Sourced, plain-language profiles of the peptides people ask about most — what each one is, what the evidence actually shows, the side effects, and whether it's approved for anything. Every profile links its sources.
These profiles summarize published sources for education only — they are not medical advice, not dosing instructions, and not an endorsement. The Peptide University does not sell peptides or supplies. Many compounds below are unapproved for human use; approval status is noted on each profile. Always talk to a qualified clinician.
The GLP-1 agonist behind Ozempic and Wegovy. Large trials, ~12% average weight loss, well-characterized side effects.
Read profile GLP-1/GIP · ApprovedDual GLP-1 and GIP agonist behind Mounjaro and Zepbound. Reported the largest average weight loss of the mainstream class.
Read profile Repair claims · InvestigationalThe popular 'healing peptide' — striking animal data, almost no human evidence, unapproved and prohibited in sport.
Read profile Repair claims · InvestigationalA synthetic fragment related to thymosin beta-4. Biologically plausible, but with essentially zero human trials.
Read profile GH secretagogues · InvestigationalA commonly paired duo that prompts the body to release its own growth hormone. Investigational, limited combination evidence.
Read profile Melanocortin · Approved useWorks through the brain, not blood flow. FDA-approved as Vyleesi for a specific use; other uses off-label.
Read profile Cosmetic · TopicalThe skincare copper peptide. Rich lab biology, thin human clinical data — a case study in claims outrunning evidence.
Read profile GHRH · ApprovedA GHRH analogue with a real evidence base — FDA-approved (Egrifta) for visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Read profile GLP-1/GIP/glucagon · InvestigationalThe triple agonist reporting the largest trial weight loss so far. Investigational, not yet approved.
Read profile GLP-1 · ApprovedThe earlier daily GLP-1 agonist (Victoza / Saxenda). Approved, well studied, smaller average weight loss than the newer weekly drugs.
Read profile Amylin · InvestigationalA long-acting amylin analogue (the 'Cagri' in CagriSema). A different satiety pathway from GLP-1. Investigational.
Read profile GLP-1/glucagon · InvestigationalA GLP-1 and glucagon dual agonist studied for obesity and liver disease. Investigational.
Read profile hGH fragment · InvestigationalA growth-hormone fragment marketed for fat loss whose largest human trial failed. Investigational.
Read profile GHRH · Approved (historic)A GHRH analogue once FDA-approved (Geref), later discontinued, now mostly compounded. Prompts the body's own GH.
Read profile GH secretagogue · InvestigationalThe oral ghrelin mimetic (not strictly a peptide). Raises GH/IGF-1, with insulin-resistance and cardiac safety signals.
Read profile GH secretagogue · InvestigationalA classic GH-releasing peptide (pralmorelin), studied diagnostically. Investigational for general use.
Read profile GH secretagogue · InvestigationalThe original GH-releasing peptide, notable for strong appetite stimulation. Investigational.
Read profile GH secretagogue · InvestigationalThe most potent classic GH-releasing peptide, with distinct CD36 cardiac binding. Investigational.
Read profile IGF-1 · InvestigationalA long-acting IGF-1 analogue — strong preclinical rationale, no human data, and serious glucose and tumor-growth cautions.
Read profile Myostatin inhibitor · InvestigationalBlocks myostatin, the natural brake on muscle. Dramatic in animals, limited and complex in humans.
Read profile Mitochondrial · InvestigationalA peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA, studied as a metabolic regulator. Mostly animal data.
Read profile Mitochondrial · InvestigationalA cardiolipin-targeting tetrapeptide with the strongest clinical data of the mito peptides. Investigational.
Read profile Longevity claims · InvestigationalA telomerase/longevity tetrapeptide resting on limited Russian and animal research. Investigational.
Read profile Immune · Approved (ex-US)An immune-modulating peptide approved in 35+ countries (Zadaxin) for hepatitis and as an adjuvant — not FDA-approved.
Read profile Anti-inflammatory · InvestigationalAn anti-inflammatory alpha-MSH tripeptide fragment, studied mainly in preclinical gut-inflammation models.
Read profile Host-defense · InvestigationalA natural human antimicrobial peptide with complex, double-edged inflammatory biology. Experimental.
Read profile Melanocortin · InvestigationalThe unapproved 'tanning peptide' — non-selective melanocortin agonist with documented side effects and mole-change concerns.
Read profile Melanocortin · ApprovedThe selective MC1R agonist FDA-approved as Scenesse for a rare light-sensitivity disorder (EPP).
Read profile Nootropic · Approved (Russia)A nootropic peptide approved in Russia (stroke, cognition). Evidence is mostly Russian-language and animal.
Read profile Anxiolytic · Approved (Russia)An anti-anxiety peptide approved in Russia. Small promising studies, limited English-language evidence.
Read profile Sleep/stress · InvestigationalThe 'sleep peptide' — poorly characterized, marketed for sleep and stress on thin, inconsistent evidence.
Read profile GnRH · ApprovedA GnRH peptide with approved diagnostic/fertility uses. Stimulates LH and FSH; pulsatile vs continuous matters.
Read profile Reproductive · InvestigationalAn upstream master regulator of the reproductive axis. Important research target; investigational as therapy.
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Educational community only — not medical advice, and we don't sell peptides or supplies.