Complete List of Peptides & What They Do (2026)

This is a goal-organized directory of 40+ research peptides. Each entry tells you what the peptide does, who it's best for, its evidence tier (FDA-approved, Phase 3, Phase 2, preclinical, or community-derived), a typical dosing range, and where to go for the full protocol. Start with a goal, find matching peptides, and follow the links to go deeper.

Most peptide lists dump 30 compounds in alphabetical order and call it a day. That's not how anyone actually searches. You start with a goal — lose fat, heal an injury, build muscle — and then figure out which compounds match.

This directory groups peptides by what they do, not what letter they start with. Every entry includes an evidence-tier label so you can tell the difference between a peptide backed by Phase 3 human trials and one supported only by rat studies or community anecdotes. Each peptide links to its full dosing guide on Peptide Dosing Protocols for detailed dosing, reconstitution math, clinical citations, and safety data.

Each peptide category has a different side effect profile. See our Peptide Side Effects Guide for evidence-tiered safety data. For baseline labs and retest cadence, read Blood Work for Peptides. Need reconstitution math? The PepPal Reconstitution Calculator handles any vial size and BAC water volume.

Each peptide entry follows the same format so you can scan quickly:

Peptides are grouped into seven goal-based categories. Many peptides affect multiple systems — BPC-157, for example, shows up under both healing and gut-health contexts. When a peptide fits multiple goals, it's listed in its primary category with cross-references.

Not included: extremely rare experimental compounds with no meaningful human-use data, insulin and other pharmaceutical peptides primarily managed through traditional medicine, and cosmetic collagen supplements.

Not all peptides have the same level of scientific support. This matters because a peptide with Phase 3 trial data and FDA approval is fundamentally different from one studied only in rats. Every entry in this list includes one of these labels.

Passed full clinical trials. Available by prescription. Safety and efficacy established in large human populations. Examples: semaglutide, tirzepatide, tesamorelin, bremelanotide.

Currently in or has completed large-scale human trials. Strong efficacy data exists but the compound isn't commercially available through pharmacies yet. Example: retatrutide.

Some human trial data exists, but sample sizes are small or trials are early-stage. Promising but not definitive. Examples: CJC-1295, AOD-9604, ipamorelin.

Studied in animals (rats, mice, cell cultures) with no completed human efficacy trials. Mechanism is understood but human outcomes are extrapolated, not proven. Examples: BPC-157, TB-500, epithalon.

Dosing protocols and reported effects come primarily from user communities and practitioner experience rather than published research. Examples: some stacking protocols and certain nootropic peptide dosing schedules.

This system isn't a quality judgment — some preclinical peptides have decades of animal research behind them. It's a transparency tool so you know exactly what kind of evidence supports each compound.

If you're here because something hurts, won't heal, or you need faster recovery, this is your starting category. These peptides target tissue repair at the cellular level — tendons, ligaments, gut lining, muscle tears, and inflammation.

What it does: Speeds up healing of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and gut tissue by promoting new blood vessel growth and reducing inflammation.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — extensive animal research across dozens of tissue types, but no completed human efficacy trials. One of the most-studied preclinical peptides in existence.

Best for: Sports injuries, tendon and ligament damage, gut issues (leaky gut, IBS, gastritis), post-surgical recovery, and joint pain.

Typical dose range: 250–500 mcg injected subcutaneously 1–2× daily. Oral dosing (same range) is used for gut-specific applications.

Route: Subcutaneous injection or oral.

2026 regulatory note: BPC-157 was placed on the FDA's Category 2 restricted list in late 2023. On April 15, 2026, the FDA announced that 12 peptides — including BPC-157 — are being removed from Category 2 and may receive further reclassification at the July 2026 FDA meeting. Formal final-rule publication is still pending as of May 2026.

Full Protocol: BPC-157 Dosing Guide.

