List of Peptides A to Z: Evidence, FDA and WADA Status
This list covers 71 peptides and related compounds. Only 11 have an FDA-approved product, and for 33 more no human trial turned up in PubMed, Europe PMC or ClinicalTrials.gov. Each row gives the compound, its human evidence, its US status and its WADA status.
The compounds are grouped by use so you can compare like with like. Where we have a full page on one, its name links to it.
How to read the tables. Approved or Phase 3 RCTs: randomized human evidence for the compound. Limited: small, uncontrolled, mixed or sponsor-linked human data. None: no human trial found. WADA: Named means the 2026 List writes the compound or its class out; S0 catch-all means any substance without regulatory approval.
Jump to a compound (A to Z)
- 5-Amino-1MQ
- AOD-9604
- ARA-290 (cibinetide)
- BAM-15
- BPC-157
- Bromantane
- Cagrilintide
- Cardiogen
- Cartalax
- Chonluten
- CJC-1295 (no DAC)
- CJC-1295 (with DAC)
- Cortagen
- Dihexa
- DSIP
- Epithalon
- Follistatin-344
- FOXO4-DRI
- FTPP (Adipotide)
- GHK-Cu
- GHRP-2
- GHRP-6
- Glutathione
- GnRH (triptorelin)
- Gonadorelin
- HCG
- Hexarelin
- HGH Fragment 176-191
- HMG (menotropins)
- IGF-1 DES
- IGF-1 LR3
- Ipamorelin
- Kisspeptin
- KPV
- Livagen
- LL-37
- Melanotan I (afamelanotide)
- Melanotan II
- MGF
- MOTS-c
- Myostatin inhibitors
- NAD+
- Noopept
- NSI-189
- Orforglipron
- Ovagen
- Oxytocin
- P21 (P021)
- Pancragen
- PE-22-28
- PEG-MGF
- Pinealon
- Prostamax
- PT-141 (bremelanotide)
- Retatrutide
- Selank
- Semaglutide
- Semax
- Sermorelin
- SLU-PP-332
- SS-31 (elamipretide)
- TB-500
- Tesamorelin
- Tesofensine
- Testagen
- Thymogen
- Thymosin alpha-1
- Thymulin
- Tirzepatide
- Vilon
- VIP (aviptadil)
Weight and metabolism peptides
The incretin drugs have the strongest human evidence on this page. Most of the small molecules and research peptides beside them have only mouse data.
| Compound | Human evidence | US status | WADA 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1SemaglutideGLP-1 receptor agonist (peptide) | ApprovedSTEP 1 (1,961 adults): 14.9% weight loss against 2.4% on placebo at 68 weeks (1) | Approved: Ozempic (2017), Rybelsus (2019), Wegovy injection (2021) and Wegovy tablet (Dec 2025) (2) | Not named |
| 2TirzepatideGIP and GLP-1 dual agonist (peptide) | ApprovedSURMOUNT-1 (2,539 adults): 20.9% loss at 15 mg against 3.1% on placebo at 72 weeks (3) | Approved: Mounjaro (2022, type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (2023, weight and sleep apnea) (2) | Not named |
| 3RetatrutideGIP, GLP-1 and glucagon triple agonist (peptide) | Phase 3 RCTsTRIUMPH-1 (2,339 adults): 25.0% loss at 12 mg against 3.9% on placebo at 80 weeks (4) | Not approved. Phase 3 results are published, but any vial sold online is unapproved product | S0 catch-all |
| 4CagrilintideAmylin analog (peptide) | Phase 3 (CagriSema)REDEFINE 1 (3,417 adults) tested cagrilintide with semaglutide: 20.4% loss against 3.0% at 68 weeks. Cagrilintide alone reached phase 2 (5) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 5OrforglipronOral GLP-1 agonist (small molecule, not a peptide) | ApprovedATTAIN-1 (3,127 adults): 11.2% loss at 36 mg against 2.1% on placebo at 72 weeks (6) | Approved as Foundayo on 1 April 2026 for weight management (2) | Not named |
| 6TesofensineTriple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (small molecule) | Phase 2Phase 2 (203 adults): 10.6% loss at 1 mg against 2.0% on diet and placebo at 24 weeks. The Lancet later issued an expression of concern (7, 8) | Not approved in the US | Named: S6.A, banned in competition |
| 75-Amino-1MQNNMT inhibitor (small molecule) | NoneReversed diet-induced obesity in mice. No human trial found (9) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 8SLU-PP-332ERR agonist (small molecule) | NoneMimicked parts of exercise adaptation in mice. No human trial found (10) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 9BAM-15Mitochondrial uncoupler (small molecule) | NoneReversed diet-induced obesity in mice. No human trial found (11) | Not approved | Named: S4.4.1 |
