Peptide Database
265 therapeutic peptides with research summaries, clinical findings, and regulatory status.
Bivalirudin (Angiomax)
A synthetic 20-amino acid peptide that acts as a direct thrombin inhibitor by binding both the catalytic active site and anion-binding exosite 1 of thrombin. Bivalirudin inhibits both free and clot-bound thrombin, providing more predictable anticoagulation than heparin without requiring antithrombin III as a cofactor. It is enzymatically cleaved by thrombin itself, producing a self-limiting anticoagulant effect with a 25-minute half-life.
Romiplostim (Nplate)
A thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist consisting of a peptide sequence that binds the TPO receptor (c-Mpl) fused to an IgG1 Fc domain (peptibody). Romiplostim activates JAK2/STAT5 signaling in megakaryocyte progenitors, promoting megakaryocyte proliferation, differentiation, and platelet production. It has no sequence homology to endogenous TPO, minimizing the risk of cross-reactive antibody formation.
Pegcetacoplan (Empaveli)
A pegylated cyclic peptide that inhibits complement component C3, the central node of all three complement activation pathways (classical, lectin, and alternative). By binding C3 and preventing its cleavage into C3a and C3b, pegcetacoplan blocks both intravascular hemolysis (mediated by membrane attack complex) and extravascular hemolysis (mediated by C3b opsonization and phagocytosis). This dual mechanism addresses the limitation of C5 inhibitors that only prevent intravascular hemolysis.
Peginesatide (Omontys)
Peginesatide is a synthetic pegylated peptide-based erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) consisting of two 21-amino acid chains linked to polyethylene glycol. Unlike recombinant erythropoietin, it contains no erythropoietin sequence homology yet activates the erythropoietin receptor to stimulate red blood cell production. The pegylation confers a prolonged half-life, enabling once-monthly dosing in dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease.
Eltrombopag Peptide Mimetics
Eltrombopag is a small-molecule, non-peptide thrombopoietin receptor agonist that binds to the transmembrane domain of the thrombopoietin receptor, distinct from the natural ligand binding site. While not itself a peptide, it mimics thrombopoietin signaling to stimulate megakaryocyte proliferation and platelet production. The oral bioavailability of this synthetic agent addresses limitations of recombinant thrombopoietin peptides, which face immunogenicity challenges.
Hepcidin
Hepcidin is a 25-amino acid endogenous peptide hormone produced primarily by hepatocytes that serves as the master regulator of systemic iron homeostasis. It binds to ferroportin, the sole known cellular iron exporter, inducing its internalization and degradation, thereby blocking iron release from enterocytes, macrophages, and hepatocytes. Therapeutic hepcidin agonists and antagonists are being developed to treat iron overload disorders and anemia of chronic disease, respectively.
Thrombopoietin (TPO)
Thrombopoietin is a 332-amino acid endogenous glycoprotein hormone and the primary physiologic regulator of megakaryopoiesis and platelet production. It binds to the c-Mpl receptor on megakaryocyte progenitors and mature megakaryocytes, stimulating their proliferation, differentiation, and platelet release. Recombinant TPO and pegylated recombinant megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF) were developed but abandoned after clinical trials revealed antibody-mediated thrombocytopenia.