Peptides A–Z

5-Amino-1MQ is an experimental oral compound that blocks an enzyme called NNMT, which is active in fat tissue. It is studied for obesity and metabolism, almost entirely in animals so far. It is not a peptide, and it has no UK marketing authorisation.

ACE-031, also called ramatercept, is an experimental protein designed to trap myostatin and related signals so that muscle can grow. Its trials were stopped over safety concerns, and it has no UK marketing authorisation. It is prohibited in sport.

Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) is a widely used anti ageing cosmetic peptide, marketed to soften expression lines. It is often called a topical alternative to muscle relaxing injections. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient.

Adamax is a marketed name for a blended product, typically combining the growth hormone peptides CJC-1295 and ipamorelin with the repair peptide BPC-157. None of these is a licensed medicine in the UK, so the blend is not either.

Adipotide is an experimental peptide that was designed to cut off the blood supply to fat tissue. It caused weight loss in animals but also kidney problems, and it has not progressed to use in people. It has no UK marketing authorisation.

AHK (Tripeptide-3) is a small peptide used in topical skincare and hair products, marketed to support hair and skin. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

AHK-Cu is a copper bound peptide used in topical skincare and hair products, marketed to support hair and the skin. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

AICAR is a research compound that switches on AMPK, the cell's energy sensor, and is sometimes called an exercise mimetic. Most of what is known comes from animal studies. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK, and it is banned in sport.

AOD-9604 is a small fragment of growth hormone, designed in the hope of keeping its fat burning effect without the rest of its actions. It was tested for obesity years ago without reaching the finish line, and it has no UK marketing authorisation.

This is a blended product combining AOD-9604 with the growth hormone peptides CJC-1295 and ipamorelin. None of the components is a licensed medicine in the UK, so the blend is not either. It is prohibited in sport.

ARA-290, also called cibinetide, is a peptide based on part of the hormone EPO, designed to calm inflammation and protect tissue without raising red blood cells. It has been studied for nerve pain. It is investigational, with no UK marketing authorisation.

B7-33 is an experimental peptide based on the hormone relaxin, designed to reduce scarring and fibrosis. All the evidence so far is in animals and the laboratory. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide made of 15 amino acids, based on a sequence found in a protein in human gastric juice. Since the early 1990s it has been studied, mostly in animals, for its effects on the healing of tissue such as tendon, muscle and the gut lining.

This is a blended product combining the two repair peptides BPC-157 and TB-500. Both are studied mainly in animals for tissue healing. Neither is a licensed medicine in the UK, and both are prohibited in sport.

Bronchogen is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support the lungs and airways. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Cagrilintide is an experimental weight loss drug that mimics amylin, a hormone the body releases after eating. It is in late stage trials, often paired with semaglutide as a combination called CagriSema. It holds no marketing authorisation yet.

This is the combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide, known in trials as CagriSema. It pairs an amylin analogue with a GLP-1 medicine for weight loss. The combination is investigational and holds no marketing authorisation yet.

Cardiogen is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support the heart and blood vessels. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Cartalax is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support cartilage and joints. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Cerebrolysin is not a single peptide but a mixture of small peptides and amino acids, made by breaking down pig brain protein. It is a licensed medicine for stroke and dementia in some countries, though not the UK, and the evidence for it is mixed.

Chonluten is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support the lungs and airways. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

CJC-1295 is a synthetic growth hormone releasing hormone analogue that prompts the body to release more of its own growth hormone. It comes in two forms with very different durations. It has no UK marketing authorisation, and the human evidence for the benefits people seek is limited.

This is a blend of CJC-1295 without DAC and ipamorelin, two growth hormone peptides often combined to raise the body's own growth hormone. Neither is a licensed medicine in the UK, and both are prohibited in sport.

CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are two growth hormone peptides that are often combined. The idea is to prompt the body to release more of its own growth hormone, rather than to inject growth hormone itself. The blend is widely marketed, though the human evidence behind it is thin.

