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A mixed stream: new blog posts, regulatory updates, newly reviewed peptide entries and new primers — sorted chronologically. Also available as an RSS feed.

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2026-06-13

Peptide update

CagriSema

CagriSema is a fixed-dose combination of the amylin analogue cagrilintide and the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide (Novo Nordisk), in late-stage development for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

2026-06-13

Peptide update

VK2735

VK2735 is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist from Viking Therapeutics, in development in both subcutaneous and oral forms for obesity.

2026-06-12

Peptide update

Amycretin

Amycretin is a unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist from Novo Nordisk — in development both as a once-weekly subcutaneous and a once-daily oral form for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

2026-06-12

Peptide update

Carbetocin

Carbetocin is a long-acting synthetic oxytocin analog (half-life ~40 minutes). It prevents postpartum hemorrhage as a single injection. Approved in Canada and the UK among others, NOT in the US.

2026-06-12

Peptide update

Eloralintide

Eloralintide is a selective, long-acting amylin receptor agonist from Eli Lilly for once-weekly subcutaneous use — under investigation for obesity, alone and combined with incretin therapy.

2026-06-12

Peptide update

Enfuvirtid

Enfuvirtide is a synthetic 36-amino-acid peptide and the first HIV-1 fusion inhibitor. It binds the HR1 region of the viral envelope protein gp41, blocking viral entry into the cell. Approved for treatment-experienced HIV patients.

2026-06-12

Peptide update

Glepaglutide

Glepaglutide is a long-acting GLP-2 analogue (Zealand Pharma) intended to reduce the need for parenteral support in short bowel syndrome.

2026-06-12

Peptide update

Histrelin

Histrelin is a nonapeptide GnRH agonist delivered as a once-yearly implant. Approved for central precocious puberty in children (Supprelin LA) and advanced prostate cancer (Vantas).

2026-06-12

Peptide update

Maridebart Cafraglutide

Maridebart cafraglutide (MariTide, Amgen) is a bispecific molecule: a GLP-1 receptor agonist combined with a GIP receptor antagonist, designed for monthly dosing; in phase 3 for obesity.

2026-06-12

Peptide update

Pemvidutide

Pemvidutide is a 29-amino-acid GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist (Altimmune) under investigation for obesity and the fatty-liver disease MASH.

2026-06-12

Peptide update

Petrelintide

Petrelintide is a long-acting amylin analogue (Zealand Pharma, with Roche) for once-weekly subcutaneous use — developed for weight management with a focus on strong tolerability.

2026-06-12

Peptide update

Sekretin

Secretin is a 27-amino-acid hormone that regulates pancreatic bicarbonate secretion. As ChiRhoStim it is FDA-approved as a diagnostic agent (pancreatic function test, gastrinoma test, secretin-enhanced MRCP).

2026-06-12

Peptide update

Sincalide

Sincalide is the synthetic C-terminal octapeptide of the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK-8). As Kinevac it is FDA-approved to stimulate gallbladder contraction for diagnostic imaging.

2026-06-12

Peptide update

Terlipressin

Terlipressin is a 12-amino-acid vasopressin analog and prodrug of lysine-vasopressin. As a V1 receptor agonist it is vasoconstrictive and is approved for hepatorenal syndrome (FDA 2022, Terlivaz).

2026-06-11

Peptide update

Buserelin

Buserelin is a synthetic GnRH agonist (including as a nasal spray). It is used in endometriosis, hormone-dependent prostate cancer and assisted reproduction; approved in Europe (Suprefact), not in the US.

2026-06-11

Peptide update

Cetrorelix

Cetrorelix is a synthetic decapeptide and GnRH antagonist. It is used in assisted reproduction (IVF) to prevent a premature LH surge during controlled ovarian stimulation.

2026-06-11

Peptide update

Ganirelix

Ganirelix is a synthetic decapeptide and GnRH antagonist. In assisted reproduction (IVF) it prevents the premature LH surge during controlled ovarian stimulation.

