Peptide Atlas

Peptides, by where they work in the body.

81 peptides, from FDA-approved prescriptions to the wellness peptides physicians can now prescribe through compounding pharmacies. Sorted by body system and labeled by regulatory status, so you know what you're looking at before you ask about it.

FDA-approved Compounding permitted In clinical trials Not FDA-approved Cosmetic & topical

Now lawfully compoundable: BPC-157, TB-500, Epitalon, MOTS-c, KPV, and Semax. Under an interim HHS enforcement-discretion policy (October 2026), licensed physicians may prescribe single-ingredient versions for an individual patient, made by state-licensed 503A pharmacies. This is not FDA approval. At Javid, each is considered case by case after an evaluation. See how it works →

81 of 81 peptides

Brain & sleep

8 shown · 2 FDA-approved

Skin & aging

9 shown · 1 FDA-approved

Digestive & weight

16 shown · 11 FDA-approved

Immune & defense

10 shown · 7 FDA-approved

Hormones & metabolism

14 shown · 9 FDA-approved

Bones & muscles

6 shown · 4 FDA-approved

Heart & blood

8 shown · 8 FDA-approved

Sexual & reproductive

10 shown · 8 FDA-approved

Reference

All 81 peptides, in plain text

Every entry in the atlas with its regulatory status, common use, and what the evidence shows. Reviewed by Osman Qaiyum, MD, November 2026.

