Peptide Encyclopedia
Every peptide, one reference.
Mechanism, dosing, evidence level, and sourced references for every peptide with published research. From FDA-approved compounds to clinical-trial candidates to early research peptides. Every entry cites real sources.
Metabolic & Weight Loss
GLP-1 agonists and related metabolic peptides.
Albiglutide
An FDA- and EMA-approved once-weekly GLP-1 agonist (Tanzeum / Eperzan, GSK) withdrawn from the market in 2018 for commercial rather than safety reasons after failing to differentiate commercially against dulaglutide and semaglutide.
AOD-9604
A short GH fragment marketed heavily as a "fat-loss peptide" — but with a clinical record that has not supported meaningful weight loss in humans.
Beinaglutide
A recombinant native-sequence GLP-1 peptide approved in China (NMPA 2016) for type 2 diabetes and 2023 for obesity — notable as the only marketed GLP-1 RA with the native, unmodified human GLP-1(7-36) sequence, requiring three-times-daily dosing because of its short half-life.
Cagrilintide
A once-weekly amylin analog developed primarily as a combination partner for semaglutide (CagriSema), adding amylin-pathway appetite suppression to GLP-1 activity.
Dulaglutide
A weekly GLP-1 agonist for type 2 diabetes, delivered as a GLP-1/IgG4 fusion protein in a single-use auto-injector.
Ecnoglutide
Sciwind Biosciences' GLP-1 agonist — approved in China (NMPA, March 2026) for obesity and type 2 diabetes; not FDA-approved. Distinguished from other GLP-1s by "biased agonism" selectively activating cAMP over β-arrestin recruitment.
Exenatide
The first GLP-1 receptor agonist to reach market (2005), available in both twice-daily and weekly extended-release formulations.
Glucagon
The endogenous counter-regulatory hormone to insulin — FDA-approved for severe hypoglycemia (injectable GlucaGen, nasal Baqsimi, autoinjector Gvoke). Also the pharmacological template for GLP-1/glucagon dual agonists like Pemvidutide and Retatrutide.
Insulin aspart
Novo Nordisk's rapid-acting insulin analog (NovoLog / NovoRapid, approved 2000) — the B28 proline → aspartate substitution destabilizes hexamer formation, and the ultra-rapid Fiasp formulation (2017) adds niacinamide and L-arginine for even faster absorption.
Insulin degludec
Novo Nordisk's ultra-long-acting insulin (Tresiba, 2015) — forms soluble multi-hexamers in SC tissue that slowly dissociate for a >42-hour half-life and a flat, forgiving dosing window; the basal insulin with the lowest hypoglycemia risk profile.
Insulin degludec / liraglutide (IDegLira)
Novo Nordisk's fixed-ratio insulin/GLP-1 combo pen (Xultophy, FDA 2016) — 100 units/mL insulin degludec + 3.6 mg/mL liraglutide; simplifies T2DM therapy intensification into a single daily injection with additive glycemic benefit and less weight gain than basal insulin alone.
Insulin detemir
Novo Nordisk's fatty-acid-acylated basal insulin (Levemir, 2005) — the myristoyl chain enables reversible albumin binding, extending the half-life; Novo Nordisk announced global discontinuation in December 2023 (US supply ended 2024).
Insulin glargine
The dominant once-daily basal insulin for two decades (Lantus, Sanofi, 2000) — the pI-shift design causes microprecipitation in subcutaneous tissue for a nearly peakless 24-hour absorption profile; Toujeo (U-300) is the same molecule at 3× concentration.
Insulin glargine / lixisenatide (iGlarLixi)
Sanofi's fixed-ratio insulin/GLP-1 combo pen (Soliqua, FDA 2016) — 100 units/mL insulin glargine + 33 mcg/mL lixisenatide; a parallel to Xultophy, differentiated by using short-acting prandial-biased lixisenatide rather than liraglutide.
Insulin glulisine
Sanofi's rapid-acting insulin analog (Apidra, 2004) — the third rapid-acting analog approved, differentiated by being zinc-free in formulation, which gives it slightly faster monomeric onset than lispro or aspart.
Insulin icodec
Novo Nordisk's once-weekly basal insulin (Awiqli, EMA 2024) — the first weekly insulin to reach market; FDA refused to approve in July 2024 (CRL citing type 1 diabetes hypoglycemia data), leaving it approved in the EU, UK, Canada, Switzerland, and Japan while pending US resubmission.
Insulin lispro
The first FDA-approved rapid-acting insulin analog (Humalog, Lilly, 1996) — the B28–B29 position swap prevents hexamer self-association, producing faster subcutaneous absorption than regular human insulin.
Liraglutide
The first once-daily GLP-1 analog to be FDA-approved for both type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and chronic weight management (Saxenda).
Lixisenatide
A short-acting, prandial GLP-1 agonist primarily used to target postprandial glucose excursions.
Mazdutide
A weekly GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist approved in China for obesity (2025); the first OXM-mimetic to reach market.
NPH insulin (isophane)
The classical intermediate-acting insulin — regular human insulin co-crystallized with protamine to produce ~12-hour action; still widely used for cost reasons despite being largely superseded by analog basal insulins for T1DM.
Orforglipron
⚠ Not a peptide — small molecule. A daily oral GLP-1 agonist in Phase 3 for obesity and T2DM, distinct from Rybelsus in being a small molecule rather than an oral peptide formulation. Included in this peptide encyclopedia because the audience frequently searches for it alongside peptide GLP-1 agonists.
Pramlintide
The FDA-approved amylin analog (Symlin, 2005) — taken at mealtimes alongside insulin in T1D and T2D. The pharmacological proof-of-concept for amylin agonism that petrelintide and cagrilintide are now building on.
Regular human insulin
The original recombinant human insulin (Humulin R, 1982) — unmodified native sequence, short-acting kinetics driven by hexamer self-association; U-500 concentration for severely insulin-resistant patients.
Retatrutide
An investigational triple hormone agonist that produced ~24% weight loss at 48 weeks in Phase 2 — the largest in any single-agent obesity trial to date.
Semaglutide
A once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
Setmelanotide
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals' Imcivree — the first and only FDA-approved MC4R agonist. Indicated for obesity due to POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency (2020) and Bardet-Biedl syndrome (2022). Restores downstream MC4R signaling when upstream leptin-melanocortin pathway components are genetically deficient.
Survodutide
A once-weekly GLP-1/glucagon co-agonist in late-stage trials for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and MASH.
Teduglutide
FDA-approved GLP-2 analog (Gattex/Revestive, 2012) for short-bowel syndrome — the first disease-modifying treatment for SBS, reducing parenteral nutrition dependence by promoting intestinal mucosal growth.
Tirzepatide
A once-weekly GLP-1/GIP dual agonist that produced unprecedented weight loss in SURMOUNT trials — up to ~21% at highest dose.