2026-06-11

Peptide update

Icatibant

Icatibant is a synthetic decapeptide and selective antagonist of the bradykinin B2 receptor. It is approved to treat acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE).

2026-06-11

Peptide update

Lanreotid

Lanreotide is a synthetic cyclic octapeptide analog of somatostatin. It binds preferentially to the somatostatin receptors SSTR2 and SSTR5 and is approved for treating acromegaly and certain neuroendocrine tumours.

2026-06-11

Peptide update

Linaclotid

Linaclotide is a 14-amino-acid peptide and guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist. It is approved for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).

2026-06-11

Peptide update

Nafarelin

Nafarelin is a GnRH agonist and the only member of this class delivered as a nasal spray. It is approved for treating endometriosis and central precocious puberty.

2026-06-11

Peptide update

Pasireotid

Pasireotide is a multireceptor somatostatin analog binding to four of the five somatostatin receptors (especially SSTR5). It is approved for Cushing's disease and acromegaly.

2026-06-11

Peptide update

Plecanatid

Plecanatide is a 16-amino-acid analog of the body's own uroguanylin and a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist. It is approved for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and IBS with constipation (IBS-C).

2026-06-11

Peptide update

Pramlintid

Pramlintide is a synthetic analog of the hormone amylin. It is used as an adjunct to mealtime insulin therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes and, among other things, slows gastric emptying.

2026-06-11

Peptide update

Teduglutid

Teduglutide is a DPP-4-resistant analog of GLP-2 (glucagon-like peptide-2). It promotes growth and function of the intestinal mucosa and is approved for treating short bowel syndrome.

2026-06-11

Peptide update

Vasopressin

Vasopressin (arginine vasopressin, antidiuretic hormone/ADH) is a cyclic nonapeptide hormone that regulates water balance and vascular tone. As Vasostrict it is approved to raise blood pressure in vasodilatory shock.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Abaloparatid

Abaloparatide is a synthetic 34-amino-acid analogue of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP 1-34). It is regulatory-approved and studied in the scientific literature as a bone-anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high fracture risk. Like the related teriparatide, studies describe it as stimulating new bone formation, but it exhibits a distinct receptor-binding profile.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Afamelanotide

Afamelanotide (brand name Scenesse) is a synthetic 13-amino-acid analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and a melanocortin-1 receptor agonist. Unlike most peptides covered here, it is a regularly approved medicine: EMA approval in 2014/2015, FDA approval in 2019, in each case as a subcutaneous implant for the prevention of phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). It promotes eumelanin formation in the skin.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Calcitonin (Lachs)

Salmon calcitonin is a synthetically produced 32-amino-acid peptide hormone that corresponds to the body's own calcitonin but exhibits higher biological potency than the human hormone. In the scientific literature it is studied in the context of inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and lowering elevated calcium levels. It was historically broadly approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis; following European safety reviews, however, its use was restricted.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Cerebrolysin

Cerebrolysin (FPF-1070) is not a single peptide but a porcine-brain-derived preparation of low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acids, produced by standardised enzymatic proteolysis. It is approved in several countries (including Austria, Russia and parts of Asia) for stroke, dementia and traumatic brain injury, but is not FDA-approved in the United States and not centrally approved by the EMA. Its efficacy is contested: Cochrane systematic reviews found no convincing benefit and flagged possible harm signals.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Degarelix

Degarelix (trade name Firmagon) is a synthetic decapeptide and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist. Unlike GnRH agonists, it blocks the receptor directly and does not trigger an initial testosterone surge (flare). It is an approved prescription medicine for the treatment of advanced, hormone-dependent prostate cancer. This page neutrally summarizes the evidence base and legal status and is not a usage or dosing recommendation.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Desmopressin

Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a synthetic analogue of the endogenous hormone vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH). Deamination of the first amino acid and substitution of L-arginine with D-arginine give it selective activity at the V2 receptor with strongly reduced pressor (V1) activity. It has been approved for decades for indications including central diabetes insipidus, primary nocturnal enuresis, and bleeding tendency in von Willebrand disease type 1 and mild haemophilia A. The principal safety concern is hyponatremia or water intoxication.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Ecnoglutide

