.gov.
2. [2] FDA, "FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management."

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. [1] Phase 2b randomized, placebo-controlled obesity trial (primary endpoint not met). Reported via BioSpace/Bioworld industry coverage.
2. [2] FDA Category 2 bulk drug substances list (added 2023, removed 2024) — current compounding eligibility unsettled.

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. [1] GEREF (sermorelin) FDA approval, 1997 — diagnostic use in pediatric growth hormone deficiency.
2. [2] Federal Register notice on Geref market withdrawal, reported March 2013 (via secondary sources).

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. [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.
2. [2] Follow-up pulsatile-secretion study. PMID 17018654.

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. [1] Raun K, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561.
2. [2] Phase 2 postoperative ileus trial. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00272649.

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. [1] Semax clinical studies on ischemic stroke treatment. PMID 29798983.
2. [2] Semax cerebrovascular insufficiency prevention study (187 patients). PMID 15792140.

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. [1] Double-blind study of DSIP in insomnia. PMID 7028502.
2. [2] DSIP in alcohol/opiate withdrawal symptom management (67 patients). PMID 6328354.

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. [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. [2] Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects. Doklady Biochemistry and Biophysics. 2020. PMID 32342318.

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. [1] SCENESSE (afamelanotide) FDA approval announcement, October 8, 2019. Prescribing information, scenesse.com.

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. [1] Mahlapuu M, et al. Phase IIb trial of LL-37 in venous leg ulcers. Wound Repair Regen. 2021. PMID 34687253.
2. [2] Chen X, et al. Immunomodulatory Role of the Antimicrobial LL-37 Peptide in Autoimmune Diseases and Viral Infections. Vaccines. 2020. PMID 32927756.

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. [1] Wu Y, et al. Meta-analysis of thymosin alpha-1 in COVID-19 (9 studies, n=5,352). Int Immunopharmacol. 2023. PMID 36527881.

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. [1] A manufacturer-cited study is referenced on retailer pages, but no independently verifiable, peer-reviewed publication was found under this product name.

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. [1] Iordanishvili AK, et al. Combined therapy including Sigumir for temporomandibular joint disease in elderly patients (n=62). Advances in Gerontology. 2012. PMID 22708467.

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. [1] No independently verifiable publication was found under this specific product name. Not to be confused with the separately-studied Cortexin.

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. [1] No independently verifiable publication was found under this specific product name.

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. [1] No independently verifiable publication was found under this specific product name.

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. [1] No independently verifiable publication was found under this specific product name.

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. [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.

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. [1] No independently verifiable publication was found under this specific product name.

FDA-approved since 1959 as a short-term (a few weeks) adjunct to diet and exercise — the label has never been updated for the long-term use it's often prescribed for today.[1] A Schedule IV controlled substance; contraindicated with MAOIs and in cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, and glaucoma.

1. [1] FDA/DailyMed label, Phentermine Hydrochloride Tablets, Initial U.S. Approval 1959.

FDA-approved (2012) for chronic weight management. Carries a boxed warning for fetal harm — contraindicated in pregnancy, requires pregnancy testing — plus warnings for suicidal ideation and acute vision changes; available only through a REMS program.

1. [1] FDA label, QSYMIA prescribing information, accessdata.fda.gov.

FDA-approved (2014) for chronic weight management, acting on hypothalamic appetite centers and reward pathways.[1] Carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts/behavior (a bupropion class warning) and is contraindicated in seizure disorders, eating disorders, and opioid use or withdrawal.

1. [1] FDA approval summary, "FDA Approves Bupropion/Naltrexone (Contrave) for Obesity."

FDA-approved as a prescription (Xenical, 1999) and OTC (Alli, 2007) fat-absorption blocker.[1] In 2010 the FDA added a warning about rare severe liver injury to both labels after postmarketing reports, though a causal link was never established; common side effects are gastrointestinal.

1. [1] FDA Drug Safety Communication, "Xenical/Alli (orlistat) and severe liver injury," fda.gov.

FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults (2014) and adolescents 12+ (2020) — an earlier, shorter-acting relative of semaglutide.[1] Carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodent studies (human relevance unknown); contraindicated with a personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 syndrome.

1. [1] FDA label, SAXENDA prescribing information, accessdata.fda.gov.

FDA-approved (2020) only for chronic weight management in patients with obesity from confirmed POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR gene deficiency — rare genetic conditions, not general-population obesity.[1] Not appropriate outside that confirmed genetic indication.

1. [1] FDA news release, "FDA approves first treatment for weight management for people with certain rare genetic conditions."

FDA-approved only for type 2 diabetes; weight-loss use is off-label. A 2024 meta-analysis of randomized trials found modest weight loss on metformin alone (roughly 3-5%, ~3.4 kg average).[1] Generally well-tolerated, with GI side effects and a rare lactic-acidosis risk in kidney impairment.

