Cardiovascular risk

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.

GLP-1 receptor agonist designed as a fusion protein of two modified GLP-1(7-37) sequences covalently linked to a human IgG4-Fc fragment. FDA-approved 2014 (Trulicity) for type 2 diabetes; EMA approval 2014.

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.

Synthetic hexapeptide of the growth-hormone secretagogue (GHRP) family. In the 1990s investigated as an acromegaly diagnostic and for GH deficiency. Not an approved medicine.

GLP-1 receptor agonist with a half-life of about 13 hours. The first daily (not weekly) modern GLP-1 RA — approved as Victoza for type 2 diabetes (2010) and Saxenda for obesity (2014).

Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist. Approved as a medicinal product for type-2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus), chronic weight management (Wegovy) and cardiovascular risk in obesity. One of the best-studied substances on this platform — many large human RCTs.

Synthetic peptide that simultaneously activates the GLP-1 and GIP receptor (dual agonist). Approved in the US and EU for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and obesity (Zepbound).