| 10FTPP (Adipotide)Prohibitin-targeting peptidomimetic | None publishedCaused weight loss and reversible kidney changes in obese monkeys. A human phase 1 trial ended after 4 patients with no results posted (12) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 11AOD-9604Growth hormone fragment (16 amino acids) | None publishedNo peer-reviewed human efficacy trial found. Its large obesity trial reportedly missed its endpoint (secondary reports) | Not approved. On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list, which also notes serious adverse events of unclear cause (13) | Named: S2.2.3 |
| 12HGH Fragment 176-191Growth hormone fragment | NoneNo human study of the native fragment found. The human data that exist are for AOD-9604 | Not approved | Named: S2.2.3 |
| 13MOTS-cMitochondrial-derived peptide (16 amino acids) | NoneImproved insulin sensitivity in mice (14). No published trial of MOTS-c itself; an analog (CB4211) finished a phase 1 study with no paper (15) | Not approved. On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list (13) | Named: S4.4.1 |
Growth hormone axis peptides
These compounds raise growth hormone. Only two have an approval history, and the trials that exist measured hormone levels more often than outcomes.
| Compound | Human evidence | US status | WADA 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14CJC-1295 (no DAC)GHRH analog (29 amino acids) | NoneNo published human trial of this form found. The human data belong to the DAC form | Not approved. “CJC-1295” is on FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list, and FDA cites increased heart rate and vasodilatory reactions (13) | Named: S2.2.4 |
| 15CJC-1295 (with DAC)GHRH analog with an albumin-binding linker | LimitedTwo randomized trials in healthy adults: one injection raised growth hormone 2 to 10 times for 6 days or more. They measured hormone levels, not outcomes. A phase 2 HIV trial was terminated (16) | Not approved | Named: S2.2.4 |
| 16IpamorelinGhrelin-receptor agonist (5 amino acids) | LimitedOne efficacy trial (117 patients after bowel surgery): time to first meal 25.3 against 32.6 hours, not significant (p=0.15) (17) | Not approved. FDA Category 2, meaning FDA found significant safety risks for compounding (Sept 2023) (13) | Named: S2.2.4 |
| 17GHRP-2Growth hormone-releasing peptide (6 amino acids) | LimitedA diagnostic test in Japan (secondary source). One trial in 33 men with critical illness tested it with other hormones (18) | Not approved. FDA Category 2 (Sept 2023) (13) | Named: S2.2.4 |
| 18GHRP-6Growth hormone-releasing peptide (6 amino acids) | LimitedHuman studies are short growth hormone stimulation tests, not treatment trials (19) | Not approved. FDA Category 2 (Sept 2023) (13) | Named: S2.2.4 |
| 19HexarelinGrowth hormone-releasing peptide (6 amino acids) | LimitedSmall, short endocrine studies in people with growth hormone deficiency, plus acute heart-function studies (20) | Not approved. Not listed on FDA’s compounding-risk page | Named: S2.2.4 |
| 20SermorelinGHRH fragment (29 amino acids) | Once approvedSold as Geref from 1990 (diagnostic) and 1997 (pediatric growth hormone deficiency). FDA withdrew approval in 2009 and found it was not for safety or effectiveness reasons (21) | Not currently approved. Compounded versions are not approved drugs | Named: S2.2.4 |
| 21TesamorelinGHRH analog (44 amino acids) | Approved412 adults with HIV: visceral fat fell 15.2% against a 5.0% rise on placebo at 26 weeks (22) | Approved: Egrifta (2010) for abdominal fat in HIV lipodystrophy only. The label says it is not for weight loss (2) | Named: S2.2.4 |
Muscle and growth factor compounds
None of these has a human trial of the injected product sold online. Several are proteins, not short peptides.