Brain & sleep 8
Trofinetide (Daybue) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Rett syndrome in patients age 2 and older.
Evidence: Analog of a naturally occurring IGF-1 fragment. Became the first FDA-approved Rett treatment in 2023 after a phase 3 trial showed improvement in behavior and caregiver-rated scores.
Ziconotide (Prialt) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Severe chronic pain, delivered through an implanted spinal pump.
Evidence: Synthetic version of a cone snail venom peptide that blocks N-type calcium channels. Effective in trials, with a boxed warning for psychiatric and neurological side effects.
Semax (ACTH(4-10) analog) · Compounding permitted
Used or studied for: Focus, memory, mental clarity, and brain recovery.
Evidence: A nasal-spray peptide used as a prescription medicine in Russia for decades for stroke recovery and cognitive disorders. Needle-free, and compoundable in the U.S. under the October 2026 HHS interim policy.
Regulatory note: Compoundable under the October 2026 HHS interim policy. If it is appropriate after your evaluation, it is prescribed by your Javid physician and made for you by a state-licensed 503A pharmacy, using ingredients from an FDA-registered manufacturer with a certificate of analysis. Not FDA-approved. Available as: intranasal.
Selank (Tuftsin analog) · Not FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Marketed for anxiety and calm focus.
Evidence: Studied in Russia in small anxiety trials. Not evaluated in large controlled trials elsewhere.
Regulatory note: Not approved by the FDA for any use. Products sold online are often labeled "for research only"; identity, purity, dose, and sterility are not verified.
DSIP (Delta sleep-inducing peptide) · Not FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Marketed for deeper sleep.
Evidence: Discovered in 1977. Human sleep studies have produced inconsistent results, and its mechanism is still unclear.
Regulatory note: Not approved by the FDA for any use. Products sold online are often labeled "for research only"; identity, purity, dose, and sterility are not verified.
Epitalon (Epithalon) · Compounding permitted
Used or studied for: Longevity, healthy aging, and sleep-cycle support.
Evidence: A synthetic version of a peptide from the pineal gland, the body's timekeeper. Studied for its effects on telomerase activity, melatonin rhythm, and markers of biological aging. Taken in short, periodic courses.
Regulatory note: Compoundable under the October 2026 HHS interim policy. If it is appropriate after your evaluation, it is prescribed by your Javid physician and made for you by a state-licensed 503A pharmacy, using ingredients from an FDA-registered manufacturer with a certificate of analysis. Not FDA-approved. Available as: subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, in intermittent courses.
Cerebrolysin (Porcine brain peptide mixture) · Not FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Used in parts of Europe and Asia after stroke and in dementia.
Evidence: Trials show mixed results, and Cochrane reviews have not found clear benefit on mortality or disability after stroke.
Regulatory note: Not approved by the FDA for any use. Products sold online are often labeled "for research only"; identity, purity, dose, and sterility are not verified.
Dihexa (PNB-0408) · Not FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Marketed for cognition and memory.
Evidence: Angiotensin IV analog studied in rodents. No published human efficacy or safety data.
Regulatory note: Not approved by the FDA for any use. Products sold online are often labeled "for research only"; identity, purity, dose, and sterility are not verified.
Skin & aging 9
Afamelanotide (Scenesse) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Reduces light-triggered pain in erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Evidence: Implant that stimulates melanin. FDA-approved in 2019 after trials showed more pain-free time in sunlight.
Melanotan II (MT-II) · Not FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Sold online as a tanning and libido injection.
Evidence: Not approved anywhere. Linked to nausea, flushing, and new or changing moles; regulators in several countries have issued warnings.
Regulatory note: Not approved by the FDA for any use. Products sold online are often labeled "for research only"; identity, purity, dose, and sterility are not verified.
GHK-Cu (Copper tripeptide-1) · Cosmetic & topical
Used or studied for: Serums for firmness, wound healing, and hair.
Evidence: Supports collagen and wound repair in lab studies and small cosmetic trials. Injectable versions are not FDA-approved.
Regulatory note: Used in topical skincare. Cosmetics don't go through FDA drug approval, and claims are typically supported by small manufacturer studies.
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) · Cosmetic & topical
Used or studied for: Anti-wrinkle creams.
Evidence: Signal peptide shown in small vehicle-controlled studies to modestly reduce fine lines over about 12 weeks.
Regulatory note: Used in topical skincare. Cosmetics don't go through FDA drug approval, and claims are typically supported by small manufacturer studies.
Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) · Cosmetic & topical
Used or studied for: Topical for expression lines, marketed as "Botox-like."
Evidence: Small studies show modest softening of expression lines. Far weaker than injectable neurotoxins.
Regulatory note: Used in topical skincare. Cosmetics don't go through FDA drug approval, and claims are typically supported by small manufacturer studies.
Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) · Cosmetic & topical
Used or studied for: Expression-line creams, often paired with Argireline.
Evidence: Supported mainly by manufacturer studies.
Regulatory note: Used in topical skincare. Cosmetics don't go through FDA drug approval, and claims are typically supported by small manufacturer studies.
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (Part of Matrixyl 3000) · Cosmetic & topical