Ecnoglutide (XW003) is a long-acting, cAMP-signalling-biased GLP-1 analogue from Sciwind Biosciences. Derived from GLP-1(7-37) with an alanine-to-valine substitution at position 8, it activates the GLP-1 receptor selectively via the cAMP pathway over β-arrestin recruitment. Investigated for weight management and in type 2 diabetes.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Efinopegdutide

Efinopegdutide (MK-6024, formerly JNJ-64565111 / HM12525A) is a once-weekly dual agonist at the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, developed by Hanmi and Merck. It has been studied for obesity and notably for metabolic liver disease (MASH/NAFLD); a phase-2 trial showed greater liver-fat reduction than semaglutide. Investigational, not approved.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Elamipretide

Elamipretide (SS-31, MTP-131, formerly Bendavia) is a synthetic, mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide (sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) that binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane and is proposed to stabilise cristae structure and support mitochondrial bioenergetics. It was investigated clinically by Stealth BioTherapeutics across several indications, including primary mitochondrial myopathy, Barth syndrome, heart failure, and dry age-related macular degeneration (geographic atrophy). The trial record is mixed, with several pivotal studies missing their primary endpoints. In September 2025 elamipretide (brand name Forzinity) received accelerated FDA approval in the United States solely for the ultra-rare Barth syndrome; for all other investigated indications it remains investigational and it is not approved as a medicine outside the United States.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Follistatin (FST)

Follistatin is an endogenous glycosylated binding protein (~35 kDa, considerably larger than typical peptides) that binds and neutralises members of the TGF-β superfamily, including activin and myostatin (GDF-8). In animal models, raising follistatin de-represses muscle growth. Clinically it has been studied mainly via AAV gene therapy (FS344) in muscular dystrophies. Follistatin is not an approved drug; human efficacy and safety data are limited and stem mostly from early gene-therapy trials and preclinical research. A 'follistatin-344' product is sold on the grey market, the identity and purity of which cannot be verified without analytics.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Glucagon

Glucagon is a 29-amino-acid pancreatic hormone produced by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans. It is the physiological counterpart to insulin and raises blood glucose via hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. It is approved as an emergency treatment for severe hypoglycaemia and as a diagnostic aid; its receptor is also a target of modern dual and triple incretin agonists.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Gonadorelin

Gonadorelin is the synthetic decapeptide with an amino-acid sequence identical to endogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH/LHRH). Historically approved in several countries for diagnostic testing of pituitary function and for fertility indications (pump systems). A defining feature is the opposite effect of pulsatile versus continuous administration: pulsatile stimulates, continuous leads to receptor desensitisation.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Goserelin

Goserelin is a synthetic decapeptide and an agonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The medical literature describes it as a hormonal agent that suppresses the release of sex hormones through sustained receptor stimulation. Regulatory-approved indications include prostate cancer, advanced breast cancer, endometriosis, and endometrial thinning, among others.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Humanin

Humanin is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-encoded peptide (mitochondrial-derived peptide, MDP) whose open reading frame lies within the 16S rRNA region (gene MT-RNR2) of mitochondrial DNA. It is considered the founding member of the MDP family and was discovered in 2001 by the Hashimoto/Nishimoto group while searching for neuroprotective factors in the brain of an Alzheimer's patient. In basic research (including the laboratory of Pinchas Cohen) humanin is described as a cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic peptide and is studied in the contexts of Alzheimer's/neuroprotection, metabolism/insulin action and aging. The evidence comes almost entirely from cell and animal models and from observations of endogenous levels in humans; controlled human trials of exogenous humanin as a therapeutic are lacking. It is not approved as a medicine anywhere and is traded on the grey market as a research chemical.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

IGF-1 LR3

Synthetic analogue of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) carrying an arginine substitution at position 3 and a 13-amino-acid N-terminal extension. These modifications lower binding to IGF-binding proteins and extend its duration of action relative to native IGF-1. LR3 IGF-1 is primarily an established cell-culture reagent (serum-free media, bioprocessing); it is NOT an approved human medicine. Use in the bodybuilding grey market is described; as an IGF-1 analogue, LR3 IGF-1 falls under the WADA anti-doping prohibition.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Kisspeptin-10