| Compound | Human evidence | US status | WADA 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22IGF-1 DESIGF-1 variant missing 3 amino acids (protein) | NoneAbout 10 times more potent than IGF-1 in cell assays. No human trial found (23) | Not approved. The approved IGF-1 drug is mecasermin (Increlex), a different molecule | Named: S2.3 |
| 23IGF-1 LR3Long-acting modified IGF-1 (protein) | NoneRat, mouse and cell studies only. A 2026 review lists it among agents with no human studies (24) | Not approved | Named: S2.3 |
| 24MGFIGF-1 splice variant fragment | NoneNo human trial of the MGF peptide. Two drug-company labs could not reproduce its cell effects (see our page) | Not approved | Named: S2.3 |
| 25PEG-MGFPegylated MGF | NoneNo study of PEG-MGF itself exists. The 25% muscle gain often quoted came from a gene plasmid in mice | Not approved. On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list with an immunogenicity warning (13) | Named: S2.3 |
| 26Follistatin-344Myostatin-binding protein (not a short peptide) | Gene therapy onlyHuman trials delivered the gene by viral vector, not injected protein. Four of six Becker patients walked further in one open-label study with no placebo (25) | Not approved | Named: S4.3 |
| 27Myostatin inhibitorsDrug class: proteins and antibodies, plus an unrelated SARM sold as YK-11 | MixedACE-031 was stopped in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy after nosebleeds and telangiectasias (26). Apitegromab has an FDA label for spinal muscular atrophy (27) | Mostly not approved. Apitegromab (Isembyld) is approved for SMA | Named: S4.3 |
Repair and healing peptides
BPC-157 and TB-500 get the most attention online. The human evidence behind them is thin, and FDA lists both on its compounding-risk page.
| Compound | Human evidence | US status | WADA 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28BPC-157Pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) | LimitedThree uncontrolled human studies covering 30 people, rated very low certainty (28) | Not approved. On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list. An FDA committee voted 8 to 6 in July 2026 to recommend it, an advisory vote (13, 29) | Named: S0 |
| 29TB-500Thymosin beta-4 fragment (LKKTETQ) | NoneFDA found no human exposure data for the fragment (13) | Not approved. On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list with an immunogenicity warning (13) | Named: S2.3 |
| 30ARA-290 (cibinetide)EPO-derived peptide (11 amino acids) | LimitedPhase 2b (64 patients with sarcoidosis nerve damage): corneal nerve fiber area rose at 4 mg but not at 1 mg or 8 mg (30) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 31KPVTripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) | NoneNo human trial found, and FDA found no human exposure data (13) | Not approved. On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list (13) | S0 catch-all |
| 32LL-37Human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide | LimitedTopical LL-37 in 34 patients with venous leg ulcers: healing about six times faster than placebo at 0.5 mg/mL (31) | Not approved. On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list (13) | S0 catch-all |
| 33GHK-CuCopper tripeptide | LimitedA 2026 review counted 20 aesthetic-medicine studies: 18 preclinical and 2 randomized trials (32) | No approved drug. Injectable GHK-Cu is on FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list (13) | S0 catch-all |
Longevity and cell energy compounds
No compound here has been shown to slow aging in people. One is an approved drug for a rare disease.