Growth Hormone Axis
GHRH analogs, secretagogues, and related compounds.
Anamorelin
Ono Pharmaceutical's oral ghrelin receptor agonist (Adlumiz) — approved in Japan in 2021 for cancer cachexia in non-small-cell lung, gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers; FDA issued a Complete Response Letter in 2020 and anamorelin remains unapproved in the US.
Capromorelin
⚠ Veterinary use only — not approved for humans. Elanco's oral ghrelin agonist (Entyce for dogs 2016, Elura for cats 2020) — FDA-approved only for veterinary appetite stimulation. Included for completeness because it is a genuine approved ghrelin receptor agonist with significant online search volume.
CJC-1295
A long-acting GHRH analog engineered with a DAC linker that binds serum albumin, extending half-life from minutes to approximately 8 days.
Corticorelin
Ferring Pharmaceuticals' synthetic ovine CRH (Acthrel) — FDA-approved diagnostic peptide used to distinguish pituitary Cushing disease from ectopic ACTH secretion via inferior petrosal sinus sampling or peripheral ACTH/cortisol response testing.
GHRP-2
A second-generation GHRP approved as a diagnostic agent in Japan, with more pronounced GH-releasing potency than GHRP-6 but a meaningful prolactin and cortisol rise at higher doses.
GHRP-6
The prototype GHRP — a hexapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist notable for pronounced hunger stimulation and less favorable cortisol/prolactin profile than newer GHRPs.
HCG
An FDA-approved fertility and hypogonadism medication commonly discussed in peptide and TRT communities for post-cycle recovery and testicular preservation during testosterone therapy.
Hexarelin
A high-potency GHRP studied for cardiac protection via a CD36-mediated pathway independent of GH release — but demonstrates clear tachyphylaxis with chronic use.
Ipamorelin
A selective ghrelin receptor agonist that stimulates GH release without the cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH spike seen with older GHRPs like GHRP-6.
Lanreotide
The second-generation somatostatin analog (FDA-approved as Somatuline Depot, 2007 for acromegaly; 2014 for GEP-NETs; 2017 for carcinoid) — monthly deep-SC prefilled syringe. Functionally equivalent to octreotide LAR for most indications.
Lonapegsomatropin
Ascendis Pharma's once-weekly growth hormone prodrug (Skytrofa) — the first weekly GH to receive FDA approval (August 2021) for pediatric GH deficiency in patients aged 1+ years weighing at least 11.5 kg.
Macimorelin
An orally active ghrelin receptor agonist FDA-approved in 2017 as a diagnostic test for adult growth hormone deficiency — the only oral alternative to the insulin tolerance test.
Mecasermin
Ipsen's recombinant human IGF-1 (Increlex) — FDA-approved in 2005 for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency; the direct replacement for IGF-1 in patients whose own IGF-1 production is inadequate despite normal GH levels.
Mecasermin rinfabate
Insmed's IGF-1 / IGFBP-3 complex (iPlex) — briefly FDA-approved in 2005 for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency; discontinued in 2008 after a labeling/patent injunction that resolved the competitive dispute between Tercica's Increlex and Insmed's iPlex in favor of Increlex.
MK-677
An orally active non-peptide ghrelin receptor agonist — included here by convention because it is universally marketed alongside peptide GH secretagogues. FDA warns of heart failure risk.
Mod GRF 1-29
A short-acting GHRH analog — chemically identical to CJC-1295 but without the DAC albumin-binding linker — producing discrete GH pulses rather than sustained elevation.
Octreotide
The first-generation somatostatin analog (FDA-approved as Sandostatin, 1988) — the pharmacological counterweight to growth-hormone excess. Used for acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, and VIPoma; now available in injectable, LAR-depot, and oral (Mycapssa, 2020) formulations.
Pegvisomant
Pfizer's GH receptor antagonist (Somavert) — FDA-approved in 2003 for acromegaly; important to distinguish from GH agonists because it does the opposite (blocks GH action rather than supplementing it).
Protirelin
Synthetic TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) — historically FDA-approved in the US as Thypinone, Relefact TRH, and Thyrel TRH for TSH stimulation testing; US commercial supply has lapsed and TRH testing is now rarely performed with the widespread availability of sensitive third-generation TSH assays.
Sermorelin
The N-terminal 29 amino acids of native GHRH — a former FDA-approved diagnostic and pediatric GH-deficiency therapy, now widely compounded for adult anti-aging protocols.
Somapacitan
Novo Nordisk's once-weekly growth hormone (Sogroya) — FDA-approved in 2020 for adult GH deficiency and in 2023 for pediatric GH deficiency in children aged 2.5+ years.
Somatrogon
Pfizer/OPKO's once-weekly growth hormone (Ngenla) — FDA-approved in June 2023 for pediatric GH deficiency in children aged 3+ years; uses a CTP-fusion strategy borrowed from long-acting follitropin alfa.
Somatropin (HGH)
FDA-approved recombinant human growth hormone — the direct hormone replacement, with multiple clinical indications, prescription-only status, and specific federal criminal provisions against off-label distribution.
Tesamorelin
An FDA-approved GHRH analog for reducing excess visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Healing & Recovery
Peptides studied for tissue repair and recovery.
ARA-290
An 11-amino-acid EPO-derived peptide studied for neuropathic pain and tissue protection, without the red-cell-stimulating effects of full erythropoietin.
BPC-157
A synthetic pentadecapeptide from gastric protein, widely studied in animal models for tendon, ligament, and gastrointestinal healing.
FK-13
The 13-residue FKRIVQRIKDFLR central fragment of LL-37 — the smallest LL-37 fragment that retains broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity while losing much of the parent peptide's cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells. Research-only; no clinical development program.
GHK-Cu
A naturally occurring human tripeptide-copper complex with extensive topical cosmetic evidence and strong in-vitro data on collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory signaling.
KPV
A tripeptide derived from α-MSH with potent anti-inflammatory activity — studied in preclinical models of IBD, psoriasis, and acne.
KR-12
KRIVQRIKDFLR — the minimal 12-residue bactericidal fragment of LL-37. Retains selective antimicrobial activity while losing LL-37's host-cell toxicity, making it the canonical template for LL-37-derived antimicrobial peptide drug discovery. Research-only.
Larazotide
A zonulin antagonist — the most clinically advanced "leaky gut" candidate, with positive Phase 2b data in celiac disease but a failed Phase 3 trial readout in 2022.
Linaclotide
Linzess — a GC-C agonist peptide (Ironwood / AbbVie / Astellas) FDA-approved in August 2012 for IBS-C and chronic idiopathic constipation in adults, with a 2023 pediatric expansion for functional constipation in children 6–17. First-in-class oral peptide that works luminally on intestinal GC-C receptors to stimulate chloride and bicarbonate secretion, accelerate transit, and reduce visceral pain.