What it does: Promotes cell migration and tissue organization — think of it as helping your body's repair crews find the injury site faster and build better scaffolding once they arrive.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — strong animal data for wound healing, cardiac repair, and tissue remodeling. No completed human efficacy trials, though thymosin beta-4 (the parent protein) has some clinical data.

Best for: Tendon and ligament injuries (especially chronic), flexibility and range-of-motion issues, scar tissue reduction, and as a complement to BPC-157 in the Wolverine Stack.

Typical dose range: 2–5 mg subcutaneously 2× weekly during a loading phase, dropping to 2–3 mg 1–2× weekly for maintenance.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Full Protocol: TB-500 Dosing Guide.

Related reading: Does TB-500 Cause Cancer? What the Research Shows and BPC-157 vs TB-500 — Healing Peptide Comparison.

What it does: A naturally occurring copper-binding peptide that stimulates collagen production, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue remodeling. Research suggests it may influence over 4,000 human genes related to repair and aging.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical for injectable use / 🟡 Limited human data for topical — topical GHK-Cu has human trial data for skin improvement; injectable use is preclinical.

Best for: Skin rejuvenation (wrinkles, elasticity, texture), wound healing, hair growth and thickness, and chronic inflammation.

Typical dose range: Injectable: 1–3 mg daily subcutaneously. Topical: 1–3% concentration applied 1–2× daily.

Route: Subcutaneous injection or topical.

Important note: GHK-Cu requires copper cycling. Extended use without cycling can disrupt copper homeostasis. Most protocols recommend 8–12 week cycles with equal off-periods.

Full Protocol: GHK-Cu Dosing Guide. Related reading: GHK-Cu Guide: Dosing, Topical vs Injectable, Hair & Skin Results.

What it does: A tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) that targets inflammation through the NF-κB pathway — one of the body's master inflammation switches.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — animal and in vitro data on anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in gut models. No human efficacy trials.

Best for: Gut inflammation (IBD models, colitis), systemic inflammation, and as an add-on to BPC-157 in recovery stacks.

Typical dose range: 200–500 mcg daily, subcutaneous or oral.

Route: Subcutaneous injection or oral.

Full Protocol: KPV Dosing Guide.

This isn't a single peptide — it's the most commonly discussed healing stack in the peptide community. BPC-157 handles localized repair and blood-vessel formation while TB-500 supports cell migration and tissue organization. Together they cover complementary healing pathways.

Read the Wolverine Stack Protocol, the PepPal How Do You Get the Wolverine Stack? explainer, or the side-by-side BPC-157 vs TB-500 healing comparison.

What it does: Builds on the Wolverine Stack by adding GHK-Cu. BPC-157 and TB-500 cover repair signaling and tissue movement, while GHK-Cu adds collagen and skin-quality support.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical / community-derived stack — the individual peptides have research behind them, but the exact blend has not been tested in large human trials.

Best for: People comparing repair stacks where skin quality, collagen remodeling, or chronic connective-tissue issues are part of the goal.

Typical dose range: Depends on the vial ratio. Most blend protocols are built around the per-compound dose, not just total vial weight.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Full Protocol: GLOW Stack Dosing Guide.

What it does: Adds KPV to the GLOW foundation. The idea is broader repair coverage: BPC-157 and TB-500 for tissue support, GHK-Cu for collagen, and KPV for inflammation signaling.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical / community-derived stack — useful as a research blend, but the exact four-compound stack does not have human outcome trials.

Best for: Chronic inflammation, gut-inflammation models, and longer repair projects where KPV makes sense alongside Wolverine or GLOW-style compounds.

Typical dose range: Depends on the blend ratio and target per-compound dose. Use a stack calculator before planning draws from a mixed vial.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Full Protocol: KLOW Stack Dosing Guide.

The GLP-1 revolution put peptides on the map for the general public. This category includes FDA-approved medications, late-stage trial compounds, and older research peptides that target fat metabolism through different pathways.

What it does: A GLP-1 receptor agonist that suppresses appetite, slows digestion, and improves insulin sensitivity. The compound behind Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight loss).

