Peptide Database
86 therapeutic peptides with research summaries, clinical findings, and regulatory status.
Carfilzomib (Kyprolis)
A tetrapeptide epoxyketone proteasome inhibitor that irreversibly binds the chymotrypsin-like (beta5) subunit of the 20S proteasome. By blocking proteasomal degradation of ubiquitinated proteins, carfilzomib causes accumulation of misfolded proteins, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and activation of the unfolded protein response, leading to apoptosis preferentially in malignant plasma cells. Its irreversible binding confers greater proteasome inhibition than bortezomib.
Bortezomib (Velcade)
A modified dipeptidyl boronic acid that reversibly inhibits the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 26S proteasome. Bortezomib disrupts the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, stabilizing pro-apoptotic factors and inhibiting NF-kB activation, which is constitutively active in many hematologic malignancies. It was the first proteasome inhibitor approved for cancer treatment and fundamentally changed the treatment landscape of multiple myeloma.
Lutetium-177 dotatate (Lutathera)
A radiolabeled somatostatin analog consisting of the peptide DOTA-Tyr3-octreotate chelated to the beta-emitting radioisotope lutetium-177. Lutathera binds with high affinity to somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2), which is overexpressed on neuroendocrine tumor cells, delivering targeted radiation therapy directly to tumor cells while sparing surrounding normal tissue. This peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) approach combines receptor-targeted delivery with cytotoxic radiation.
Leuprolide (Lupron) - Oncology
A GnRH agonist used in oncology for androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer and hormone suppression in premenopausal breast cancer. Chronic administration produces sustained downregulation of pituitary GnRH receptors, achieving medical castration with testosterone levels below 50 ng/dL. The initial testosterone flare can be mitigated by co-administration of an antiandrogen. Depot formulations provide sustained release for up to 6 months.