This is a blend of CJC-1295 and GHRP-2, two growth hormone peptides combined to raise the body's own growth hormone. GHRP-2 also raises appetite. Neither is a licensed medicine in the UK, and both are prohibited in sport.

This is a blend of CJC-1295 without DAC and ipamorelin, the same pairing of two growth hormone peptides sold under a slightly different name. Neither is a licensed medicine in the UK, and both are prohibited in sport.

Copper peptides are small peptides bound to copper, used in topical skincare and marketed to firm skin and support repair. Used on the skin with no medicinal claims, they are regulated as cosmetic ingredients. The evidence is modest.

Cortagen is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support the brain and nervous system. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Crystagen is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support the immune system. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Dihexa is an experimental compound developed from a fragment of angiotensin IV, studied for memory by encouraging new connections between nerve cells. The evidence is from animals and the laboratory. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

DSIP, delta sleep inducing peptide, is a natural peptide found in the brain, marketed to improve sleep and reduce stress. The evidence for these uses is weak. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Epithalon is a synthetic peptide of four amino acids, developed in Russia from a substance found in the pineal gland. It is studied for ageing, with a well known claim that it can switch on the enzyme that maintains the ends of chromosomes. The evidence is laboratory and animal work, and it is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

FLGR-242 is an experimental compound marketed in the muscle and performance area, with very little published information. It has not been through human trials, and it has no UK marketing authorisation.

Follistatin is a natural protein that can block myostatin, the body's brake on muscle growth. That has made it a target of muscle research, including gene therapy experiments. There is no approved follistatin product, and it is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Follistatin 315 is one natural form of follistatin, the protein that can block myostatin, the body's brake on muscle growth. This is the form that mostly circulates in the blood. It is marketed for muscle, has little human evidence, and is prohibited in sport.

Follistatin 344 is a natural form of follistatin, the protein that can block myostatin, the body's brake on muscle growth. This form binds more strongly to cell surfaces. It is marketed for muscle, has little human evidence, and is prohibited in sport.

FOXO4-DRI is an experimental peptide studied as a senolytic, meaning something that clears out old, worn out cells. The research is preclinical, in the ageing field. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Fraternine is an experimental peptide found in the venom of a social wasp, studied for possible effects on nerve cells in Parkinson's disease research. The evidence is preclinical. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

A copper binding tripeptide used in topical skincare. Applied to the skin with no medicinal claims it is regulated as a cosmetic. Injectable GHK-Cu, or any version sold with medicinal claims, is an unlicensed medicine.

GHRH is the body's own hormone that tells the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. The synthetic form, and its fragments such as sermorelin, are studied and marketed to raise growth hormone. It has no UK marketing authorisation as sold here, and it is prohibited in sport.

GHRP-2 is a growth hormone releasing peptide that prompts a pulse of the body's own growth hormone. It is more potent than some of its relatives and raises appetite and some other hormones. It has no UK marketing authorisation, and it is prohibited in sport.

GHRP-6 is one of the older growth hormone releasing peptides, best known for causing a strong surge in appetite alongside a pulse of growth hormone. It has no UK marketing authorisation, and its use today is mainly in research.

Glow is a marketed name for a blend, typically combining the copper peptide GHK-Cu with the repair peptides BPC-157 and TB-500, aimed at skin and recovery. None is a licensed medicine in the UK, and the repair peptides are prohibited in sport.

Glutathione is a small molecule the body makes in every cell, where it works as a major antioxidant. It is sold as a supplement and given as a drip or injection at some clinics, often for general wellness or skin brightening. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK for those uses.

Gonadorelin is a synthetic copy of GnRH, the brain's signal that drives the release of fertility hormones. It is used as a medicine in some settings for fertility and diagnostic tests, and is popular in private clinics abroad alongside testosterone therapy. Its UK availability is limited, and it is often sold online for research use.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a natural hormone, the one pregnancy tests detect. It is a licensed prescription medicine in the UK for fertility and for certain hormone conditions. It is also misused in bodybuilding and sold for weight loss, a use the evidence does not support.