| Compound | Human evidence | US status | WADA 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34EpithalonTetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) | LimitedA 2026 review found 4 of 28 epitalon papers used humans, with no adequately powered randomized trial (33) | Not approved. On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list. An FDA committee voted 7 to 4 in July 2026 to recommend it, an advisory vote (13, 29) | S0 catch-all |
| 35SS-31 (elamipretide)Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide | Accelerated approval12 Barth syndrome patients in a crossover trial: the main endpoints were missed, and strength gains appeared in the open-label extension (34) | Approved as Forzinity (Sept 2025) under accelerated approval, for Barth syndrome in people weighing 30 kg or more (34) | Not named |
| 36FOXO4-DRISenolytic peptide (D-retro-inverso) | NoneCleared senescent cells in cell and mouse studies. No human trial registered (35) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 37NAD+Coenzyme (not a peptide) | None for NAD+No human efficacy trial of NAD+ infusion found. The trials that exist test precursors such as nicotinamide riboside or NMN | No approved NAD+ drug product | Not named |
| 38GlutathioneTripeptide antioxidant | LimitedOral 1,000 mg a day for 6 months raised blood glutathione 30 to 35% in 54 adults (36). Intravenous trials are in chemotherapy nerve damage, not wellness (37) | No approved glutathione drug found | Not named |
Cognition, mood and sleep compounds
Selank and Semax are registered drugs in Russia. Elsewhere none of these is approved, and most have no controlled human trial.
| Compound | Human evidence | US status | WADA 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39DihexaAngiotensin IV-derived small molecule (not a hexapeptide) | NoneRodent studies only. The 2014 paper on its mechanism was retracted in 2025 (38) | Not approved. On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list (13) | S0 catch-all |
| 40DSIPDelta sleep-inducing peptide (9 amino acids) | LimitedOne 16-patient intravenous insomnia trial from 1992: the effects were weak (39) | Not approved. On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list as emideltide (13) | S0 catch-all |
| 41NoopeptAcylated dipeptide ester (small molecule) | LimitedAn EEG study in patients with mild cognitive impairment. No randomized efficacy trial found (40) | Not approved in the US. Registered in Russia (secondary source) | Not named |
| 42NSI-189Neurogenic small molecule | Phase 2Phase 2 (220 adults with depression): the main score did not beat placebo significantly at 12 weeks (41) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 43BromantaneAdamantane derivative (small molecule) | None indexedNo indexed clinical trial found. Russian registration reported (secondary source) | Not approved in the US | Not named |
| 44P21 (P021)CNTF-derived tetrapeptide | NoneMouse models of Alzheimer’s disease only. It is not the p21 (CDKN1A) protein (42) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 45PE-22-28Spadin analog (7 amino acids) | NoneAntidepressant-like in mice, from the originating lab (43) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 46SelankTuftsin analog (7 amino acids) | Limited62 patients with anxiety: an effect similar to medazepam in a randomized comparison (44) | Not approved in the US. Sold in Russia as nasal drops (secondary source). On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list (13) | Not named |
| 47SemaxACTH fragment analog (7 amino acids) | None indexedNo indexed randomized trial found. Registered in Russia (secondary source) | Not approved in the US. On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list (13) | Not named |
Reproductive and sexual health compounds
This group holds the most approved drugs. Check the indication: the approvals are narrow, and none covers testosterone boosting, libido in men or tanning.
