Peptide Database
265 therapeutic peptides with research summaries, clinical findings, and regulatory status.
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
Thymosin Beta-4 is a 43-amino acid actin-sequestering protein involved in cell migration, differentiation, and tissue repair. It promotes wound healing by upregulating cell-building proteins such as actin and laminin, facilitating cell migration to sites of injury. TB-500 also has anti-inflammatory properties mediated through NF-kB pathway modulation.
Retatrutide
An investigational triple hormone receptor agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. The glucagon receptor component adds thermogenic energy expenditure and hepatic lipid mobilization to the incretin-mediated appetite suppression and insulin sensitization. This triple mechanism addresses obesity through complementary metabolic pathways.
CJC-1295
A synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that binds to albumin, extending its half-life from minutes to approximately 6-8 days. CJC-1295 stimulates pulsatile GH release from the anterior pituitary by binding to GHRH receptors while preserving the natural GH secretory pattern and negative feedback mechanisms.
Ipamorelin
A highly selective growth hormone secretagogue that acts on ghrelin/GHS receptors in the pituitary gland to stimulate GH release. Unlike other GH secretagogues, ipamorelin does not significantly affect ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin levels, making it one of the most specific GH-releasing peptides. It works synergistically with GHRH analogs like CJC-1295.
Kisspeptin
A neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene that serves as the master upstream regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Kisspeptin activates GPR54 (KISS1R) on GnRH neurons, stimulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion and subsequent LH and FSH release. It plays a critical role in puberty onset, reproductive function, and fertility regulation.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
An orally bioavailable, non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue that mimics the action of ghrelin at the GHS-R1a receptor. MK-677 stimulates sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation for up to 24 hours after a single oral dose without affecting cortisol levels. Its long duration of action and oral availability distinguish it from injectable GH secretagogues, and it preserves the pulsatile pattern of GH release.
Carbetocin
A long-acting synthetic analog of oxytocin with a modified disulfide bridge that confers resistance to enzymatic degradation. Carbetocin has a half-life of approximately 40 minutes compared to 3-5 minutes for oxytocin, providing sustained uterotonic activity after a single injection. It selectively binds oxytocin receptors in the myometrium, promoting uterine contraction and reducing postpartum blood loss.
NAD+ Precursors (NMN)
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a direct biosynthetic precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme essential for cellular metabolism, DNA repair (via sirtuins and PARPs), and circadian rhythm regulation. NAD+ levels decline with age, and NMN supplementation restores tissue NAD+ levels, activating SIRT1-mediated pathways that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress resistance.
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
A mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2) that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane by binding to cardiolipin. SS-31 stabilizes cytochrome c interactions with cardiolipin, optimizing electron transport chain efficiency and reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. It restores mitochondrial bioenergetics in aged and diseased tissues without acting as a conventional antioxidant scavenger.
Larazotide
A synthetic octapeptide derived from Vibrio cholerae zonula occludens toxin that acts as a tight junction regulator. Larazotide acetate modulates intestinal permeability by preventing zonulin-mediated opening of tight junctions between enterocytes. By reducing paracellular permeability, it aims to prevent gluten peptide translocation across the intestinal barrier in celiac disease, reducing the immune-mediated inflammatory response triggered by gluten exposure.
ARA-290
A synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the structure of erythropoietin (EPO) that selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heteromer of the EPO receptor and the beta common receptor (CD131). Unlike EPO, ARA-290 does not stimulate erythropoiesis or promote thrombosis. It produces cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-reparative effects by activating the IRR on neurons, immune cells, and endothelial cells.
Orforglipron
Orforglipron is a non-peptide, oral small-molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist designed to overcome the need for injectable delivery. It activates the GLP-1 receptor to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppress glucagon release, and slow gastric emptying. The therapeutic rationale centers on improving adherence in type 2 diabetes and obesity management by providing once-daily oral dosing as an alternative to injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Mazdutide
Mazdutide is a dual glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptor agonist delivered as a synthetic peptide. By co-activating both receptors, it aims to combine the glucose-lowering and weight-reducing effects of GLP-1 with the energy-expenditure and hepatic fat-reducing actions of glucagon receptor stimulation. This dual mechanism is hypothesized to provide enhanced metabolic benefits in obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
Survodutide
Survodutide is a dual agonist targeting both the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors, formulated as a peptide for subcutaneous administration. The compound is designed to leverage GLP-1-mediated glucose control and appetite suppression alongside glucagon-driven increases in energy expenditure and reduction of hepatic steatosis. It is being investigated for type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.
CagriSema
CagriSema is a fixed-ratio combination of cagrilintide, an amylin analog, and semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, both delivered as peptides via subcutaneous injection. Cagrilintide acts on amylin receptors to reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying, while semaglutide enhances insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon. The combination is intended to achieve greater weight loss than either agent alone in the treatment of obesity.
Amycretin
Amycretin is a dual agonist targeting both the amylin and calcitonin receptors, designed as a peptide therapeutic for obesity. Amylin receptor activation reduces food intake and delays gastric emptying, while calcitonin receptor engagement may further contribute to appetite suppression and weight loss. The compound represents a novel approach distinct from GLP-1-based therapies.
