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What we cover

Everything the research base knows about peptides.

Six research areas, mapped compound by compound and kept current as new studies land. This is research aggregation and education — not medical guidance, and never a recommendation for use.

Research area

Recovery & Repair

Published research in this area examines how these peptides influence tissue healing, tendon and ligament repair, angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), and modulation of inflammation following injury. BPC-157, a synthetic fragment derived from a gastric protein, and TB-500, a fragment of thymosin beta-4, are the most heavily studied here, with literature focused on gut lining integrity, musculoskeletal repair, and wound closure. GHK-Cu appears in research on collagen remodeling and skin wound repair, while thymosin alpha-1 is studied for its role in coordinating the immune response during recovery. We aggregate this literature so researchers can compare mechanisms and study designs side by side.

Evidence: The great majority of evidence is preclinical (in-vitro and rodent models). BPC-157 and TB-500 have extensive animal literature but very limited controlled human trial data. GHK-Cu has some human dermatological research. None of these four is an FDA-approved finished drug for tissue repair.Regulatory: BPC-157 and TB-500 are Category 2 and appear on the PCAC July 2026 docket. GHK-Cu and Thymosin Alpha-1 are Unscheduled / RUO and not on the July 2026 docket.
Research area

Metabolic & Weight Management

Research in this category examines glucose regulation, appetite signaling, energy expenditure, and body composition. Semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) and tirzepatide (a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist) are supported by large randomized controlled human trials examining glycemic control and weight reduction. MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-derived peptide, is studied in preclinical models for its effects on metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and exercise-related metabolism. AOD-9604, a fragment of human growth hormone, appears in research on lipid metabolism and fat turnover. We compile these study results so the contrast between robust clinical evidence and early-stage preclinical work is clear.

Evidence: Semaglutide and tirzepatide are backed by extensive Phase 3 human clinical trial data and are FDA-approved finished drugs. MOTS-c evidence is largely animal and cell-based. AOD-9604 human data is limited and has not demonstrated the fat-loss effects seen in some early studies.Regulatory: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are FDA Approved. MOTS-c is Category 2 and on the PCAC July 2026 docket. AOD-9604 is Unscheduled / RUO.
Research area

Skin & Longevity

This area aggregates research on skin structure, collagen synthesis, cellular senescence, telomere biology, and circadian and pineal signaling. GHK-Cu (a copper-binding tripeptide) is studied for its influence on collagen and elastin production, wound remodeling, and antioxidant gene expression, and appears in cosmetic-science literature. Epitalon, a synthetic tetrapeptide, is studied in preclinical and small clinical work for effects on telomerase activity, melatonin regulation, and markers associated with aging. We surface the underlying studies so researchers can distinguish laboratory findings from claims that outrun the data.

Evidence: GHK-Cu has topical human dermatological research alongside substantial in-vitro work. Epitalon evidence is mostly animal studies plus a handful of small, older human cohorts, largely from a single research group, and is considered preliminary. Neither is an FDA-approved anti-aging drug.Regulatory: Epitalon is Category 2 and appears on the PCAC July 2026 docket. GHK-Cu and AOD-9604 are Unscheduled / RUO.
Research area

Cognitive & Neuroprotection

Published research here examines memory, attention, stress resilience, anxiety-related behavior, neuroinflammation, and levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Semax, a peptide derived from a fragment of ACTH, is studied for effects on cognition, neuroprotection after ischemic events, and BDNF expression. Selank, derived from the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, is studied for anxiolytic and neuroimmune effects. Epitalon also appears in neuroprotection research through its links to circadian regulation. Most of this work originates from research groups in Russia and Eastern Europe. We aggregate it so readers can weigh study quality and replication.

Evidence: Evidence is predominantly preclinical (rodent) with some small human studies, many published outside large Western trial registries and not independently replicated at scale. None of these compounds is FDA-approved for any cognitive indication.Regulatory: Semax and Epitalon are Category 2 and appear on the PCAC July 2026 docket. Selank is Category 2 and under review, and is not on the July 2026 docket.
Research area

Immune & Gut Health

Research in this category examines intestinal barrier integrity, mucosal inflammation, immune signaling, and host defense. KPV, a tripeptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, is studied in preclinical models of colitis and inflammatory bowel conditions for its anti-inflammatory effects on gut epithelium. BPC-157 appears heavily in gastrointestinal healing literature. Thymosin alpha-1 is studied as an immune modulator in the context of infection and immune response coordination. Selank contributes neuroimmune findings. We compile these studies to make the mechanisms and model systems easy to compare.

Evidence: KPV and BPC-157 gut research is overwhelmingly animal and cell-based. Thymosin alpha-1 has the broadest clinical footprint of the group, having been studied and used clinically in some countries as an immune modulator, though it is not an FDA-approved drug in the United States. Human data for KPV is very limited.Regulatory: KPV and BPC-157 are Category 2 and appear on the PCAC July 2026 docket. Selank is Category 2 and under review. Thymosin Alpha-1 is Unscheduled / RUO.
Research area

Endocrine & Hormonal

This area aggregates research on growth hormone and IGF-1 signaling, the ghrelin system, and central pathways involved in sexual arousal. CJC-1295 (a growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog) and Ipamorelin (a selective growth hormone secretagogue) are studied for their effects on pulsatile growth hormone release. MK-677 (ibutamoren), an orally active ghrelin receptor agonist, appears in research on growth hormone, IGF-1, appetite, and sleep. PT-141 (bremelanotide), a melanocortin receptor agonist, is studied for its central effects on sexual arousal. We surface these studies so researchers can separate mechanism from marketing.

Evidence: PT-141 (bremelanotide) is an FDA-approved finished drug with human clinical trial data for a specific indication. MK-677 has a moderate body of human research including trials in older adults. CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin evidence is largely preclinical and early-stage, with limited controlled human data.Regulatory: PT-141 (bremelanotide) is FDA Approved. CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, and MK-677 are Unscheduled / RUO and are not on the PCAC July 2026 docket.

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