Used or studied for: Collagen-support skincare.
Evidence: Small cosmetic studies, usually in combination formulas.
Regulatory note: Used in topical skincare. Cosmetics don't go through FDA drug approval, and claims are typically supported by small manufacturer studies.
Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate (Syn-Ake) · Cosmetic & topical
Used or studied for: Wrinkle creams inspired by viper venom.
Evidence: Manufacturer data only.
Regulatory note: Used in topical skincare. Cosmetics don't go through FDA drug approval, and claims are typically supported by small manufacturer studies.
Acetyl tetrapeptide-5 (Eyeseryl) · Cosmetic & topical
Used or studied for: Under-eye puffiness.
Evidence: Small manufacturer studies.
Regulatory note: Used in topical skincare. Cosmetics don't go through FDA drug approval, and claims are typically supported by small manufacturer studies.
Digestive & weight 16
Semaglutide (Ozempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management, and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Evidence: GLP-1 receptor agonist. Large trials show about 15% average weight loss at weight-management doses and fewer major cardiovascular events in people with heart disease.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro · Zepbound) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management, and obstructive sleep apnea with obesity.
Evidence: Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist. Trials show about 20% average weight loss at the highest dose.
Liraglutide (Victoza · Saxenda) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
Evidence: Daily GLP-1 agonist with long-term cardiovascular outcome data. Generic versions are now available.
Dulaglutide (Trulicity) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Evidence: Weekly GLP-1 agonist with a positive cardiovascular outcome trial.
Exenatide (Byetta) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Type 2 diabetes.
Evidence: The first GLP-1 agonist, derived from Gila monster saliva. Largely replaced by longer-acting options.
Retatrutide (LY3437943) · In clinical trials
Used or studied for: Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
Evidence: Triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon agonist. Phase 2 trials showed about 24% weight loss at 48 weeks; phase 3 is underway.
Regulatory note: Investigational. Available only through clinical trials in the U.S.; not approved for prescription use.
Cagrilintide (CagriSema (with semaglutide)) · In clinical trials
Used or studied for: Obesity, studied with semaglutide.
Evidence: Long-acting amylin analog. Late-stage trials of the combination have reported greater weight loss than semaglutide alone.
Regulatory note: Investigational. Available only through clinical trials in the U.S.; not approved for prescription use.
Survodutide (BI 456906) · In clinical trials
Used or studied for: Obesity and MASH (fatty liver).
Evidence: Glucagon/GLP-1 dual agonist in phase 3 trials.
Regulatory note: Investigational. Available only through clinical trials in the U.S.; not approved for prescription use.
Mazdutide (IBI362) · In clinical trials
Used or studied for: Obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Evidence: GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist. Approved in China; investigational in the U.S.
Regulatory note: Investigational. Available only through clinical trials in the U.S.; not approved for prescription use.
Linaclotide (Linzess) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: IBS with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation.
Evidence: Works locally in the gut to increase fluid secretion. Well established in phase 3 trials.
Plecanatide (Trulance) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: IBS with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation.
Evidence: Mimics the gut hormone uroguanylin. Approved after phase 3 trials.
Octreotide (Sandostatin · Mycapssa) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome diarrhea, and other hormone-secreting tumors.
Evidence: Somatostatin analog used for decades.
Lanreotide (Somatuline Depot) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors.
Evidence: Long-acting somatostatin analog that slows progression of certain neuroendocrine tumors.
Teduglutide (Gattex) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Short bowel syndrome.
Evidence: GLP-2 analog that improves intestinal absorption and reduces the need for IV nutrition.
Setmelanotide (Imcivree) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Obesity caused by specific genetic deficiencies (POMC, PCSK1, LEPR) or Bardet-Biedl syndrome.
Evidence: MC4 receptor agonist. Effective in rare genetic obesity; not used for general obesity.
AOD-9604 (hGH fragment 177-191) · Not FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Marketed for fat loss.
Evidence: Developed as an obesity drug, but failed to outperform placebo in human weight-loss trials.
Regulatory note: Not approved by the FDA for any use. Products sold online are often labeled "for research only"; identity, purity, dose, and sterility are not verified.
Immune & defense 10
Vancomycin (Vancocin) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Serious bacterial infections including MRSA; oral form for C. difficile.
Evidence: Glycopeptide antibiotic in use since the 1950s.
Daptomycin (Cubicin) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Complicated skin infections and Staph aureus bloodstream infections.
Evidence: Lipopeptide antibiotic.
Polymyxin B · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Multidrug-resistant gram-negative infections.
Evidence: Older antibiotic used as a last resort because of kidney and nerve toxicity.
Colistimethate (Colistin · Coly-Mycin M) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Multidrug-resistant gram-negative infections.
Evidence: Last-line antibiotic with significant kidney toxicity.
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune · Neoral · Restasis) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Organ transplant rejection, autoimmune disease, and dry eye.