LL-37
The only human cathelicidin — an antimicrobial peptide with direct activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and biofilms, with additional roles in wound healing and immune signaling.
Omiganan
An indolicidin-derived cationic antimicrobial peptide (Micrologix / BioWest / Cutanea Life Sciences / Cellect Biotechnology / Maruho) developed across roughly two decades for several dermatologic and catheter-prevention indications. Failed its pivotal Phase 3 for central venous catheter exit-site infection prevention (2002), then pivoted to rosacea where it also failed Phase 3 (2015). Not FDA-approved.
Pexiganan
A Xenopus-magainin-derived antimicrobial peptide (Locilex; Dipexium Pharmaceuticals / later acquired by PLx Pharma) developed for topical treatment of mildly infected diabetic foot ulcers. Twice rejected by the FDA — once in 1999 (Magainin Pharmaceuticals) and again in 2017 (Dipexium) after the OneStep-1 and OneStep-2 Phase 3 trials failed to show superiority over placebo cream. Instructive regulatory case study in antimicrobial peptide drug development.
Plecanatide
Trulance — a GC-C agonist peptide (originally Synergy Pharmaceuticals, now Salix / Bausch Health) FDA-approved January 2017 for CIC and January 2018 for IBS-C. Modeled on uroguanylin (the more pH-sensitive of the two endogenous GC-C ligands), which its developers proposed gives it a more physiologic region-specific activity profile than linaclotide.
TB-500
A synthetic fragment of thymosin β4 studied in animal models for actin-binding-mediated tissue repair, particularly in cardiac and soft-tissue injury.
Teriparatide
The FDA-approved anabolic osteoporosis drug (Forteo, 2002; Bonsity biosimilar 2019) — the recombinant N-terminal PTH fragment (PTH 1-34) that builds bone rather than slowing resorption. Daily subcutaneous injection; 2-year lifetime-exposure limit.
Thymosin β4
The natural 44-amino-acid parent of the TB-500 research peptide — in clinical trials (as RGN-259/Lacripep) for dry eye disease, corneal wounds, and dermal healing.
Sexual & Reproductive Health
Melanocortin agonists, GnRH analogs, gonadotropins, and oxytocin-family peptides covering fertility, reproductive endocrinology, and sexual function.
Afamelanotide
An FDA-approved selective MC1R agonist marketed as Scenesse — the first-in-class treatment for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), delivered as a subdermal implant.
Atosiban
Ferring's Tractocile — an oxytocin-receptor antagonist used in Europe and elsewhere as a tocolytic for short-term suppression of preterm labor between 24 and 33 weeks' gestation. Approved by the EMA in 2000; the FDA declined to approve atosiban in 1998 citing a higher fetal/infant death rate in the <26-week subgroup of the pivotal trial.
Buserelin
A GnRH agonist widely used in Canada, the UK, Germany, and other markets (Suprecur, Suprefact) for prostate cancer, endometriosis, and IVF downregulation — but never FDA-approved in the United States.
Carbetocin
Ferring's Pabal / Duratocin — a long-acting oxytocin analog used for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean delivery. Approved in Canada, the UK, the EU, and (as heat-stable carbetocin) prequalified by WHO for low-resource settings. Not FDA-approved: the FDA declined to approve the product in 2006 and it has not been re-filed.
Cetrorelix
Merck Serono's Cetrotide — a GnRH antagonist used during IVF controlled ovarian stimulation to block premature LH surges. Unlike GnRH agonists, produces immediate gonadotropin suppression without a flare, shortening IVF cycles.
Corifollitropin alfa
Organon/Merck's Elonva — a recombinant long-acting FSH fusion protein (FSH-CTP) used as a single SC injection to replace the first week of daily FSH in IVF stimulation. Approved by the EMA in 2010; never approved in the United States.
Degarelix
Ferring's Firmagon — a GnRH antagonist for advanced prostate cancer that achieves castrate testosterone within 3 days, eliminating the clinical flare risk of GnRH-agonist therapy in patients with symptomatic bone metastases or impending spinal cord compression.
Follitropin alfa
EMD Serono's Gonal-f — the first recombinant human FSH approved by the FDA (1997). Used for ovulation induction, IVF controlled ovarian stimulation, and male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism fertility induction.
Follitropin beta
Organon/Merck's Follistim AQ (Puregon internationally) — a recombinant human FSH produced independently of follitropin alfa but clinically equivalent; FDA-approved 1997 for ovulation induction and IVF controlled ovarian stimulation.
Follitropin delta
Ferring's Rekovelle — a recombinant human FSH produced in a human cell line (PER.C6), dosed via a personalized algorithm based on serum AMH and body weight. Approved in the EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and China, but received an FDA Complete Response Letter in February 2026 over manufacturing issues; not currently approved in the United States.
Ganirelix
Organon/Merck's Ganirelix Acetate (formerly Antagon; Orgalutran internationally) — a GnRH antagonist functionally equivalent to cetrorelix for IVF LH-surge prevention, dosed as a daily fixed 250 mcg SC injection.
Gonadorelin
The native GnRH decapeptide — the hypothalamic signal that drives LH/FSH release and downstream testosterone/estradiol production. Historically FDA-approved (Factrel, Lutrepulse), now widely used in TRT-adjacent fertility protocols as a testicular-preservation alternative to HCG.
Goserelin
AstraZeneca's Zoladex — a long-acting GnRH agonist delivered as a subcutaneous biodegradable implant. FDA-approved for advanced prostate cancer, advanced breast cancer in premenopausal women, endometriosis, and endometrial thinning prior to ablation.
Histrelin
Endo Pharmaceuticals' Supprelin LA (pediatric) and Vantas (adult prostate cancer) — a 12-month subcutaneous hydrogel implant delivering histrelin for continuous GnRH-receptor suppression over a full year, minimizing dosing burden for pediatric CPP patients and adult prostate cancer patients alike.
Kisspeptin-10
A short active fragment of human kisspeptin — under active clinical investigation for hypothalamic amenorrhea, infertility, and low libido in men and women.
Kisspeptin-54
The full-length endogenous kisspeptin, with the most advanced clinical data as an alternative ovulation trigger in IVF that markedly reduces ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) risk.
Leuprolide
The prototypical long-acting GnRH agonist, FDA-approved across multiple formulations (Lupron Depot, Eligard, Fensolvi, Camcevi) for advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis, central precocious puberty, uterine fibroids, and IVF protocols.
Lutropin alfa
EMD Serono's Luveris — the only recombinant human LH ever FDA-approved (2004, accelerated approval). Discontinued from the US market in 2012; approval formally withdrawn in 2016 after EMD Serono notified the FDA it could not complete the required postmarketing pregnancy-outcome trial.
Melanotan II
An unapproved cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin agonist marketed for tanning and sexual function — strongly associated with melanocytic changes and dysplastic nevi in case reports. Not recommended.