| Compound | Human evidence | US status | WADA 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48KisspeptinReproductive neuropeptide | LimitedIn 32 women who finished a crossover trial, infusion changed brain-scan responses. It measured no sexual-function outcome (45) | Not approved. Kisspeptin-10 is FDA Category 2 (Sept 2023) (13) | Named: S2.2.1 |
| 49GnRH (triptorelin)GnRH agonist (decapeptide analog) | ApprovedLong-standing approved drug. Not approved in the US as an IVF trigger (2) | Approved: Trelstar (2000) for advanced prostate cancer and Triptodur (2017) for central precocious puberty (2) | Named: S2.2.1 |
| 50GonadorelinGnRH decapeptide | DiscontinuedThe human products Factrel (1982) and Lutrepulse (1989) were discontinued. Only veterinary labels remain (2) | No marketed human product | Named: S2.2.1 |
| 51HCGGlycoprotein hormone (not a short peptide) | ApprovedLabel uses: prepubertal cryptorchidism, male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and ovulation induction. The label says it has not been shown to work for obesity (2) | Approved (Novarel, Pregnyl, Ovidrel) (2) | Named: S2.2.1 |
| 52HMG (menotropins)Urinary FSH and LH extract (a mixture) | ApprovedMenopur is approved for developing multiple follicles in assisted reproduction cycles (2) | Approved: Menopur (2004) (2) | LH is named: S2.2.1 |
| 53PT-141 (bremelanotide)Melanocortin agonist (cyclic heptapeptide) | ApprovedApproved for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Not for men or postmenopausal women (2) | Approved: Vyleesi (2019) (2) | Not named |
| 54Melanotan I (afamelanotide)α-MSH analog (13 amino acids) | ApprovedThe Scenesse implant increased pain-free light exposure in erythropoietic protoporphyria. It is not a tanning agent (2) | Approved: Scenesse (Oct 2019) for erythropoietic protoporphyria | Not named |
| 55Melanotan IICyclic melanocortin peptide | LimitedSmall erectile studies from 1998 to 2000 (46). Case reports describe renal infarction, priapism and rhabdomyolysis (47) | Never authorized. On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list (13) | S0 catch-all |
| 56OxytocinNonapeptide hormone | ApprovedEstablished obstetric drug. No intranasal or psychiatric use is approved (2) | Approved: Pitocin (1980) for labor induction and postpartum bleeding. Injectable only | Not named |
Immune and thymic peptides
Thymosin alpha-1 has the deepest trial record here, and none of the three is FDA approved.
| Compound | Human evidence | US status | WADA 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57Thymosin alpha-1Thymic peptide (28 amino acids) | LimitedMany registered trials. Synthetic thymalfasin is approved in some countries for hepatitis B and as a vaccine adjunct (48). No FDA approval found | Not approved in the US. On FDA’s withdrawn-nomination list (13) | Not named |
| 58ThymulinZinc-dependent thymic nonapeptide | NoneMouse studies only. No human trial verified (49) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 59VIP (aviptadil)Vasoactive intestinal peptide (28 amino acids) | RCT negativeIntravenous aviptadil in COVID-19 respiratory failure (461 patients): no benefit, and the trial stopped for futility (50) | Not approved in the US | Not named |
Khavinson peptide bioregulators
Short peptides of 2 to 4 amino acids from Vladimir Khavinson’s group. Published work is in cells and animals, with one small human study. Brand-to-sequence mappings for Cardiogen, Cartalax and Ovagen appear only in reviews by the same group, so treat those names with care. See our Khavinson overview and bioregulator guide.
| Compound | Human evidence | US status | WADA 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60CardiogenReported tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg | NoneCell culture and rat heart explants only (51) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 61CartalaxReported tripeptide Ala-Glu-Asp | NoneThe tripeptide protected rat kidneys in a cisplatin model. No human data (52) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 62ChonlutenTripeptide Glu-Asp-Gly | NoneReduced TNF output in a human monocyte cell line. No animal or human study verified (53) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 63CortagenTetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro | NoneMouse heart gene-expression and thymocyte studies. No human data (54) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 64LivagenTetrapeptide Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala | NoneLiver-injury models in animals, and ex vivo lymphocytes from older people. No clinical trial (55) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 65OvagenReported tripeptide Glu-Asp-Leu | NoneProtected rat kidneys in injury models. No human data (56) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 66PancragenTetrapeptide Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp | NoneImproved glucose clearance in aged rhesus monkeys. No human trial (57) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 67PinealonTripeptide Glu-Asp-Arg | LimitedCell and rodent work, plus one study of 32 patients in which the abstract mentions no control group (58) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 68ProstamaxTetrapeptide Lys-Glu-Asp-Pro | NoneRat prostate explants and lymphocyte chromatin studies. No efficacy data in animals or people (59) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 69TestagenTetrapeptide Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly | NoneStudied in birds with the pituitary removed, and in cells. No testis study found (60) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
| 70ThymogenDipeptide Glu-Trp | None verifiedCell-line data only could be verified (53) | Not approved in the US. Marketed in Russia as an immunostimulant (secondary sources) (61) | Not named |
| 71VilonDipeptide Lys-Glu | NoneHuman stem-cell and mouse studies only (62) | Not approved | S0 catch-all |
FDA approved, compounded or research only: what the labels mean
- FDA approved. The agency approved a specific product for a specific use. 11 compounds here meet that test, each only for the uses shown in the tables.
