Peptide Database

Beta-Alanyl-N-methyl-L-histidine

Anserine is a methylated dipeptide analog of carnosine found in high concentrations in avian and fish muscle. It shares carnosine's pH-buffering and antioxidant properties but shows superior blood-brain barrier penetration. Research highlights potential for cognitive decline prevention, reduction of amyloid-beta toxicity, and improved exercise performance. It is often studied alongside carnosine for synergistic effects.

CJC-1295 with DAC · DAC:GRF

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.

C₁₅₂H₂₅₂N₄₂O₄₂S · 3647.28 Da

DDAVP · 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin

Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a synthetic vasopressin analog modified to eliminate vasopressor activity while retaining antidiuretic potency. FDA-approved for central diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), and von Willebrand disease, it achieves selective V2 receptor activation. Research explores its role in cognitive enhancement, where intranasal administration shows effects on memory consolidation.

FGF-21

FGF-21 is a 181-amino-acid endocrine fibroblast growth factor secreted by the liver under fasting conditions. It promotes fatty acid oxidation, ketogenesis, insulin sensitization, and thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. Animal studies show it extends lifespan and reverses metabolic syndrome. Long-acting FGF-21 analogs and fusion proteins (efruxifermin, pegbelfermin) are in Phase 2–3 trials for NASH, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone · Somatoliberin

GHRH is the endogenous 44-amino-acid hypothalamic peptide that drives the pulsatile secretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary. Native GHRH acts through GHRHR, stimulating GH gene transcription and secretion. It has a very short half-life in vivo, making it impractical as a therapeutic — which drove the development of modified analogs like sermorelin, CJC-1295, and tesamorelin. Research into GHRH receptor signaling underpins the entire GH secretagogue drug class.

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 · GLP-1(7-37)

GLP-1 is an endogenous incretin hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells in response to nutrient ingestion. It enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and signals satiety to the hypothalamus. Native GLP-1 has a half-life of only 1–2 minutes due to DPP-4 degradation, which drove the development of DPP-4-resistant analogs (semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide) that are now major drug classes.

Pentapeptide-18

Leuphasyl is a pentapeptide that acts as an enkephalin analog, binding to δ-opioid receptors on muscle cells and neuronal cells to modulate acetylcholine release and reduce muscle contraction. Often combined with Argireline in cosmetic formulations for a synergistic anti-wrinkle effect, studies show the combination outperforms either compound alone in reducing crow's feet and forehead lines.

Afamelanotide · Scenesse

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear synthetic α-MSH analog with higher selectivity for MC1R than MT-II. FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), where it reduces phototoxic pain by enhancing melanin production and UV protection. Research explores broader applications in vitiligo, polymorphous light eruption, and other photosensitive disorders.

MT-II · MT2

Melanotan II is a cyclic synthetic analog of α-MSH that non-selectively activates melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R). It induces skin tanning (via MC1R), erectile function (via MC4R), and sexual arousal while also suppressing appetite. It was the precursor compound from which PT-141 was developed. Research continues despite regulatory concerns due to its broad receptor activity profile.

NT · NTS

Neurotensin is a 13-amino-acid neuropeptide found in the brain and GI tract. Centrally, it modulates dopamine circuits, acts as an endogenous antipsychotic-like agent, and is analgesic. Peripherally, it inhibits gastric acid secretion, stimulates pancreatic secretion, and promotes fat absorption. Research explores neurotensin analogs for pain, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and metabolic regulation.

Sandostatin · SMS 201-995

Octreotide is a synthetic 8-amino-acid somatostatin analog with a much longer half-life than native somatostatin. FDA-approved for acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, VIPomas, and variceal bleeding, it is also used off-label for Cushing's disease, thyroid cancer, and refractory diarrhea. Long-acting release (LAR) formulations allow monthly dosing. It is among the most clinically important peptide drugs in endocrinology.

Symlin · synthetic amylin

Pramlintide is a synthetic analog of amylin, a peptide co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic β-cells. Approved as adjunct therapy to insulin in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, it slows gastric emptying, suppresses postprandial glucagon, and promotes satiety. It is the only amylinomimetic approved for clinical use and is studied for its complementary role to insulin in postprandial glucose control.

Selanc · TP-7

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin developed by the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics. Approved in Russia for anxiety and cognitive disorders, it exhibits anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation or dependence. Research shows it modulates GABA, serotonin, and dopamine systems, enhances BDNF expression, and improves memory consolidation and learning.

C₃₃H₅₇N₁₁O₉ · 751.87 Da

MEHFPGP · Pro8-Gly9-Pro10-ACTH(4–10)

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-7) developed in Russia, where it is approved for stroke, TBI, peptic ulcers, and cognitive enhancement. It upregulates BDNF and its receptor TrkB, promotes dopamine and serotonin turnover, and has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in ischemia models. Research highlights improvements in attention, memory, and recovery from neurological injury.

GHRH(1-29) · GRF 1-29 NH2

Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of the first 29 amino acids of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It stimulates the pituitary to produce and secrete growth hormone in a pulsatile, physiologic manner. FDA-approved for GH deficiency in children, it is extensively researched in adults for body composition, sleep quality, and age-related GH decline.

C₁₄₉H₂₄₆N₄₄O₄₂S · 3357.88 Da

SRIF · Somatotropin Release-Inhibiting Factor

Somatostatin is a 14-amino-acid cyclic peptide and the primary endogenous inhibitor of growth hormone secretion. It also inhibits insulin, glucagon, gastrin, cholecystokinin, and secretin release, slows GI motility, and reduces splanchnic blood flow. Its short half-life drove the development of longer-acting analogs (octreotide, lanreotide) used clinically for acromegaly, neuroendocrine tumors, and GI bleeding.

Egrifta · TH9507

Tesamorelin is a stabilized synthetic GHRH analog FDA-approved for reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy. It stimulates pulsatile GH secretion while preserving natural feedback regulation. Research demonstrates significant visceral adipose tissue reduction, improved lipid profiles, and cognitive benefits, making it a key study compound for metabolic dysfunction.

Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone · Thyroliberin

TRH is a tripeptide (pGlu-His-Pro-NH2) produced in the hypothalamus that stimulates TSH and prolactin release from the anterior pituitary. Beyond thyroid regulation, TRH has direct CNS effects — it is alerting, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and anticonvulsant. Research explores TRH analogs (taltirelin, approved in Japan) for ALS, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, and treatment-resistant depression, avoiding thyroid side effects.

Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone · α-Melanotropin

α-MSH is an endogenous 13-amino-acid peptide derived from POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin). It activates MC1R to stimulate melanin production in skin, MC4R to suppress appetite and regulate energy expenditure, and MC3R/MC1R to exert potent anti-inflammatory effects. It is the parent compound from which many synthetic melanocortin analogs (Melanotan I, II, PT-141, KPV) were derived and remains a cornerstone of melanocortin pharmacology research.