Kisspeptin-10 is the shortest bioactive fragment (10 amino acids) of the endogenous neuropeptide kisspeptin, encoded by the KISS1 gene. It acts as an agonist at the KISS1R (GPR54) receptor and stimulates hypothalamic GnRH neurons, driving release of LH and FSH. Kisspeptin is a master switch of puberty and reproduction and is studied in humans, notably by the group of Waljit Dhillo (Imperial College London), in reproductive disorders and in sexual and emotional brain processing. It is not an approved drug.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

KPV

KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) of the hormone α-MSH, corresponding to its positions 11–13. In cell and rodent models an inflammation-modulating activity has been described, primarily via inhibition of the NF-κB signalling pathway. The evidence is drawn almost exclusively from preclinical work (cell culture and mouse); controlled human studies are essentially absent. KPV is not an approved medicinal product.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Leuprorelin

Leuprorelin (also leuprolide) is a synthetic nonapeptide analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH/LHRH). It is an approved prescription medicine in several jurisdictions, including for advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and central precocious puberty. This page neutrally summarizes the evidence base and legal status and is not a usage or dosing recommendation.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

LL-37

LL-37 is the only known human cathelicidin, a 37-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide generated by cleavage of the precursor protein hCAP18. In research it plays a central role in innate immune defence and wound healing, yet acts in a context-dependent manner as both anti- and pro-inflammatory and has been linked to autoimmune processes. LL-37 is not an approved drug; the evidence base is predominantly basic and preclinical.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Mazdutide

Synthetic oxyntomodulin analogue that simultaneously activates the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors (dual agonist). Developed by Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly. In China the NMPA approved mazdutide on 27 June 2025 for chronic weight management; a further filing for type 2 diabetes is under review in China. Outside China the substance remains in clinical development.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Mod GRF (1-29)

Tetrasubstituted synthetic analogue of GHRH(1-29), traded on the grey market as "CJC-1295 without DAC". Closely related to sermorelin (GHRH 1-29); a short-acting growth-hormone-releasing-hormone analogue often combined with a GHRP/ghrelin mimetic. Not approved as a medicinal product. Direct human trials of this exact analogue are essentially absent; the factual basis relies on related GHRH(1-29) analogues.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

MOTS-c

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-encoded peptide (mitochondrial-derived peptide, MDP) whose open reading frame lies within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. In basic research (including the laboratories of Changhan Lee and Pinchas Cohen) it is described as a regulator of metabolic homeostasis and an activator of the AMPK pathway, and is sometimes discussed as an 'exercise mimetic'. The evidence comes almost entirely from cell and animal models; controlled human trials of MOTS-c as a therapeutic are lacking. It is not approved as a medicine anywhere and is traded on the grey market as a research chemical.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is an endogenous nonapeptide hormone of the posterior pituitary. In synthetic form (Pitocin, Syntocinon) it has been approved for decades to induce and augment labour and to control postpartum uterine bleeding. Strictly separate from this is intranasal use to influence social behaviour, trust, anxiety or autism symptoms: this use is unapproved, purely experimental, and yields inconsistent and often negative results in controlled trials.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Setmelanotide

Setmelanotide (brand name Imcivree) is a synthetic cyclic octapeptide and an agonist at the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). It was developed and approved as a prescription medicine for chronic weight management in rare genetic forms of obesity within the MC4R signalling pathway (including POMC, PCSK1 and LEPR deficiency as well as Bardet-Biedl syndrome). The following information is provided for informational and educational purposes only.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Teriparatid

Teriparatide is the recombinant N-terminal fragment 1-34 of human parathyroid hormone (PTH). It is regulatory-approved and studied in the scientific literature as a bone-anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis. Unlike antiresorptive agents, studies attribute to it an effect that stimulates new bone formation.