- Compounding lists. FDA keeps lists of bulk substances that pharmacies may be allowed to compound. Category 2 means FDA found significant safety risks. The withdrawn-nomination list holds substances whose nominators withdrew them from Category 2. Neither list approves a drug (13).
- Advisory votes. In July 2026 FDA’s compounding advisory committee voted 8 to 6, with one abstention, to recommend BPC-157 and 7 to 4, with one abstention, to recommend epitalon for the 503A bulks list. Those votes are advisory, not decisions (29).
- Research use only. This is a seller’s label. It doesn’t approve a compound, and it doesn’t make it safe for people.
Which of these compounds does WADA ban?
26 rows are named on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s 2026 Prohibited List, which applies in and out of competition unless stated. The classes are growth hormone releasing factors and secretagogues (S2.2.4), growth hormone fragments such as AOD-9604 (S2.2.3), testosterone-stimulating peptides in males such as hCG, GnRH agonists and kisspeptin (S2.2.1), IGF-1 and analogs, mechano growth factors and thymosin beta-4 derivatives (S2.3), myostatin-binding proteins such as follistatin (S4.3), and AMPK activators such as BAM15 and MOTS-c (S4.4.1) (63).
S0 also bans any pharmacological substance with no regulatory approval for human therapeutic use, and it names BPC-157. Tesofensine is a stimulant banned in competition. Athletes should check the full List and their anti-doping organization.
Common mix-ups this list corrects
- Dihexa isn’t a hexapeptide. It’s a small-molecule peptidomimetic, and the 2014 paper behind its mechanism was retracted in 2025.
- Orforglipron isn’t a peptide. It’s an oral small molecule that FDA approved on 1 April 2026.
- CJC-1295 comes in two forms. The published human trials used the DAC form.
- Sermorelin was an approved drug. FDA found it was not withdrawn for safety or effectiveness reasons.
- Follistatin trials gave patients a gene by viral vector, not the injected protein sold online.
- Melanotan I (Scenesse), melanotan II and PT-141 are three different compounds. Only two are approved, and neither is a tanning drug.
- “Myostatin inhibitor” names a mechanism shared by proteins, antibodies and an unrelated SARM, not one peptide.
How to check a seller before you buy
Approval status tells you what’s legal. A certificate of analysis tells you what’s in one lot, and for a peptide it has to show identity as well as purity. Read our guide to verifying a peptide COA, compare sellers in best peptide vendors, and see peptide scams to avoid. For where to start, read what peptides are and the best peptides by goal.
Frequently asked questions
How many peptides are FDA approved?
Of the 71 compounds on this page, 11 have an FDA-approved product: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Orforglipron, Tesamorelin, SS-31 (elamipretide), GnRH (triptorelin), HCG, HMG (menotropins), PT-141 (bremelanotide), Melanotan I (afamelanotide), Oxytocin. Each is approved for specific uses only. The rest are unapproved.
Which peptides have the best human evidence?
The incretin drugs: semaglutide, tirzepatide, and in phase 3 trials retatrutide and CagriSema. In the largest trials they cut body weight by about 15% to 25% over 68 to 80 weeks. Tesamorelin has randomized trial support in HIV lipodystrophy.