Menotropin
Ferring's Menopur (and earlier Repronex, Humegon) — a urinary-derived FSH/LH combination used for ovulation induction and IVF controlled ovarian stimulation, particularly when LH supplementation is clinically desired.
Nafarelin
Pfizer's Synarel — the only FDA-approved intranasal GnRH agonist. Approved for endometriosis and central precocious puberty; offers a depot-free alternative to injectable leuprolide for patients who prefer nasal dosing.
Oxytocin
An endogenous nine-amino-acid hormone with roles in labor, lactation, and social-affiliative behavior; also explored off-label for social/anxiety research.
PT-141
An FDA-approved melanocortin agonist for acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.
Triptorelin
A widely used long-acting GnRH agonist — FDA-approved as Trelstar for advanced prostate cancer and as Triptodur for pediatric central precocious puberty; approved internationally (Decapeptyl, Gonapeptyl) for endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and female infertility protocols.
Urofollitropin
Ferring's Bravelle (and earlier Fertinex) — highly purified urinary-derived FSH used for ovulation induction and IVF controlled ovarian stimulation. FDA-approved 2002; branded Bravelle was withdrawn from the US market in 2015 due to manufacturing/potency concerns but the molecule class remains available via urinary-derived menotropin combination products.
Cognitive & Nootropic
Peptides studied for memory, cognition, and neuroprotection.
BRN2 (POU3F2) Research Peptide
A research-only peptide derived from the POU3F2 (BRN2) neural transcription factor; mechanistic and phenotypic evidence is limited almost entirely to in vitro and lineage-specification studies. No human therapeutic development, no clinical trials, no established dosing, and no commercial availability through regulated channels.
Cerebrolysin
A porcine-derived neurotrophic peptide preparation approved in 40+ countries (not US) for stroke, dementia, and traumatic brain injury — with the largest clinical evidence base of any nootropic peptide preparation.
Cortexin
A Russian polypeptide bioregulator (Geropharm / Герофарм) extracted from bovine or porcine cerebral cortex, approved in Russia for a broad array of neurological indications including cerebrovascular disease, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and cognitive impairment. Not FDA- or EMA-approved; clinical evidence base is almost entirely Russian-language and of low-to-moderate methodological rigor by Western standards.
Davunetide
NAPVSIPQ, the minimum active fragment of ADNP — an 8-amino-acid neuroprotective peptide studied in Phase 2 (cognition in mild cognitive impairment, schizophrenia) and Phase 3 (progressive supranuclear palsy). The Phase 3 PSP trial failed in 2012; development continues in schizophrenia (Coronis / ATL-104) and ADNP syndrome research.
Dihexa
A synthetic angiotensin-IV-derived peptide studied for potent synaptogenic activity via HGF/c-Met pathway — but the foundational research has been called into question and no human safety data exists.
DSIP
An endogenous 9-amino-acid peptide named for its ability to induce delta-wave sleep in early rabbit experiments, with broader effects on stress response, pain modulation, and circadian regulation.
FGL Peptide
A 15-amino-acid synthetic peptide derived from the second fibronectin-type-III module of NCAM, designed to mimic NCAM's interaction with FGFR1 and reproduce downstream neurogenic signaling. Preclinical cognition and neuroprotection data only; no human clinical trials; research-only.
Noopept
A Russian-developed prolyl-glycine-ester nootropic — often grouped with racetams despite being a dipeptide, with BDNF/NGF upregulation and anxiolytic activity.
NPAS3 Research Peptide
A research-only peptide derived from the NPAS3 (neuronal PAS domain protein 3) basic helix-loop-helix PAS transcription factor. NPAS3 has been linked to schizophrenia and cognitive phenotypes in human genetic studies, but the peptide itself has no clinical development. No human trials, no established dosing, and no substantiated therapeutic use.
P21
A CNTF-derived research peptide (Institute for Basic Research, New York) that crosses the blood-brain barrier and stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis in rodent models of Alzheimer disease, Down syndrome, and aging. Not FDA-approved; not commercially marketed; research-only with no human trials to date.
PE-22-28
A short peptide that selectively blocks the TREK-1 potassium channel — studied in animal models as a fast-acting antidepressant candidate.
Selank
A Russian-developed tuftsin analog approved for anxiety — produces benzodiazepine-like anxiolysis via GABAergic modulation without sedation, dependence, or withdrawal.
Semax
A synthetic ACTH-derived heptapeptide approved in Russia for stroke rehabilitation and optic nerve disorders, with documented BDNF upregulation and broad nootropic activity.
Longevity & Mitochondrial
Peptides studied for aging, senescence, and mitochondrial function.
Bronchogen
A Khavinson tetrapeptide from bronchial tissue — proposed to support respiratory epithelium function in chronic obstructive airway disease; evidence is preliminary and Russian-language.
Cardiogen
A Khavinson-group tetrapeptide from heart-tissue extract — proposed to support cardiomyocyte function and cardiac tissue aging; evidence base is Russian-language and largely pre-clinical.
Cartalax
A Khavinson tripeptide from cartilage tissue extract — proposed to support chondrocyte function and joint tissue homeostasis in aging and osteoarthritis models; mostly pre-clinical Russian-language evidence.
Cerluten
A Khavinson lung-derived short peptide bioregulator sold in Russia as a cytomedine supplement for respiratory aging. Like the rest of the Khavinson short-peptide family, supporting evidence is almost exclusively Russian-language and of low methodological rigor by Western standards; no independent replication, no FDA or EMA status, and no controlled clinical data.
Chonluten
A Khavinson tripeptide studied for bronchial epithelium regeneration and anti-inflammatory effects in the respiratory tract — evidence base is Russian-language and preliminary.
Cortagen
A Khavinson-group tetrapeptide isolated from cortex tissue — used in Russian neurology practice for post-stroke cognitive deficit; evidence is almost entirely Russian-language with minimal Western replication.
Endoluten
The Khavinson pineal bioregulator preparation, positioned as a "precursor/complementary" product to epithalon (the synthetic AEDG tetrapeptide). Marketed in Russia for neuroendocrine and circadian support in aging. Evidence base is Russian-language Khavinson-group studies with minimal independent replication.
Epithalon
A synthetic pineal tetrapeptide from the Khavinson group (St. Petersburg) — the only peptide with published data claiming telomerase activation and telomere elongation in human cell models.
FOXO4-DRI
A D-retro-inverso cell-penetrating peptide designed by the Peeper lab (Netherlands Cancer Institute) to selectively clear senescent cells — the prototype senolytic peptide.
GDF11
⚠ Not a peptide — a 12 kDa TGF-β superfamily protein. Rose to prominence through Amy Wagers' 2013–2014 parabiosis studies suggesting it was a "youthful factor" that could reverse cardiac, skeletal muscle, and neural aging in mice. Subsequent independent work substantially walked back or contradicted several of the original claims, and the current consensus view is that GDF11's role in aging is considerably more complex and less uniformly "rejuvenating" than early reports suggested.