Evidence: Cyclic peptide immunosuppressant that changed transplant medicine in the 1980s.
Enfuvirtide (Fuzeon) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: HIV-1 infection in treatment-experienced patients.
Evidence: Fusion inhibitor that blocks HIV from entering cells.
Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone · Glatopa) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
Evidence: Synthetic polypeptide mixture that reduces relapse rates.
Thymosin alpha-1 (Zadaxin (outside U.S.)) · Not FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Marketed for immune support.
Evidence: Approved in several countries for hepatitis B and C and as an immune adjuvant. Not FDA-approved.
Regulatory note: Not approved by the FDA for any use. Products sold online are often labeled "for research only"; identity, purity, dose, and sterility are not verified.
LL-37 (Cathelicidin) · Not FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Marketed for infections and immune support.
Evidence: Natural human antimicrobial peptide. Research is mostly in cells and animals.
Regulatory note: Not approved by the FDA for any use. Products sold online are often labeled "for research only"; identity, purity, dose, and sterility are not verified.
KPV (Alpha-MSH fragment) · Compounding permitted
Used or studied for: Calming inflammation in the gut and skin.
Evidence: A three-amino-acid piece of alpha-MSH, one of the body's own anti-inflammatory signals. Studied in models of colitis and inflammatory skin conditions. Taken by mouth or applied to the skin, with no injections.
Regulatory note: Compoundable under the October 2026 HHS interim policy. If it is appropriate after your evaluation, it is prescribed by your Javid physician and made for you by a state-licensed 503A pharmacy, using ingredients from an FDA-registered manufacturer with a certificate of analysis. Not FDA-approved. Available as: topical or oral.
Hormones & metabolism 14
Insulin analogs (Lispro · Aspart · Glargine · Degludec) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Evidence: The most widely used peptide drugs in the world.
Glucagon (Gvoke · Baqsimi) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Severe low blood sugar.
Evidence: Rescue medication available as an injection or nasal powder.
Dasiglucagon (Zegalogue) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Severe low blood sugar.
Evidence: Stable glucagon analog in a ready-to-use autoinjector.
Pramlintide (Symlin) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes alongside mealtime insulin.
Evidence: Amylin analog that slows stomach emptying and blunts after-meal glucose spikes.
Tesamorelin (Egrifta) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Evidence: GHRH analog shown in trials to reduce visceral fat.
Somatropin (Genotropin · Norditropin · others) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Growth hormone deficiency and certain growth disorders.
Evidence: Recombinant human growth hormone. Off-label anti-aging use is not approved and carries risks.
Mecasermin (Increlex) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Severe primary IGF-1 deficiency in children.
Evidence: Recombinant IGF-1. Hypoglycemia is a key risk.
Macimorelin (Macrilen) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Diagnostic test for adult growth hormone deficiency.
Evidence: Oral ghrelin-receptor agonist used only as a stimulation test.
Palopegteriparatide (Yorvipath) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Hypoparathyroidism in adults.
Evidence: Long-acting PTH prodrug approved in 2024.
Sermorelin (GHRH(1-29)) · Not FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Marketed for growth hormone support and anti-aging.
Evidence: Was FDA-approved as Geref for pediatric growth hormone deficiency, but the manufacturer discontinued it in 2008. Now available only through compounding.
Regulatory note: Not approved by the FDA for any use. Products sold online are often labeled "for research only"; identity, purity, dose, and sterility are not verified.
CJC-1295 (DAC:GRF) · Not FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Marketed with ipamorelin for growth hormone release.
Evidence: Raised GH and IGF-1 in early human studies; clinical development stopped in 2006.
Regulatory note: Not approved by the FDA for any use. Products sold online are often labeled "for research only"; identity, purity, dose, and sterility are not verified.
Ipamorelin · Not FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Marketed for GH release, body composition, and recovery.
Evidence: Ghrelin-receptor agonist. Its only human efficacy trials, in postoperative ileus, did not meet their goals.
Regulatory note: Not approved by the FDA for any use. Products sold online are often labeled "for research only"; identity, purity, dose, and sterility are not verified.
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial-derived peptide) · Compounding permitted
Used or studied for: Metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and exercise capacity.
Evidence: A peptide your own mitochondria make, often called an "exercise mimetic." In research it improved insulin sensitivity and endurance, and your natural levels decline with age.
Regulatory note: Compoundable under the October 2026 HHS interim policy. If it is appropriate after your evaluation, it is prescribed by your Javid physician and made for you by a state-licensed 503A pharmacy, using ingredients from an FDA-registered manufacturer with a certificate of analysis. Not FDA-approved. Available as: subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
Humanin (Mitochondrial-derived peptide) · Not FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Marketed for longevity and neuroprotection.
Evidence: Cell and animal research only.
Regulatory note: Not approved by the FDA for any use. Products sold online are often labeled "for research only"; identity, purity, dose, and sterility are not verified.
Bones & muscles 6