Hexarelin is a growth hormone releasing peptide that triggers a pulse of growth hormone and has also drawn interest for effects on the heart. Its growth hormone effect tends to fade with continuous use. It has no UK marketing authorisation, and it is prohibited in sport.

HGH 191AA is recombinant human growth hormone, known as somatropin, an exact copy of the body's own growth hormone. It is a licensed prescription medicine in the UK for specific deficiencies, but it is also widely misused for muscle and anti ageing, which is neither licensed nor safe without need.

HGH Frag 176-191 is a small piece of growth hormone, marketed for fat loss. Its close relative AOD-9604 was the one actually tested in people, where it did not show clear weight loss. It has no UK marketing authorisation, and it is prohibited in sport.

HMG, human menopausal gonadotropin, is a fertility hormone preparation that supplies FSH and LH activity. It is a licensed prescription medicine in the UK, used mainly in fertility treatment. It is also misused in bodybuilding, which is off the licensed use.

Humanin is a small peptide that cells make from mitochondrial DNA, studied for possible protective effects in ageing and conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The evidence is early. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

IGF-1 LR3 is a laboratory modified version of insulin like growth factor 1, a natural growth signal that works downstream of growth hormone. The changes make it last far longer in the body. It is marketed for muscle growth, has no UK marketing authorisation, and carries real safety concerns.

Ipamorelin is a small synthetic peptide that prompts the body to release a pulse of its own growth hormone. It is often combined with CJC-1295. It has no UK marketing authorisation, and the human evidence for the benefits people seek is limited.

This is a blend of ipamorelin and tesamorelin, two growth hormone peptides. Tesamorelin is a licensed medicine in some countries for a specific condition, but neither is licensed in the UK, and both are prohibited in sport.

Kisspeptin-10 is a natural signalling peptide that sits at the top of the chain controlling the body's sex hormones. It is an active area of fertility research. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK, and is sold online for research use.

KLOW is a marketed name for a blend, typically combining KPV, GHK-Cu, BPC-157 and TB-500, aimed at skin, gut and recovery. None is a licensed medicine in the UK, and the repair peptides are prohibited in sport.

KPV is a small peptide of three amino acids, taken from the tail end of a natural hormone involved in calming inflammation. It is studied mainly for inflammatory conditions of the gut. The evidence is early, and it is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Ac-KPV-NH2 is a chemically protected form of KPV, a small anti inflammatory peptide from the hormone alpha-MSH. The protection is meant to make it more stable. Like KPV, the evidence is early and it has no UK marketing authorisation.

L-carnitine is a natural substance the body uses to carry fats into cells to be burned for energy. It is found in food and made by the body, and it is sold as a supplement and given as an injection or drip. It is marketed for fat loss and exercise, where the evidence is modest.

A once daily GLP-1 receptor agonist, licensed in the UK as Saxenda for weight management and Victoza for type 2 diabetes.

Livagen is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support the liver. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

LL-37 is a natural peptide the body makes as part of its defence against infection. It is studied for its antimicrobial and immune effects, mostly in the laboratory. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Matrixyl is a well known brand of anti ageing cosmetic peptide, based on short peptides marketed to support collagen and smooth wrinkles. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

Mazdutide is an experimental weight loss and diabetes drug that acts on two hormone receptors, GLP-1 and glucagon. It is in late stage trials, so far mainly in China. It holds no marketing authorisation yet.

Melanostatin DM is a peptide used in skincare, marketed to brighten the skin and even out pigmentation. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

Melanotan 1 is a peptide that darkens the skin by boosting its natural pigment. In a controlled form, afamelanotide, it is a licensed medicine for a rare light sensitivity condition. The Melanotan 1 sold online for tanning is unlicensed and unregulated.

Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide marketed to darken the skin, and sometimes for appetite or erections. It has never been approved as a medicine, and the MHRA has warned against buying or using it. The human evidence is very limited.

MGF, mechano growth factor, is a form of IGF-1 that muscle produces after exercise or injury. It is marketed for muscle repair and growth. The evidence is mostly from the laboratory, and it has no UK marketing authorisation. It is prohibited in sport.