Efinopegdutide
Efinopegdutide is a long-acting dual agonist of the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, utilizing PEGylation to extend half-life and enable once-weekly dosing. The compound combines GLP-1-mediated glycemic control and appetite reduction with glucagon-driven energy expenditure and hepatic fat mobilization. It is under investigation for obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.
Danuglipron
Danuglipron is an oral, non-peptide small-molecule agonist of the GLP-1 receptor developed to provide convenient daily dosing for type 2 diabetes and obesity. It mimics the effects of endogenous GLP-1 by enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, and slowing gastric emptying. The small-molecule structure enables oral bioavailability without the need for injection.
Ecnoglutide
Ecnoglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide designed for once-weekly subcutaneous administration. It acts by enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reducing glucagon levels, and delaying gastric emptying to improve glycemic control and promote weight loss. The extended half-life is achieved through structural modifications that resist enzymatic degradation and renal clearance.
Cotadutide
Cotadutide is a dual agonist of the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors formulated as a peptide for subcutaneous injection. It is designed to harness GLP-1-mediated improvements in glucose homeostasis and satiety alongside glucagon receptor activation to enhance energy expenditure and reduce hepatic fat. Primary indications under investigation include obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.
Glepaglutide
Glepaglutide is a long-acting GLP-2 receptor agonist peptide developed for the treatment of short bowel syndrome. GLP-2 promotes intestinal growth, enhances nutrient and fluid absorption, and reduces gastric secretion, thereby improving intestinal function in patients with compromised bowel length. The compound is administered subcutaneously to sustain therapeutic effects over extended intervals.
Apraglutide
Apraglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) receptor agonist designed to promote intestinal growth and improve absorption in patients with short bowel syndrome. The peptide analogue shares structural homology with native GLP-2 but incorporates modifications that extend its half-life and enhance resistance to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 degradation. By binding to GLP-2 receptors in the intestinal epithelium, apraglutide stimulates crypt cell proliferation and reduces gastric emptying and secretion, supporting adaptive intestinal function.
Pemvidutide
Pemvidutide is a dual receptor agonist targeting both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors, designed to combine the insulinotropic and appetite-suppressing effects of GLP-1 with the energy expenditure and lipolytic actions of glucagon. This balanced co-agonist strategy aims to achieve superior weight loss and metabolic benefits compared to GLP-1 monotherapy while mitigating the hyperglycemic effects of isolated glucagon receptor activation. The peptide architecture incorporates amino acid modifications to optimize receptor binding affinity and pharmacokinetic duration.
Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analogue engineered with structural modifications to extend half-life and enable once-weekly dosing for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Amylin is a 37-amino-acid neuroendocrine hormone co-secreted with insulin that reduces food intake by slowing gastric emptying, enhancing satiety, and modulating central appetite pathways. Cagrilintide selectively activates amylin receptors in the area postrema and other key brain regions involved in energy homeostasis.
Nexagon (Gap Junction Peptide)
Nexagon is a synthetic peptide designed to transiently modulate gap junction intercellular communication by mimicking a segment of the connexin protein family. The mechanism involves temporary inhibition of connexin43-mediated channels during the early inflammatory phase of wound healing, which may reduce inflammatory cell infiltration and subsequent scar formation. This approach aims to shift the healing process toward regeneration rather than fibrosis.
Intranasal Insulin
Intranasal insulin involves the administration of regular human insulin via nasal spray to target central nervous system insulin receptors without causing systemic hypoglycemia. Insulin signaling in the brain is implicated in synaptic plasticity, glucose metabolism, and amyloid clearance, providing a rationale for cognitive enhancement in insulin-resistant states and Alzheimer disease. Intranasal delivery bypasses the blood-brain barrier via olfactory and trigeminal nerve pathways.
Cortexin
Cortexin is a complex polypeptide mixture extracted from bovine cerebral cortex, containing a range of neuropeptides and neurotrophic factors with combined molecular weights below 10 kDa. The preparation is proposed to exert neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects by modulating glutamatergic transmission, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting synaptic function. It has been used primarily in Russia and Eastern Europe for cognitive and neurological indications.
Ularitide (Urodilatin)
Ularitide is a synthetic 32-amino acid peptide analogue of urodilatin, a natriuretic peptide produced in renal tubular cells. It binds to guanylyl cyclase A receptors to increase cyclic GMP, resulting in vasodilation, enhanced sodium excretion, and suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The peptide was developed for treatment of acute decompensated heart failure with the goal of improving renal function and hemodynamics.
Buserelin (Suprefact)
Buserelin is a synthetic nonapeptide analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that acts as a potent GnRH agonist. It binds with high affinity to pituitary GnRH receptors, initially stimulating gonadotropin release before inducing receptor desensitization and downregulation, ultimately suppressing sex hormone production. The peptide is used primarily in the management of hormone-dependent prostate cancer and endometriosis. Structural modifications include substitution of glycine at position 6 with D-serine and replacement of the C-terminal glycine amide with an ethylamide group to enhance potency and duration of action.