GDF15
⚠ Not a peptide — a 12 kDa TGF-β superfamily protein. Rises with age and with mitochondrial stress; a potent anorexic/cachexia signal via its brainstem GFRAL/RET receptor. Active clinical development in two directions: agonism for obesity (NGM120, LY3463251) and antagonism for cachexia (ponsegromab, Pfizer Phase 3 PROACC-1 in cancer cachexia).
Humanin
A mitochondrial-derived peptide with neuroprotective, metabolic, and anti-apoptotic activity — one of the first signaling peptides identified as encoded by mitochondrial DNA.
Livagen
A Khavinson tetrapeptide proposed to support hepatic and lymphocyte function; reported to decondense chromatin in aged lymphocytes in in-vitro studies — Russian-language evidence, no Western replication.
MOTS-c
A mitochondrially encoded peptide studied for its effects on metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and exercise capacity.
Ovagen
A Khavinson tripeptide proposed to support hepatocyte function and reproductive-tissue aging; evidence is Russian-language and pre-clinical.
Pinealon
A Khavinson tripeptide proposed to cross the blood–brain barrier and support neuronal gene expression in aging brain tissue — animal data in hypoxia and oxidative stress models; no Western clinical trials.
Prostamax
A Khavinson prostate bioregulator preparation marketed in Russia for prostate aging, with the synthetic KEDP tetrapeptide (Prostagen) as its characterized active fragment. Russian-language evidence base; no FDA/EMA status; no independent Western clinical replication.
SHLP2
A 26-aa mitochondrial-derived peptide, the most-studied of the SHLP1–SHLP6 family (Cohen lab, USC). Preclinical data report insulin-sensitizing, antiapoptotic, and metabolic-protective effects; lower plasma levels in humans correlate with age and with type 2 diabetes. Research-only; no human clinical trials.
SHLP3
One of the six small humanin-like peptides (Cohen lab); preclinical reports suggest roles in adipogenesis and metabolic regulation. Less well-characterized than SHLP2 or humanin. Research-only.
SHLP6
A SHLP-family member with a notably distinct preclinical profile: where humanin and SHLP2 are antiapoptotic, SHLP6 has been reported as pro-apoptotic, suggesting the mitochondrial-derived peptide family includes members with opposing regulatory roles. Research-only.
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
The first FDA-approved mitochondria-targeted peptide therapeutic — approved September 2025 as Forzinity for Barth syndrome, with broader investigation in heart failure, macular degeneration, and aging.
Testagen
A Khavinson testis bioregulator preparation — note that the synthetic tetrapeptide KEDG has been reported in different Khavinson-group publications under both the Testagen and Ventfort names, reflecting either genuine tissue-source overlap or inconsistent nomenclature in the primary literature. Evidence is Russian-language; Russian nutraceutical status only.
Thymalin
A calf-thymus polypeptide extract (like cortexin but for thymus-immune axis), positioned by Khavinson as an aging bioregulator. Russian approval, no FDA/EMA approval. Evidence base includes several Russian-language longevity-cohort observations and immune-function studies; methodological rigor is mixed.
Thymogen
Glu-Trp, the synthetic dipeptide characterized as an active fragment of calf-thymus bioregulator preparations, registered in Russia as an immune-supportive medicine. Khavinson-framework research compound; no FDA/EMA approval.
Ventfort
The Khavinson vascular bioregulator, marketed in Russia for endothelial aging and microcirculation support. Associated with the synthetic KEDG tetrapeptide in some Khavinson-group publications. Russian-language evidence base only; not FDA/EMA approved.
Vesugen
The synthetic KED tripeptide in the Khavinson short-peptide series, studied preclinically for vascular-aging and antiatherogenic effects. Not a registered medicine; research-only in the West, nutraceutical status in Russia. Preclinical evidence only.
Visoluten
The Khavinson retinal bioregulator preparation, marketed in Russia for age-related retinal change including macular degeneration support. Evidence base is Russian-language Khavinson-group studies. Not FDA- or EMA-approved.
Immune & Anti-Inflammatory
Thymic, inflammatory, and immune-modulating peptides.
hBD-1
The constitutive epithelial β-defensin — first isolated from haemodialysate urine by Bensch, Schröder and colleagues (FEBS Letters 1995). Constitutively expressed (unlike hBD-2 and hBD-3, which are inducible), salt-sensitive in standard assays, and a major component of urogenital and airway surface antimicrobial defense.
hBD-2
The inducible β-defensin — cloned by Harder, Bartels, Christophers and Schröder (Nature 1997) from the lesional scales of psoriasis patients, with the paper framing psoriatic skin as a paradoxical "almost-never-infected" phenotype driven by massive β-defensin induction. Induced by TLR / NF-κB signalling in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-α).
hBD-3
The broad-spectrum β-defensin — active against Gram-positive, Gram-negative and fungal targets, and largely salt-insensitive (unlike hBD-1). Isolated independently in 2001 by Harder et al. and by García et al. from psoriatic skin and tonsil respectively. The β-defensin most studied for clinical translation because of its salt tolerance.
HD5
The Paneth cell α-defensin — the dominant antimicrobial peptide of the human small intestine, stored at millimolar concentrations in Paneth cell secretory granules and released into the crypt lumen upon cholinergic or bacterial stimulus. Reduced HD5 expression is a recognised feature of ileal Crohn disease.
HD6
The Paneth cell α-defensin that does not kill directly — HD6 traps enteric pathogens by self-assembling into fibrillar "nanonets" (Chu et al., Science 2012), a mechanism unique among the defensin family. Poor microbicidal activity in vitro was a decade-long puzzle until the trapping mechanism was discovered.
HNP-1
The prototype human α-defensin — isolated from neutrophil granules by Ganz, Selsted and Lehrer in 1985; the dominant antimicrobial peptide in human neutrophils and a workhorse molecule of innate immunity. Research peptide only: no defensin has ever been developed as an approved drug.
HNP-2
The N-terminally truncated HNP-1 variant — 29 residues instead of 30, same disulfide scaffold, the same biological activity profile. A direct proteolytic or post-translational derivative of the prodefensin encoded by DEFA1/DEFA3; isolated alongside HNP-1 and HNP-3 by Ganz et al. in 1985. Research peptide only — no clinical development.
HNP-3
The third of the three classical neutrophil α-defensins — identical to HNP-1 except the first residue (Asp vs. Ala). Encoded predominantly by DEFA3, a nearly-identical paralog of DEFA1 that arose from segmental duplication. Research peptide only.
Thymopentin
A synthetic pentapeptide fragment of thymopoietin — historically marketed as Timunox for immunodeficiency, now primarily used in research and limited European clinical practice.
Thymosin α1
The most clinically studied thymic peptide — approved in 35+ countries as Zadaxin for hepatitis B and C, with 30+ RCTs across more than 11,000 subjects. Not FDA-approved despite extensive global use.
