Types of peptides:

FDA-Approved Peptides

Several peptides have already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specific medical uses.

• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) – for type 2 diabetes and obesity. A GLP-1 analog that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces appetite.
• Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) – for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. Acts on melanocortin receptors.
• Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) – another GLP-1 analog for weight loss and blood sugar control.
• Tesamorelin – used to reduce abdominal fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. Stimulates growth hormone release.
• Glucagon – a peptide hormone used to treat severe hypoglycemia.
• Calcitonin – for osteoporosis treatment.
• Buserelin, Leuprolide, Nafarelin – GnRH agonists used for prostate cancer, endometriosis, and precocious puberty.
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Experimental and Promising Peptides

Ongoing research is exploring the next generation of peptides aimed at deeper and more systemic healing.

1. Peptides for Telomere Extension & Longevity

• Epitalon – A pineal gland-derived peptide that may increase telomerase activity and extend lifespan in animal models. Thought to improve sleep, circadian rhythm, and mitochondrial function.
• FOX04-DRI – Inhibits senescent cells (cellular “zombies”) to promote tissue rejuvenation. Still in early animal studies.
• GHK-Cu – A copper-binding peptide with regenerative properties; may support DNA repair and telomere stability indirectly.

2. Peptides for Immune Support

• Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) – Enhances T-cell activity and innate immunity. Studied in cancer, hepatitis B and C, and as an immune modulator in COVID-19.
• LL-37 – An antimicrobial peptide that supports barrier immunity in the gut, lungs, and skin. Promising in chronic infections and autoimmunity.
• KPV – An anti-inflammatory peptide derived from α-MSH; useful in gut and systemic inflammation (IBD, eczema, MCAS).

3. Peptides for Mitochondrial Health

• SS-31 (Elamipretide) – Targets mitochondria directly to stabilize membranes and improve ATP production. Under trial for mitochondrial myopathy and heart failure.
• Humanin – A mitochondrial-derived peptide with protective effects against oxidative stress and neurodegeneration.

4. Peptides for Gut Healing

• BPC-157 – “Body Protection Compound” enhances gut lining repair, reduces inflammation, and supports blood vessel growth. Widely used in integrative medicine, though not FDA approved.
• KPV – Mentioned above, also important for calming inflammatory bowel diseases.
• LL-37 – Modulates microbiome and epithelial barrier, reducing gut permeability (“leaky gut”).

5. Peptides for Cancer Therapy (In Trials)

• Thymosin Alpha-1 – Enhances immune surveillance against tumors.
• Cilengitide – Targets integrins on tumor blood vessels, disrupting angiogenesis.
• P28 (azurin-derived) – Stabilizes p53 tumor suppressor protein in cancer cells; promising results in early human trials for glioblastoma and breast cancer.
• Melanotan II – Has shown anti-melanoma properties but is better known for pigmentation and sexual function enhancement.

If trials proceed successfully, some of these peptides may soon be approved as adjunctive therapies in cancer care.

6. Peptides for Mood, Brain Health, and Cognition

• Selank – A nootropic peptide with anxiolytic effects. Modulates GABA and serotonin systems.
• Semax – Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory. May help with ADHD, stroke recovery, and anxiety.
• Dihexa – In early development for Alzheimer’s and cognitive enhancement. May promote synaptic growth.
• Cerebrolysin (complex peptide) – Used in Europe for stroke and dementia, showing promise in neural regeneration.

7. Peptides for Pain, Recovery, and Tissue Repair

• BPC-157 – Enhances healing of joints, tendons, gut, and even nerve tissue.
• TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) – Promotes wound healing, muscle regeneration, and scar reduction.
• AOD-9604 – A fragment of growth hormone that may help with fat metabolism and injury recovery without affecting IGF-1.

Additional Emerging Areas

• Peptides for Skin Aging – GHK-Cu, Matrixyl, and Argireline are used in skincare for collagen regeneration and wrinkle reduction.
• Peptides in Fertility – Kisspeptin is being studied for its role in initiating reproductive hormone secretion.
• Peptides for Autoimmunity – Tolerance-inducing peptides are in trials for multiple sclerosis (e.g., altered peptide ligands for myelin).
• Metabolic Modulation – Peptides like Motilin, Amylin, and PYY are being explored for appetite regulation and metabolic disorders.

How Peptides Work in the Body

Peptides work by binding to specific receptors on the surface of cells, mimicking or enhancing natural processes. They can:

• Signal repair and regeneration
• Suppress inflammation or autoimmunity
• Enhance mitochondrial function
• Improve neurotransmitter activity
• Regulate hormones and metabolism

Because of their specificity and low toxicity, they are considered highly bio-compatible and a growing alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals.

How Are Peptides Administered?

• Subcutaneous injections (most common)
• Nasal sprays (e.g., Selank, Semax)
• Oral lozenges, creams, or capsules (limited due to degradation in the stomach)
• Transdermal patches (rare)
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Final Thoughts

Peptide therapy represents one of the most promising frontiers in modern medicine. From longevity and immune repair to gut healing and cancer modulation, peptides offer a way to harness the body’s own signaling systems to promote balance and healing. While many are still under research and not yet FDA-approved, growing access to high-quality compounded peptides—paired with expert medical guidance—makes this an exciting space for personalized and regenerative care.

Always work with a knowledgeable provider to assess safety, sourcing, and protocols before starting any peptide regimen.