Peptide United

Free research guide

10 Most Researched
Peptides

A curated reference covering the ten peptides with the deepest body of preclinical and clinical research. Use this guide as a starting point for your own literature review.

10 peptide profiles·Research status included·Links to full profiles

BPC-157

Preclinical

BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid peptide fragment derived from human gastric juice. It is one of the most extensively researched peptides for tissue repair, demonstrating accelerated healing of tendons, ligaments, muscle, bone, and gut lining in animal models. It appears to upregulate growth hormone receptors and promote angiogenesis at injury sites.

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TB-500

Preclinical

TB-500 is a synthetic version of the active region of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring peptide found in virtually all human cells. Research shows it promotes actin polymerization and cell migration, which accelerates wound healing, muscle repair, and vascular growth. It is particularly studied for its ability to reduce inflammation and promote cardiac tissue repair.

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Semaglutide

Approved

Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and obesity (Wegovy). By mimicking the incretin hormone GLP-1, it enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite via central hypothalamic pathways. Landmark trials demonstrate up to 15–17% body weight reduction and significant cardiovascular mortality benefit.

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Ipamorelin

Preclinical

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist. Unlike other GHRPs, it stimulates GH release with high selectivity — producing minimal cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin elevation. It is among the most studied GHRPs for its clean GH pulse profile, making it a preferred research peptide for GH axis studies with reduced side effect concern.

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CJC-1295

Preclinical

CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH analog with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that binds to serum albumin, dramatically extending its half-life compared to native GHRH. It produces sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 levels over days rather than hours. Research focuses on body composition improvements, muscle growth, and fat loss through prolonged GH axis stimulation.

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Epithalon

Preclinical

Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) modeled on the endogenous pineal peptide epithalamin. It is one of the most extensively studied longevity peptides, with Russian research demonstrating telomerase activation, telomere elongation, melatonin normalization, and extended lifespan in animal models. Long-term human studies show reduced all-cause mortality rates and improved biomarkers of aging.

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PT-141

Approved

PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist, FDA-approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, it acts centrally through MC3R and MC4R receptors in the hypothalamus to initiate sexual arousal, making it effective for psychological as well as physiological sexual dysfunction. Research also explores applications in male erectile dysfunction.

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GHK-Cu

Preclinical

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Research demonstrates it stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promotes wound healing, reduces inflammation, and activates protective antioxidant genes. Plasma levels decline with age, making it a significant anti-aging research target.

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SS-31

Phase II

SS-31 (elamipretide) is a tetrapeptide that selectively targets cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing cristae architecture and enhancing ATP synthesis efficiency. It reduces mitochondrial ROS production and protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, and aging-related mitochondrial dysfunction. Phase 2 trials have been conducted for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and Barth syndrome.

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MOTS-c

Preclinical

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondria-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA gene. It regulates AMPK signaling, enhances insulin sensitivity, promotes muscle glucose uptake independently of insulin, and improves exercise capacity. Animal studies show it extends lifespan and protects against diet-induced obesity and age-related metabolic dysfunction. It translocates to the nucleus under stress to regulate adaptive gene expression.

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Research use only. All information in this guide is for educational purposes and references preclinical and clinical literature. It is not medical advice and should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis.

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