Is BPC-157 approved?
No. The human evidence is three uncontrolled studies covering 30 people. FDA’s advisory committee voted 8 to 6 in July 2026 to recommend it for the compounding list, and that vote is advisory.
Are research peptides legal to buy?
A research use only label doesn’t make a compound approved. Unapproved compounds sold for human use are regulated as unapproved drugs, and FDA limits what pharmacies may compound. This page isn’t legal advice, so check FDA’s compounding page and ask a pharmacist or clinician.
Which peptides are banned in sport?
26 of the compounds on this page are named on WADA’s 2026 Prohibited List, including growth hormone secretagogues, CJC-1295, tesamorelin, AOD-9604, IGF-1 and analogs, MGF, TB-500, follistatin, hCG, GnRH agonists and BPC-157. S0 bans any substance without regulatory approval.
Are all of these compounds peptides?
No. Some are small molecules, such as orforglipron, dihexa and 5-amino-1MQ. Others are proteins or mixtures, such as follistatin, IGF-1 LR3, hCG and menotropins. NAD+ is a coenzyme.
What are Khavinson peptide bioregulators?
They are short peptides of 2 to 4 amino acids from Vladimir Khavinson’s group, sold under names such as Pinealon and Vilon. Published work is in cells and animals, with one small human study.
How is the evidence on this page graded?
Each row reports the best human evidence found in PubMed, Europe PMC and ClinicalTrials.gov. Approval status comes from Drugs@FDA, DailyMed and FDA’s compounding page, and doping status from the 2026 WADA List.
This page is information, not medical advice. Talk to a clinician before using any compound listed here, especially with a cancer history or while pregnant.
References
Show references (63)Hide references
- STEP 1 trial. Semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med 2021. Source
- Drugs@FDA and DailyMed product labels and approval histories. Source
- SURMOUNT-1 trial. Tirzepatide once weekly in adults with obesity. N Engl J Med 2022. Source
- TRIUMPH-1 trial of retatrutide in adults with obesity. N Engl J Med 2026. Source
- REDEFINE 1 trial. Cagrilintide with semaglutide (CagriSema) in adults with obesity. N Engl J Med 2025. Source
- ATTAIN-1 trial. Orforglipron in adults with obesity. N Engl J Med 2025. Source
- Astrup A, et al. Tesofensine in obese patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial. Lancet 2008. Source
- Expression of concern on the Astrup et al. tesofensine trial. Lancet 2013. Source
- Neelakantan H, et al. The NNMT inhibitor 5-amino-1MQ in diet-induced obese mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2018. Source
- Billon C, et al. SLU-PP-332, an ERR agonist, mimics exercise adaptations in mice. ACS Chem Biol 2023. Source
- Alexopoulos SJ, et al. The mitochondrial uncoupler BAM15 reverses diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice. Nat Commun 2020. Source
- Barnhart KF, et al. A peptidomimetic targeting white fat vasculature in obese monkeys. Sci Transl Med 2011. Human trial NCT01262664 was terminated. Source
- FDA. Certain bulk drug substances for use in compounding that may present significant safety risks (content dated 22 April 2026). Source
- Lee C, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c and metabolic homeostasis in mice. Cell Metab 2015. Source
- ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03998514. CB4211 (a MOTS-c analog), phase 1a/1b, completed 2021, no posted results. Source
- Teichman SL, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805. PMID 16352683. Source
- Beck DE, Sweeney WB, McCarter MD. Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2014;29(12):1527-1534. PMID 25331030. Source
- Van den Berghe G, et al. Growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 infusion in men with prolonged critical illness. 2002. Source
- Popovic V, et al. GHRP-6 with GHRH in patients with hypothalamopituitary disconnection and in controls. 1995. Source
- Hexarelin in growth hormone-deficient patients and short-stature controls. 1995. Source
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