MK-677, also called ibutamoren, is an orally active compound that prompts the body to release more of its own growth hormone. It is a small molecule rather than a peptide, and it has never been approved as a medicine. It has no UK marketing authorisation.

MOTS-c is a small peptide that cells make from mitochondrial DNA, where it acts as a signal about the body's energy state. It is studied mainly for metabolism, insulin sensitivity and ageing. The research is at an early, mostly animal stage, and it is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

NAD+ is a coenzyme that every cell uses to turn food into energy and to run its repair and maintenance work. It is not a peptide. It is sold as oral precursors in supplements, and given as a drip or injection at some private clinics. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

O-304 is an experimental compound that switches on AMPK, a cellular energy sensor, and is studied for metabolism and the circulation. It is at an early stage of testing. It is not a peptide, and it has no UK marketing authorisation.

Ovagen is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support the liver and digestive system. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Oxytocin is a natural hormone involved in childbirth and social bonding. As a medicine it is licensed for use in childbirth, given in hospital. The nasal sprays sold online for bonding, anxiety or intimacy are unlicensed, and the evidence for those uses is weak.

P21, also written P021, is an experimental peptide studied for its effects on the growth and survival of nerve cells, with an eye on conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The evidence is preclinical. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Pal-AHK is a small peptide with a fatty acid added to help it absorb, used in topical skincare and hair products. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) is a peptide used in anti ageing skincare, marketed to support collagen and firm the skin. It is a well known cosmetic ingredient, found in products such as Matrixyl. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient.

Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6 is a small peptide with a fatty acid added, used in anti ageing skincare and marketed to firm skin and soften lines. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

Pancragen is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support the pancreas. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

PE-22-28 is an experimental peptide studied for fast acting antidepressant effects, by blocking a particular channel in the brain. All the evidence is preclinical. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

PEG MGF is a longer lasting version of mechano growth factor (MGF), a form of IGF-1 linked to muscle repair. The pegylation is meant to make it last longer in the body. The evidence is mostly from the laboratory, and it has no UK marketing authorisation. It is prohibited in sport.

Pentadecapeptide is another name for BPC-157, a synthetic peptide of 15 amino acids studied mainly in animals for tissue repair. The name simply refers to its length. It has no UK marketing authorisation, and it is prohibited in sport.

Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) is a peptide used in anti ageing skincare, marketed to soften expression lines, often alongside Argireline. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

Pinealon is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support the brain, sleep and mental clarity. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

PNC-27 is an experimental peptide studied in the laboratory for its ability to kill cancer cells. The research is preclinical, and it is not a treatment. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Prostamax is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support the prostate. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

PT-141, also called bremelanotide, is a peptide that acts on the brain to affect sexual desire rather than on blood flow. It is a licensed medicine in some countries for a specific type of low desire in women. It has no UK marketing authorisation.

Retatrutide is an experimental weight loss drug that acts on three hormone receptors at once: GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon. In mid stage trials it produced some of the largest average weight losses yet reported for a medicine of this kind. It is still being studied and holds no marketing authorisation anywhere.

Rigin (Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7) is a peptide used in anti ageing skincare, marketed to soothe skin and reduce the signs of ageing. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

Selank is a synthetic peptide developed in Russia, where a nasal form is used as a prescription anti anxiety medicine. It is often described as the calming counterpart to Semax, and like Semax it is not licensed in the UK and the independent evidence is limited.

A GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite and slows the stomach. It holds UK marketing authorisations, so it can be prescribed and dispensed through regulated providers after a proper assessment.

Semax is a synthetic peptide of seven amino acids, based on a fragment of the natural hormone ACTH. It was developed in Russia, where a nasal spray form has been used for years as a medicine for conditions such as stroke recovery. Outside Russia it is sold as a nootropic, and the independent evidence for that use is thin.

Sermorelin is a synthetic copy of the active part of growth hormone releasing hormone, the body's own signal to release growth hormone. It was once a licensed medicine for growth problems in children, and is now marketed privately for anti ageing and body composition. It has no UK marketing authorisation today.