Teriparatide (Forteo) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Osteoporosis at high risk of fracture.
Evidence: PTH fragment that builds bone. Reduces spine and other fractures.
Abaloparatide (Tymlos) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Osteoporosis at high risk of fracture.
Evidence: PTHrP analog that builds bone. Reduces spine and other fractures.
Calcitonin (salmon) (Miacalcin) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Paget's disease, high blood calcium, and postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Evidence: Older therapy, now rarely first-line because of weaker fracture data.
Vosoritide (Voxzogo) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Increases growth in children with achondroplasia.
Evidence: C-type natriuretic peptide analog that increases annual growth rate.
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound) · Compounding permitted
Used or studied for: Recovery from tendon, ligament, muscle, and gut injuries.
Evidence: One of the most-requested recovery peptides. Derived from a protective protein in the stomach, it has been studied for decades for tendon, ligament, muscle, and gut-lining repair. It's the most flexible option: injection, oral, or topical.
Regulatory note: Compoundable under the October 2026 HHS interim policy. If it is appropriate after your evaluation, it is prescribed by your Javid physician and made for you by a state-licensed 503A pharmacy, using ingredients from an FDA-registered manufacturer with a certificate of analysis. Not FDA-approved. Available as: subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral, or topical.
TB-500 (Thymosin beta-4 fragment) · Compounding permitted
Used or studied for: Faster injury recovery, mobility, and tissue repair.
Evidence: A fragment of thymosin beta-4, a repair protein found throughout the body that helps cells reach injured tissue and supports new blood vessel growth. Often paired with BPC-157. Competitive athletes: it's prohibited in tested sports.
Regulatory note: Compoundable under the October 2026 HHS interim policy. If it is appropriate after your evaluation, it is prescribed by your Javid physician and made for you by a state-licensed 503A pharmacy, using ingredients from an FDA-registered manufacturer with a certificate of analysis. Not FDA-approved. Available as: subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
Heart & blood 8
Bivalirudin (Angiomax) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Anticoagulation during cardiac catheterization.
Evidence: Direct thrombin inhibitor.
Eptifibatide (Integrilin) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Acute coronary syndrome and coronary stenting.
Evidence: Antiplatelet drug that blocks the GP IIb/IIIa receptor.
Angiotensin II (Giapreza) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Low blood pressure in septic and other vasodilatory shock.
Evidence: Raised blood pressure in shock in the ATHOS-3 trial.
Vasopressin (Vasostrict) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Vasodilatory shock.
Evidence: Standard ICU vasopressor.
Terlipressin (Terlivaz) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Hepatorenal syndrome with rapidly worsening kidney function.
Evidence: Vasopressin analog approved in 2022.
Desmopressin (DDAVP) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Central diabetes insipidus, bleeding disorders, and nighttime urination.
Evidence: Synthetic vasopressin analog. Low sodium is the main risk.
Romiplostim (Nplate) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
Evidence: Peptide-antibody fusion that raises platelet counts.
Pegcetacoplan (Empaveli) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
Evidence: Complement C3 inhibitor that reduces red cell destruction.
Sexual & reproductive 10
Bremelanotide (Vyleesi · PT-141) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Low sexual desire (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
Evidence: On-demand melanocortin agonist injection. Modest benefit in trials; nausea is common.
Oxytocin (Pitocin) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Labor induction and preventing postpartum bleeding.
Evidence: Essential obstetric drug. Intranasal uses for social behavior are investigational.
Leuprolide (Lupron · Eligard) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Prostate cancer, endometriosis, fibroids, and early puberty.
Evidence: GnRH agonist that suppresses sex hormones.
Goserelin (Zoladex) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Prostate and breast cancer, and endometriosis.
Evidence: GnRH agonist implant.
Triptorelin (Trelstar · Triptodur) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Advanced prostate cancer and early puberty.
Evidence: GnRH agonist.
Degarelix (Firmagon) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Advanced prostate cancer.
Evidence: GnRH antagonist that lowers testosterone within days, without an initial surge.
Cetrorelix (Cetrotide) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Preventing premature ovulation during IVF.
Evidence: GnRH antagonist.
Ganirelix (Fyremadel) · FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Preventing premature ovulation during IVF.
Evidence: GnRH antagonist.
Gonadorelin (Synthetic GnRH) · Not FDA-approved
Used or studied for: Marketed to support natural testosterone and fertility during TRT.
Evidence: The U.S.-approved human product was discontinued. Now compounded or veterinary; evidence for TRT use is limited.
Regulatory note: Not approved by the FDA for any use. Products sold online are often labeled "for research only"; identity, purity, dose, and sterility are not verified.
Kisspeptin-10 (Kisspeptin) · In clinical trials
Used or studied for: Triggering ovulation in IVF and reproductive hormone disorders.
Evidence: Studied in research trials as a gentler IVF trigger with lower ovarian hyperstimulation risk.
Regulatory note: Investigational. Available only through clinical trials in the U.S.; not approved for prescription use.

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