Thymulin
A zinc-dependent thymic peptide — biologically active only when zinc-saturated, making serum thymulin activity a functional readout of zinc status.
VIP
An endogenous 28-amino-acid peptide with vasodilatory, bronchodilatory, and immunomodulatory effects; explored in sarcoidosis, CIRS/mold illness, and acute respiratory distress.
Cosmetic & Skin
Peptides studied for skin, hair, and cosmetic applications.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-30
Inyline — Lipotec's post-synaptic cosmetic peptide. Unlike Argireline-family pre-synaptic SNAP-25 mimetics or Vialox-style nAChR antagonists, Acetyl Hexapeptide-30 is claimed to block the agrin-MuSK interaction that maintains post-synaptic AChR clustering; was formerly INCI Acetyl Hexapeptide-25.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-37
The Lipotec "Diffuporine" cosmetic peptide — identified by luciferase-reporter combinatorial screening as an AQP3 inducer; increases epidermal water transport and barrier proteins at cosmetic concentrations; entirely topical, no systemic development.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Uplevity — a Lipotec firming tetrapeptide proposed to support dermal mechanotransduction by organising elastin, fibulin-5, and LOXL-family enzymes. Follow-on "skin architect" peptide marketed as alternative to pre-synaptic/post-synaptic muscle peptides; manufacturer-only efficacy data.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Eyeseryl — the anti-puffiness eye peptide. A β-alanine-containing acetyl-tetrapeptide claimed to reduce capillary permeability and inhibit glycation-driven cross-linking; low absolute concentrations (0.01 % active) but convincing before/after in manufacturer studies.
AHK-Cu
A tripeptide copper complex studied primarily for hair follicle stimulation and anagen induction in cosmetic applications.
Argireline
A cosmetic-industry hexapeptide marketed as "topical Botox" — reduces muscle contraction signaling at the neuromuscular junction; modest but documented effects on expression-line depth.
Decorinyl
The actual identity of the Lipotec "Decorinyl®" ingredient — a decorin-mimetic tetrapeptide (Lys-Asp-Ile-Cit-NH2) engineered to regulate collagen fibril diameter and uniformity in aged skin. Often confused with "Tridecapeptide-4"; the authoritative literature (Puig et al. 2008) classifies it as INCI Tripeptide-10 Citrulline.
Leuphasyl
A cosmetic-ingredient pentapeptide modeled on leucine-enkephalin — marketed by Lipotec as a post-synaptic adjunct to Argireline-class pre-synaptic peptides for expression-line reduction.
Matrixyl
A palmitoylated pentapeptide derived from a collagen-I breakdown fragment (KTTKS) — widely used in cosmetic topicals with clinical data supporting modest reductions in fine-line depth over 12 weeks.
Pal-GHK
The palmitoylated form of the GHK tripeptide (distinct from GHK-Cu) — widely used as a cosmetic ingredient in combination with Matrixyl (Matrixyl 3000 is Pal-GHK + Pal-KTTKS) for fine-line reduction.
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Biopeptide EL — a palmitoyl-VGVAPG elastin "spring fragment" peptide. The VGVAPG sequence is chemotactic for fibroblasts and binds the elastin receptor complex (GLB1 / cathepsin-A / NEU-1); cosmetic firmness claims rest mostly on manufacturer data.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Sederma's Matrixyl Synthe'6 — a palmitoyl tripeptide (Pal-KMO2K) claimed to stimulate six dermal-matrix components (collagens I / III / IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, laminin-5). Follow-on to Matrixyl and Matrixyl 3000; almost all efficacy data is manufacturer-generated.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Syn-Coll / Pal-KVK — a palmitoyl tripeptide modeled on the thrombospondin-1 motif that activates latent TGF-β. Mechanistically distinct from Matrixyl-family matrikines: activates a growth-factor signalling pathway rather than directly mimicking collagen fragments. Cosmetic ingredient only.
Pentapeptide-3
Vialox — the "curare-mimetic" cosmetic peptide (GPRPA). Acts post-synaptically on peripheral nicotinic ACh receptors, unlike the pre-synaptic SNAP-25-mimetic Argireline class. Sometimes marketed as a snake-venom-inspired Botox alternative; efficacy data are primarily from the manufacturer.
Rigin
A cosmetic tetrapeptide marketed as an anti-inflammatory "Matrixyl companion" — claimed to reduce IL-6 and dampen glycation-driven skin aging; co-formulated with Pal-KTTKS + Pal-GHK in Matrixyl 3000+Rigin products.
SNAP-8
An octapeptide cosmetic ingredient extending the Argireline concept — same SNAP-25 competitive mechanism with two additional residues and claims of enhanced activity.
Syn-Ake
A "snake-venom mimetic" cosmetic tripeptide modeled on Waglerin-1 (Tropidolaemus wagleri venom) — blocks post-synaptic acetylcholine receptors rather than acting pre-synaptically like Argireline; modest reductions in expression-line depth in manufacturer studies.
Tripeptide-10 Citrulline
The INCI name for the active peptide in Decorinyl® — a tetrapeptide (KDI-Cit) where the charge pattern (+/−/0/+) reproduces decorin's collagen-binding motif. Separate listing from the "decorinyl" trade-name entry to make INCI-level search usable for formulators.
Cardiovascular & Renal
Vasopressors, vasopressin analogs, natriuretic peptides, antithrombotic peptides, and related cardiovascular/renal agents.
Angiotensin II
Giapreza — the first new vasopressor class approved in decades. FDA-approved December 2017 (La Jolla Pharmaceutical) for catecholamine-resistant septic / distributive shock based on the ATHOS-3 trial (NEJM 2017, n=321). Engages a third vasoconstrictor pathway (RAAS / AT1) independent of catecholamines and vasopressin — useful when both of those axes are desensitised.
Bivalirudin
Angiomax — the workhorse direct thrombin inhibitor for percutaneous coronary intervention. FDA-approved December 2000 (The Medicines Company, now Sandoz); the first synthetic peptide DTI to achieve broad PCI adoption. REPLACE-2, ACUITY, and HORIZONS-AMI trials established the anticoagulant profile; subsequent MATRIX trial outcomes shifted practice in some populations back toward heparin.
Carperitide
⚠ Approved in Japan only (1995). The Daiichi Sankyo recombinant hANP has been used in >30,000 pooled patients with acute heart failure in Japanese registries, but its overall mortality effect remains contested — 2024 meta-analyses suggest a possible increase in in-hospital mortality, while other pooled analyses suggest benefit at low doses.
Desmopressin
DDAVP — the classic V2-selective vasopressin analog. FDA-approved February 1978 for central diabetes insipidus; decades of label expansion added primary nocturnal enuresis, nocturia (Noctiva / Nocdurna), and hemostatic use in mild hemophilia A and type 1 von Willebrand disease. WHO Essential Medicines List.