SLU-PP-332 is an experimental compound studied as an exercise mimetic, something that might copy some effects of exercise on metabolism. The work is at an early, animal stage. It is not a peptide, and it has no UK marketing authorisation.

SNAP-8 is a peptide used in anti ageing skincare, marketed to soften expression lines by relaxing the tiny muscle movements under the skin. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

SS-31, also known as elamipretide, is a peptide designed to protect the mitochondria, the parts of cells that make energy. It is in clinical trials for conditions involving failing mitochondria. It has no marketing authorisation yet.

Survodutide is an experimental weight loss and liver drug that acts on two hormone receptors, GLP-1 and glucagon. It is in late stage trials for obesity and for a fatty liver condition. It holds no marketing authorisation yet.

Syn-Coll (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5) is a peptide used in anti ageing skincare, marketed to support collagen and smooth wrinkles. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

A synthetic peptide related to thymosin beta-4, studied mainly in animals for tissue repair. It has no UK marketing authorisation and is not a licensed medicine here.

TB-500 Fragment 17-23 is a short piece of the TB-500 peptide, thought to carry the part linked to tissue repair. Like TB-500, it is studied mainly in animals and has no UK marketing authorisation. It is prohibited in sport.

Tesamorelin is a synthetic growth hormone releasing hormone analogue. It is a licensed medicine in some countries for a specific condition in people with HIV, where it reduces excess abdominal fat. It has no UK marketing authorisation, and it is marketed privately elsewhere for body composition.

This is a triple blend of tesamorelin, CJC-1295 without DAC and ipamorelin, three growth hormone peptides combined to raise the body's own growth hormone. None is a licensed medicine in the UK, and all are prohibited in sport.

Tesofensine is an experimental oral weight loss drug that raises the activity of several brain chemicals to reduce appetite. It began as a treatment for brain conditions, where people happened to lose weight. It is not a peptide, and it has no UK marketing authorisation.

Testagen is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support the male reproductive system. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Thymogen is a very short peptide related to the thymus, developed in Russia and marketed to support the immune system. It is one of the peptide bioregulators, with most research from a single group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Thymalin is a peptide preparation from the thymus gland, developed in Russia and marketed to support the immune system. It belongs to the family of peptide bioregulators, where most of the research comes from one group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Thymosin alpha-1 is a synthetic copy of a natural peptide made by the thymus, the gland that helps train the immune system. It is a licensed medicine in a number of countries for certain infections and as a support in cancer care, but it has no UK marketing authorisation.

A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, licensed in the UK as Mounjaro. Like semaglutide it is a prescription only medicine with a legal, regulated supply chain.

TRH, also called protirelin, is the brain's signal that prompts the release of thyroid stimulating hormone. As a medicine it has mainly been used in diagnostic tests of the thyroid and pituitary, given under medical supervision. It is not a general treatment, and it is sold online for research use.

Tri-Heal is a marketed name for a healing blend, typically combining BPC-157, TB-500 and the copper peptide GHK-Cu. None is a licensed medicine in the UK, and the repair peptides are prohibited in sport.

Tripeptide-29 is a small peptide used in skincare, marketed to support collagen and skin firmness. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

Triptorelin is a long acting copy of GnRH that, with steady use, switches off the body's sex hormones. It is a licensed prescription medicine in the UK for conditions such as prostate cancer, endometriosis and early puberty. It is also misused in bodybuilding, which is off the licensed use.

Vesugen is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support the blood vessels. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Vialox (Pentapeptide-3V) is a peptide used in anti ageing skincare, marketed to smooth the skin by relaxing surface muscle movement. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

Vilon is a short peptide bioregulator developed in Russia, marketed to support the immune system and general health with age. Like the other bioregulators, its evidence comes almost entirely from one research group. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

VIP, vasoactive intestinal peptide, is a natural signalling peptide involved in blood vessels, the gut and the immune system. A drug form, aviptadil, has been studied for conditions such as lung injury. As sold online it is not a licensed medicine in the UK.