Peptides A–Z

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.