Eptifibatide
Integrilin — the cyclic KGD-peptide GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor from pygmy rattlesnake venom. FDA-approved May 1998 (COR Therapeutics / Millennium Pharmaceuticals; now Merck / Viatris); reversible binding and short half-life make it tactically different from the monoclonal abciximab. One of two peptide-class GPIIb/IIIa antagonists in clinical use (the other being the non-peptide tirofiban).
Felypressin
⚠ Not FDA-approved. The dental-anaesthetic alternative to epinephrine — used in Europe, Japan, and Brazil as a non-catecholamine vasoconstrictor in prilocaine-based dental cartridges (Citanest® Octapressin). Useful where cardiac patients need dental work but epinephrine poses risk; unfamiliar to US dentists because of non-approval.
Nesiritide
Natrecor — the first recombinant natriuretic peptide drug for acute heart failure. FDA-approved August 2001 based on short-term dyspnea relief, became one of the most controversial drugs of the 2000s after 2005 meta-analyses raised safety concerns; ASCEND-HF (2010, n=7,141) eventually settled the safety debate but demonstrated only marginal clinical benefit. Janssen discontinued manufacturing February 2018; no longer commercially available in the US.
Terlipressin
Terlivaz — the first and only FDA-approved drug for hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). FDA-approved September 2022 (Mallinckrodt) for adults with HRS with rapid reduction in kidney function, after a multi-decade regulatory history including four prior Complete Response Letters and the successful CONFIRM Phase 3 trial (NEJM 2021).
Ularitide
⚠ Phase 3 failure. Cardiorentis's ularitide was the most recent Western attempt to develop an IV natriuretic peptide for acute heart failure. TRUE-AHF (NEJM 2017, n=2,157) failed both the mortality and hemodynamic co-primary endpoints; development was discontinued shortly after. Reinforced a now-consistent pattern of IV natriuretic peptides showing biochemical and hemodynamic effects but failing to improve clinical outcomes.
Vasopressin
Vasostrict — the endogenous antidiuretic hormone as an ICU vasopressor. FDA-approved April 2014 for adults with vasodilatory shock (post-cardiotomy, sepsis) who remain hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines. Works through V1a receptors on vascular smooth muscle — a receptor axis pharmacologically distinct from catecholamine receptors, preserving its vasopressor effect when adrenergic receptors are desensitised.
Research & Experimental
Peptides in early research without established clinical use.
ACE-031
Acceleron's first-generation myostatin trap — Phase 2 development in Duchenne muscular dystrophy was halted in 2013 after epistaxis and telangiectasia adverse events, but the same scaffold concept led to successor programs at Acceleron, Regeneron, and Lilly.
Adipotide
A preclinical concept that killed white adipose tissue by inducing vasculature apoptosis in obese rhesus monkeys — dramatic weight loss, but also nephrotoxicity that stopped it from advancing to humans.
Dermorphin
⚠ Potent mu-opioid agonist — ~30–40× more potent than morphine; has been misused as a horse-racing doping agent and carries serious overdose/dependence risk. Included for reference and harm-reduction only. Not a therapeutic or "longevity" peptide.
Examorelin
An early synthetic GH-releasing hexapeptide (Europeptides) in the hexarelin family — never developed to approval, used principally as a research tool for characterizing the ghrelin receptor pathway.
Follistatin-315
The dominant circulating follistatin isoform in human serum — binds heparan sulfate proteoglycans avidly, concentrating at tissue surfaces rather than circulating freely, which limits its systemic reach compared to FS-344.
Follistatin-344
The longer of the two principal follistatin splice variants — binds tissues less avidly than FS-315 and therefore has broader systemic distribution, making it the form used in most gene-therapy and myostatin-inhibition research.
HGH Fragment 176-191
The lipolytic fragment that inspired AOD-9604 — binds a hypothesized non-GHR receptor to drive fat oxidation without growth-promoting effects, though human efficacy data are weak.
IGF-1 DES(1-3)
Deleting the first three amino acids of IGF-1 cripples IGFBP binding while preserving receptor activity — giving DES(1-3) roughly 10× the in vitro potency of native IGF-1 at promoting cell growth in IGFBP-rich environments.
IGF-1 LR3
A 13-amino-acid N-terminal extension plus Arg3 substitution gives IGF-1 LR3 roughly 2–3× the potency of native IGF-1 in bioassays — a research-reagent favorite that became a bodybuilding staple despite no human approval.
MGF
The native, non-pegylated splice variant of IGF-1 produced by skeletal muscle in response to mechanical overload — extremely short-lived in vivo and therefore superseded by PEG-MGF in research-chemical markets.
PEG-MGF
A pegylated fragment of a proposed muscle-specific IGF-1 splice variant — the underlying "MGF" biology remains scientifically contested, and PEG-MGF itself has no human clinical data.
PNC-27
An experimental anticancer peptide engineered to selectively disrupt cancer cell membranes that overexpress HDM-2 — preclinical research only.
Tesofensine
A triple-monoamine reuptake inhibitor (SNDRI) with Phase 2 anti-obesity data showing up to ~12% weight loss at 1.0 mg/day — development stalled over cardiovascular concerns; not a peptide and included here for cross-reference only.
Pipeline & In-Development
Compounds in late-stage clinical trials or under FDA review — not yet available as approved medicines.
Amycretin
Novo Nordisk's unimolecular GLP-1 + amylin dual agonist — Phase 1b oral data published 2024 showed ~13% weight loss in 12 weeks; SC Phase 1b reported ~22% weight loss at 36 weeks in 2025. Phase 3 programs initiating 2026. Novo's answer to the retatrutide/triple-agonist class.
Apitegromab
⚠ Monoclonal antibody — not a classical peptide. A Scholar Rock fully human IgG (~150 kDa) selective for pro-/latent myostatin (sparing mature myostatin in other tissues) — SAPPHIRE Phase 3 in spinal muscular atrophy read out positive in October 2024; BLA submission in 2025. Platform validation for myostatin biology beyond the muscle-sparing-in-obesity use case.
Apraglutide
Ironwood's weekly GLP-2 analog for short-bowel syndrome — STARS Phase 3 positive (2024), NDA submitted to FDA 2025; potentially the first once-weekly SBS therapy and a meaningful improvement over teduglutide's daily dosing.
AZD6234
AstraZeneca's long-acting amylin analog — Phase 2 in obesity (2024) — part of AZ's entry into the GLP-1-adjacent obesity space alongside ECC5004; analogous in mechanism to cagrilintide.
Bimagrumab
⚠ Monoclonal antibody — not a classical peptide. A first-in-class muscle-sparing antibody (fully human IgG1, ~150 kDa) against activin type II receptors. Combined with semaglutide in the BELIEVE Phase 2b trial (Nature Medicine, March 2026), it produced greater fat loss than semaglutide alone while preserving lean mass. Not approved; Lilly developer. Included here because it's widely discussed alongside peptides in the muscle-sparing and myostatin conversations.