1. [1] Haber E, et al. The impact of metformin on weight and metabolic parameters in patients with obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2024. DOI 10.1111/dom.15501.

FDA-approved, GABA-A receptor-acting sleep medication.[1] Carries a boxed warning for complex sleep behaviors (sleep-walking, sleep-driving, and similar activities performed while not fully awake, some resulting in serious injury or death) — contraindicated in anyone who has previously experienced these.

1. [1] FDA label, AMBIEN (zolpidem tartrate), accessdata.fda.gov.

FDA-approved (2004) non-benzodiazepine "Z-drug."[1] Shares the class warning for complex sleep behaviors and next-day drowsiness; lowest effective dose is recommended, particularly for older adults.

1. [1] FDA label, LUNESTA (eszopiclone), accessdata.fda.gov.

FDA-approved only for major depressive disorder; the low dose (25-100 mg, versus 150-600 mg for depression) used for sleep is off-label. Reviews report it increases slow-wave sleep and is widely used for insomnia, but note a lack of large randomized trials for insomnia specifically as a standalone indication.[1] Not a controlled substance; side effects include daytime sedation and, rarely, priapism.

1. [1] Off-Label Trazodone Prescription: Evidence, Benefits and Risks. PMID 26088119.

FDA-approved (2005), the first melatonin-receptor-agonist sleep medication.[1] Has no meaningful affinity for GABA/benzodiazepine receptors, distinguishing its mechanism and abuse-risk profile from Z-drugs; not a controlled substance. Not indicated for staying-asleep (sleep-maintenance) insomnia.

1. [1] FDA label, ROZEREM (ramelteon), accessdata.fda.gov.

FDA-approved, the first orexin-receptor-antagonist sleep medication, working by reducing the brain's wake drive rather than direct sedation.[1] Label warnings include next-day impairment, worsening depression/suicidal ideation, and complex sleep behaviors; dosing is capped at 20 mg/night.

1. [1] FDA label summary, Belsomra (suvorexant), NDA 204569.

FDA-approved (2010) at a low dose (3-6 mg) that selectively blocks histamine receptors rather than acting as a full antidepressant.[1] Not a controlled substance; the tricyclic-antidepressant boxed warning for youth suicidality applies at higher (antidepressant) doses, not the 3-6 mg insomnia dose.

1. [1] FDA label, SILENOR (doxepin), NDA 022036, accessdata.fda.gov.

FDA-approved for seizures and nerve pain; sleep use is off-label. Small studies found it increased slow-wave sleep and modestly reduced night-time waking,[1] but evidence is limited to small trials, not large confirmatory research — not considered a first-line insomnia treatment.

1. [1] Systematic review protocol, gabapentin/pregabalin in insomnia and anxiety. PMC9095464.

Regulated as an OTC dietary supplement, so potency and purity aren't FDA-verified the way a prescription drug's would be. An NIH-cited meta-analysis of 19 trials found small but real reductions in time to fall asleep (~7 minutes) and increases in total sleep time (~8 minutes);[1] long-term safety isn't established, and accidental overdose in children is a known risk given OTC availability.

1. [1] NIH NCCIH, "Melatonin: What You Need To Know," nccih.nih.gov.

No SARM has ever been FDA-approved for any use; sold illegally as "research chemicals" and banned in competitive sport. The FDA has issued repeated warnings citing liver injury, and a systematic review documented cases of liver injury, muscle breakdown, and tendon rupture in recreational users.[1] Included here for education only — not a product this pharmacy dispenses.

1. [1] Systematic Review of Safety of SARMs. PMC10204391.
2. [2] FDA Consumer Update, "FDA warns about the use of SARMs."

FDA-approved only for specific medical conditions (growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and others); distributing it for athletic enhancement or anti-aging without a prescription is a federal offense.[1] Off-label performance use lacks strong evidence of benefit and carries serious cardiovascular risk.

1. [1] Safety Implications of Off-Label Medication Use in Athletes. PMC11627157.

One of the most-studied sports supplements, with a strong safety record in healthy people.[1] Most effective for brief, intense or resistance exercise; evidence for endurance/aerobic benefit is weaker. Caution is advised for those with pre-existing kidney disease.

1. [1] Creatine: a review of efficacy and safety. PMID 10609446.

FDA-approved for anemia from chronic kidney disease or chemotherapy; prohibited at all times in competitive sport, with exemptions available for genuine medical need.[1] Misuse for endurance "blood doping" thickens the blood, raising the risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.

1. [1] USADA, "Blood Doping and EPO: An Anti-Doping FAQ."