2026-06-07

Peptide update

Thymosin Beta-4

Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4) is an endogenous 43-amino-acid peptide regarded as the principal intracellular actin-sequestering factor, involved in cell migration, neovascularisation and tissue regeneration. It has been studied in dry eye, corneal and wound healing, and cardiac repair (RegeneRx programmes, RGN-259). Thymosin Beta-4 is NOT an approved drug; robust human efficacy data are limited. The grey-market TB-500 is a synthetic fragment/analogue and is distinct from it.

2026-05-22

Blog

1987–2026

Amylin — the forgotten second pancreatic hormone and its late return

In 1987 Garth Cooper in Oxford discovered that the pancreatic β-cell secretes not only insulin but a second peptide in parallel: amylin. 18 years later, pramlintide became the first amylin analog on the market — and never emerged from insulin's shadow. Today, in 2024-2026, the amylin line is gaining new attention via cagrilintide: as a combination partner with semaglutide in the CagriSema combination.

2026-05-22

Blog

1981–2026

Defensins, cathelicidins and why antimicrobial peptides did not make it as antibiotics

The idea is old and biologically attractive: the immune system produces its own antimicrobial peptides — defensins, cathelicidins, magainins — that kill bacteria directly, often including resistant ones. With the growing global antibiotic resistance crisis they seem the obvious solution. Despite 40 years of research and hundreds of clinical trials, not a single systemically approved antimicrobial peptide drug exists. A stocktake of the structural reasons.

2026-05-22

Blog

1971–2026

Bachem and PolyPeptide — the invisible industry that produces every approved peptide

If you are prescribed a peptide medicine — semaglutide, octreotide, leuprolide, almost any other — the actual active ingredient was very likely synthesised in one of a few specialised facilities in Switzerland, Sweden or Belgium. Bachem, PolyPeptide and Polypeptide Laboratories are the world's largest contract manufacturers for clinically approved peptides — an industry that rarely appears in public but forms the backbone of all peptide pharmacology.

2026-05-22

Blog

1921–1923

Four men in a Toronto summer — how Banting, Best, Macleod and Collip extracted insulin

The insulin story is often abbreviated to two names: Banting and Best. In reality the 1921-1922 extraction was a collaboration of four very different men in different equipment and with substantial personal friction. A detailed chronology of the summer in which a chronically lethal condition became a treatable disease.

2026-05-22

Blog

2001–2015

From bacterial toxin to day cream — how botulinum toxin became a hexapeptide

Botulinum toxin cleaves the SNARE protein SNAP-25, paralysing muscle nerves. In the early 2000s, researchers in Barcelona asked the obvious question: could the same target — SNARE inhibition — be imitated with a small, topically tolerable peptide? Argireline was the result. A substance with small but real effect sizes — and a much larger marketing myth.

2026-05-22

Blog

1991–2026

BPC-157 and the question of what a 'Body Protective Compound' actually is

Since the 1990s, a group around Predrag Sikirić in Zagreb has described a pentadecapeptide with an unusually broad range of preclinical effects. BPC-157 has become an internet legend — and a special case in academic medicine. A stocktake.

2026-05-22

Blog

1962–2026

Salmon calcitonin and the animal-vs-recombinant teaching case — how a fish hormone became an osteoporosis therapy

Calcitonin regulates calcium homeostasis in humans and inhibits osteoclasts. But human calcitonin acts clinically insufficiently. The pharmacological solution came from an unusual source: salmon calcitonin, which is 40-fold more potent in humans than the body's own. A story about the rare constellation in which a non-conspecific hormone is clinically superior to the body-identical one — and about the slow disappearance of a once widely prescribed therapy.

2026-05-22

Blog

1995–2026

Lipotec, Sederma and the rise of an industry of its own — cosmetic peptides as a sector

In the 1990s, a separate industry emerged parallel to the pharmaceutical peptide world: cosmetic peptides. Today substances like Argireline, Matrixyl, SNAP-8 and dozens of others fill the active-ingredient lists of thousands of cosmetic products. An industry between mechanistic plausibility, small clinical effects and marketing-driven expansion.