Vantictumab
Vantictumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets multiple Frizzled receptors involved in the Wnt signaling pathway. By blocking Frizzled receptors 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8, it inhibits Wnt-driven tumor growth and is designed to target cancer stem cells. The therapeutic rationale is based on dysregulated Wnt signaling in various solid tumors, particularly breast and pancreatic cancers. Inhibition of this pathway may reduce tumor recurrence and metastatic potential.
Plitidepsin (Aplidin)
Plitidepsin is a cyclic depsipeptide originally isolated from the Mediterranean tunicate Aplidium albicans and now produced synthetically. It targets the eukaryotic elongation factor 1A2 (eEF1A2), leading to oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in malignant cells. The compound has demonstrated activity against multiple myeloma and other hematologic malignancies in preclinical models. Its unique mechanism distinguishes it from conventional chemotherapeutic agents.
Melphalan Flufenamide (Pepaxto)
Melphalan flufenamide is a first-in-class peptide-drug conjugate that links the alkylating agent melphalan to a dipeptide carrier. The dipeptide facilitates cellular uptake via aminopeptidases that are overexpressed in myeloma cells, where intracellular cleavage releases active melphalan. This targeted delivery aims to enhance tumor exposure while reducing systemic toxicity. The compound represents a prodrug strategy to improve the therapeutic index of cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Peptide YY (PYY 3-36)
Peptide YY 3-36 is a 34-amino acid endogenous peptide hormone secreted by L-cells in the distal small intestine and colon in response to nutrient intake. It acts primarily on the Y2 receptor in the hypothalamus to reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying, functioning as part of the ileal brake mechanism. The therapeutic rationale for exogenous PYY 3-36 administration centers on treatment of obesity through appetite suppression. Circulating levels are reduced in obesity and elevated after bariatric surgery.
Ghrelin Receptor Antagonists
Ghrelin receptor antagonists are a class of peptides and peptidomimetics designed to block the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), also known as the ghrelin receptor. Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid orexigenic peptide that stimulates appetite and promotes food intake. By antagonizing GHSR, these agents aim to reduce hunger signals and promote satiety, with therapeutic potential in obesity and metabolic disorders. The class includes both peptide-based molecules and small-molecule antagonists targeting the same receptor.
Uroguanylin (Dolcanatide)
Uroguanylin is a 16-amino acid endogenous peptide structurally related to guanylin that also activates guanylate cyclase-C receptors in the intestinal epithelium. It regulates fluid and electrolyte secretion in the gut and plays a role in satiety signaling and metabolic homeostasis. The synthetic analog dolcanatide has been developed to mimic uroguanylin's effects with enhanced stability and bioavailability. Like guanylin, uroguanylin increases cyclic GMP levels, promoting intestinal secretion and motility.
Pexiganan (MSI-78)
Pexiganan is a 22-amino acid synthetic analog of magainin 2 designed to enhance antimicrobial potency and proteolytic stability. It disrupts bacterial membranes through electrostatic interaction and pore formation, demonstrating broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Pexiganan was developed as a topical agent for infected diabetic foot ulcers, leveraging its rapid bactericidal action and low resistance potential. Structural modifications from the parent magainin sequence improve its pharmacological profile for clinical use.
Omiganan
Omiganan is a synthetic 12-amino acid cationic antimicrobial peptide derived from indolicidin, a naturally occurring peptide from bovine neutrophils. It acts by disrupting microbial membranes and demonstrates activity against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. Omiganan was developed as a topical agent to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections through its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Its small size and potent activity made it a candidate for preventing biofilm formation on medical devices.
Mitochondrial-Targeted Peptides (MTP)
Mitochondrial-targeted peptides are short synthetic sequences, typically 2 to 8 amino acids, designed to localize to mitochondria and protect against oxidative damage and organelle dysfunction. Representative compounds include SS-31 (elamipretide), a tetrapeptide that associates with cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane to reduce reactive oxygen species and improve electron transport chain efficiency. These peptides aim to address mitochondrial dysfunction implicated in aging, heart failure, neurodegenerative disease, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. The longevity application is based on the mitochondrial theory of aging and evidence that mitochondrial protection extends lifespan in model organisms.
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.
Bombesin Analog Tracers
Bombesin analog tracers are synthetic peptides based on the 14-amino acid amphibian peptide bombesin or its mammalian counterpart gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), radiolabeled for molecular imaging. These analogs bind to GRP receptors, which are overexpressed in prostate, breast, and small cell lung cancers, enabling tumor visualization via PET or SPECT imaging. Various radionuclides including gallium-68, fluorine-18, technetium-99m, and copper-64 have been conjugated to bombesin antagonist and agonist peptides.
RGD Peptide Tracers
RGD peptide tracers are short synthetic peptides containing the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) tripeptide sequence, which binds to integrin receptors, particularly alphavbeta3, conjugated to positron or gamma-emitting radioisotopes. Alphavbeta3 integrin is upregulated on angiogenic endothelium and many cancer cells, making RGD tracers useful for imaging tumor angiogenesis, metastatic disease, and potentially cardiovascular pathology. Cyclic RGD peptides and multimeric constructs have been developed to improve binding affinity and tumor retention.