Peptide Database
265 therapeutic peptides with research summaries, clinical findings, and regulatory status.
Teriparatide (Forteo)
A recombinant form of the first 34 amino acids of human parathyroid hormone (PTH 1-34). When administered intermittently via daily subcutaneous injection, teriparatide stimulates osteoblastic bone formation more than osteoclastic resorption, producing a net anabolic effect on bone. It activates the PTH1 receptor on osteoblasts, increasing Wnt signaling, osteoblast differentiation, and survival while reducing sclerostin expression.
Abaloparatide (Tymlos)
A synthetic 34-amino acid peptide analog of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP 1-34) that selectively activates the RG conformation of the PTH1 receptor. This receptor selectivity produces a more transient signaling response compared to teriparatide, favoring anabolic bone formation with less stimulation of bone resorption and calcium mobilization. Abaloparatide increases bone mineral density at both cortical and trabecular sites.
Calcitonin
A 32-amino acid peptide hormone naturally produced by parafollicular C-cells of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption by binding to calcitonin receptors on osteoclasts, reducing their activity and number. Salmon calcitonin is approximately 40-50 times more potent than human calcitonin and has a longer half-life, making it the preferred therapeutic form.
Vosoritide (Voxzogo)
A C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) analog that acts as an agonist at the natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) on growth plate chondrocytes. Vosoritide counteracts the constitutively activated FGFR3 signaling that suppresses endochondral ossification in achondroplasia. By stimulating the NPR-B/cGMP/MAPK pathway, it antagonizes the growth-inhibitory FGFR3 signal and restores more normal linear bone growth.
PTH (1-34) Analogs
PTH (1-34) analogs, including teriparatide and abaloparatide, are synthetic peptides corresponding to the 34 N-terminal amino acids of human parathyroid hormone. These agents bind to the PTH1 receptor on osteoblasts and osteocytes, stimulating bone formation through activation of intracellular signaling pathways including cyclic AMP and protein kinase A. Intermittent administration preferentially stimulates osteoblastic bone formation over osteoclastic resorption, increasing bone mass and reducing fracture risk. The anabolic effect distinguishes these agents from antiresorptive therapies such as bisphosphonates.
Sclerostin Antibodies (Romosozumab)
Romosozumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds and inhibits sclerostin, a glycoprotein produced by osteocytes that negatively regulates the Wnt signaling pathway. By blocking sclerostin, romosozumab increases Wnt pathway activity in osteoblasts, simultaneously promoting bone formation and reducing bone resorption. This dual mechanism produces rapid and substantial increases in bone mineral density. The antibody is composed of two heavy and two light immunoglobulin chains in a standard IgG2 configuration.
Osteogenic Growth Peptide (OGP)
Osteogenic Growth Peptide is a naturally occurring 14-amino acid peptide identified in serum that promotes osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. The peptide activates the MAP kinase signaling pathway and stimulates collagen synthesis in bone-forming cells. OGP also demonstrates hematopoietic activity, influencing stem cell differentiation in the bone marrow microenvironment. Synthetic analogs have been developed to enhance stability and receptor affinity for potential therapeutic applications in osteoporosis and fracture healing.
BMP-2 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2)
BMP-2 is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, consisting of a homodimeric protein with each monomer containing approximately 114 amino acids in its mature form. The protein binds to type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors on mesenchymal stem cells, activating SMAD-dependent signaling pathways that induce osteoblastic differentiation and bone formation. Recombinant human BMP-2 is delivered on an absorbable collagen sponge carrier to provide sustained local release at the site of intended bone growth. The molecule is a potent osteoinductive agent capable of inducing ectopic bone formation when implanted in soft tissue.
BMP-7 (Osteogenic Protein-1)
BMP-7, also known as osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein family with a mature homodimeric structure of approximately 139 amino acids per monomer. Like other BMPs, it signals through serine/threonine kinase receptors to activate SMAD transcription factors, promoting differentiation of mesenchymal cells into osteoblasts and chondrocytes. The recombinant form is delivered on a bovine collagen matrix to provide localized, sustained release. BMP-7 also exhibits renoprotective effects in preclinical models, though clinical development in nephrology has not advanced.
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP)
Calcitonin gene-related peptide is a 37-amino acid neuropeptide produced by alternative splicing of the calcitonin gene. CGRP acts as a potent vasodilator and plays a key role in migraine pathophysiology by binding to CGRP receptors on vascular smooth muscle and trigeminal nerve endings. While CGRP itself has effects on bone metabolism through regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast activity, therapeutic development has focused primarily on antagonizing CGRP signaling rather than administering the peptide. The peptide's role in bone includes modulation of bone formation and vascular coupling in skeletal tissue.