CagriSema
Novo Nordisk's next-generation obesity injection — NDA filed December 2025, FDA review expected 2026. If approved, it would be the first GLP-1 + amylin fixed-dose combination and a direct competitive response to tirzepatide.
Cotadutide
AstraZeneca's discontinued GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist — shelved in 2023 despite positive Phase 2 data in NASH and obesity, reportedly for commercial rather than safety reasons. Included for pipeline completeness; the mechanism lives on in pemvidutide, survodutide, and the glucagon arm of retatrutide.
Danuglipron
⚠ Not a peptide — small molecule. Pfizer's discontinued oral GLP-1 program — halted April 14, 2025 after a single case of potential drug-induced liver injury in a once-daily dose-optimization study, ending Pfizer's second oral GLP-1 failure in as many years. Included in this peptide encyclopedia because the audience frequently searches for it alongside peptide GLP-1 agonists.
ECC5004
AstraZeneca's oral-peptide GLP-1 candidate (in-licensed from China-based Eccogene in 2023) — Phase 2b in obesity and T2DM; a peptide, not a small molecule, distinguishing it from orforglipron and danuglipron despite the oral route.
Efpeglenatide
A weekly-to-monthly exendin-4-based GLP-1 agonist with positive Phase 3 cardiovascular outcomes (AMPLITUDE-O, 2021) — Sanofi returned the license to Hanmi in 2020; Hanmi re-partnered with Innovent in 2020 for China development and with Kailera in 2024 for global development.
Eftansomatropin alfa
Genexine and Handok's long-acting growth hormone candidate — approved in South Korea (Declage, 2025) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency; global partnership with Handok for Korean commercialization.
Elsiglutide
Zealand's early GLP-2 analog program (Phase 2 for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea) — superseded by glepaglutide in Zealand's GLP-2 pipeline; retained for pipeline-history completeness.
Garetosmab
⚠ Monoclonal antibody — not a classical peptide. A Regeneron anti-activin-A fully human IgG (~150 kDa). Primary development target is fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (LUMINA-1 Phase 2); the activin-A mechanism overlaps bimagrumab biology, and the antibody is of cross-reference interest in the muscle-sparing-adjunct discussion.
Glepaglutide
Zealand Pharma's long-acting GLP-2 analog for short-bowel syndrome — Phase 3 EASE program completed 2023 with mixed results (primary endpoint not met in EASE-1 under the prespecified analysis, though post-hoc and secondary analyses were positive); regulatory path under review.
GMA106
Gmax Biopharm's GLP-1 / FGF21 dual-activity candidate — Phase 2 in obesity and MASH; pairs GLP-1 appetite suppression with FGF21's metabolic and hepatic steatosis effects.
HM15136
Hanmi's once-weekly glucagon analog being developed for congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) — a rare paediatric indication in which chronic glucagon receptor agonism is used to counteract life-threatening hypoglycemia.
HM15275
Hanmi's triple-agonist GLP-1/GIP/glucagon candidate, mechanistically analogous to retatrutide — Phase 2 in obesity with a monthly-dosing ambition enabled by Hanmi's LAPSCOVERY platform.
HRS-9531
Hengrui's once-weekly GLP-1/GIP dual agonist in Phase 3 in China for obesity, with Kailera Therapeutics holding global ex-China rights since 2024; the structurally closest Chinese competitor to tirzepatide.
Insulin efsitora alfa
Lilly's once-weekly basal insulin candidate — Phase 3 QWINT program completed 2024 in T1DM and T2DM; NDA submission 2025. Competes head-to-head with Novo's insulin icodec, using Fc fusion rather than albumin binding to achieve the weekly profile.
KN056
Alphamab's GLP-1 / glucagon dual agonist — an early-clinical Chinese entry in the GLP-1/glucagon mechanism space pioneered by cotadutide and now represented by pemvidutide and survodutide.
Langlenatide
Hanmi's original long-acting exendin-4 conjugate, superseded by efpeglenatide (the optimized successor) after early clinical work; effectively a program predecessor rather than an independent pipeline candidate.
Maridebart cafraglutide
Amgen's once-monthly obesity injection — Phase 3 MARITIME program underway, ~20% weight loss at 52 weeks in Phase 2 (NEJM 2025), approximately 21-day half-life enabling monthly or less frequent dosing.
PB-718
PegBio's dual GLP-1 / GLP-2 agonist — an unusual combination targeting both the incretin axis and intestinal mucosal trophic signaling; Phase 2 in T2DM and NAFLD.
Pemvidutide
Altimmune's GLP-1 / glucagon co-agonist — received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MASH in January 2026 after positive IMPACT Phase 2b antifibrotic data, with Phase 3 initiation planned for 2026.
Petrelintide
Zealand Pharma's amylin monotherapy — ZUPREME-1 Phase 2b hit its endpoints in March 2026 with up to 10.7% weight loss at 42 weeks and "placebo-like" GI tolerability. Roche-partnered since 2025; Phase 3 planned for late 2026.
Relamorelin
Motus Therapeutics' (formerly Rhythm, then Allergan) ghrelin agonist pentapeptide — Phase 2b results in diabetic gastroparesis were positive, Phase 3 development paused following Allergan's divestiture; status ambiguous as of 2026.
Tabimorelin
Novo Nordisk's discontinued oral GH secretagogue — evaluated in Phase 2 for adult GH deficiency in the late 1990s and early 2000s; discontinued for commercial/strategic reasons. Relevant today as a historical archetype alongside MK-677 and capromorelin.
Taldefgrobep alfa
A Biohaven (ex-BMS) myostatin-binding adnectin-Fc fusion — RESILIENT Phase 3 trial in spinal muscular atrophy missed its primary endpoint (December 2024); further development pivoted toward obesity and sarcopenia indications.
Taspoglutide
A once-weekly GLP-1 RA co-developed by Ipsen and Roche — Phase 3 halted in 2010 after unacceptably high rates of injection-site reactions and hypersensitivity (including systemic allergic reactions), making it the most prominent immunogenicity-driven failure in the GLP-1 class.
Trevogrumab
⚠ Monoclonal antibody — not a classical peptide. A Regeneron anti-myostatin fully human IgG (~150 kDa) being tested as a muscle-sparing adjunct to GLP-1 therapy — CONVERGE combination program with semaglutide in obesity; earlier sarcopenia programs were deprioritized in favor of the obesity opportunity. Included here because it's widely discussed alongside peptides in muscle-sparing conversations.
VK2735
Viking's emerging dual GLP-1/GIP agonist — Phase 2 SC data in obesity reported up to ~14.7% placebo-adjusted weight loss at 13 weeks (VENTURE, 2024), with an oral-tablet Phase 2 program initiated 2024; the principal clinical challenger to tirzepatide's mechanism outside the Lilly / Novo axis.