Evidence tier: 🟢 FDA-Approved — one of the most clinically validated weight-loss compounds available. STEP trials showed about 15% average body-weight reduction at the 2.4 mg weekly dose.

Best for: People needing to lose 20+ lbs, those with difficult appetite control, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome.

Typical dose range: Start at 0.25 mg weekly, titrate up to 1.0–2.4 mg weekly over 16–20 weeks.

Route: Subcutaneous injection (weekly).

Full Protocol: Semaglutide Dosing Guide. Related reading: Best Peptides for Fat Loss (2026).

What it does: A dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist — it activates two appetite and metabolic pathways instead of one. Branded as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (weight loss).

Evidence tier: 🟢 FDA-Approved — SURMOUNT trials showed about 21% average body-weight reduction at the 15 mg dose, slightly outperforming semaglutide in head-to-head comparisons.

Best for: People wanting maximum weight-loss results, those with diabetes or prediabetes, people who've plateaued on semaglutide.

Typical dose range: Start at 2.5 mg weekly, titrate to 5–15 mg weekly over 16–20 weeks.

Route: Subcutaneous injection (weekly).

Full Protocol: Tirzepatide Dosing Guide.

What it does: A triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors at the same time. Hitting three metabolic pathways at once may produce the strongest weight-loss results of any peptide studied to date.

Evidence tier: 🔵 Phase 3 — Phase 2 data showed up to 24.2% body-weight reduction at 12 mg over 48 weeks. Phase 3 TRIUMPH trials are ongoing. Developed by Eli Lilly with potential FDA filing expected in 2026–2027.

Best for: People seeking the most aggressive weight-loss outcomes and researchers tracking next-generation metabolic peptides.

Typical dose range: Phase 2 trial used escalation from 1 mg to 8–12 mg weekly over 24 weeks.

Route: Subcutaneous injection (weekly).

Full Protocol: Retatrutide Dosing Guide. How to access: How Do You Get Retatrutide?.

What it does: Combines a long-acting amylin analog (cagrilintide) with semaglutide. Amylin is a hormone your pancreas releases alongside insulin that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar — adding it to semaglutide targets a complementary fullness pathway.

Evidence tier: 🔵 Phase 3 — REDEFINE trials ongoing. Phase 2 data showed about 15.6% weight loss at 32 weeks. Developed by Novo Nordisk.

Best for: Researchers tracking next-generation combination metabolic therapies.

Typical dose range: Phase 2 used cagrilintide 2.4 mg + semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly.

Route: Subcutaneous injection (weekly).

Full Protocol: CagriSema Dosing Guide.

What it does: A long-acting amylin analog. Amylin is a fullness hormone released with insulin, so cagrilintide is studied for appetite control and slower stomach emptying.

Evidence tier: 🔵 Phase 2-3 — best known as one half of CagriSema. Standalone research shows weight-loss promise, but most late-stage interest is in the semaglutide combination.

Best for: Researchers comparing GLP-1 pathways with amylin-based appetite signaling.

Typical dose range: Clinical studies use weekly subcutaneous dosing. Community research often mirrors CagriSema-style weekly schedules.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

What it does: A fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 177–191) that targets fat metabolism without the blood-sugar or muscle-growth effects of full GH.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Phase 1–2 / Limited human data — some clinical-trial data exists but results were mixed. Primarily used in community protocols.

Best for: People wanting the fat-loss effects of growth hormone without a full GH protocol, those with insulin-sensitivity concerns.

Typical dose range: 300–600 mcg injected subcutaneously daily, preferably fasted.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

2026 regulatory note: AOD-9604 is among the peptides removed from FDA Category 2 in the April 15, 2026 announcement.

Full Protocol: AOD-9604 Dosing Guide. Exercise-mimetic comparator: SLU-PP-332 (pan-ERR agonist).

What it does: A small-molecule exercise mimetic, not a peptide. It activates estrogen-related receptors (ERRs), which are tied to energy use, endurance, and mitochondrial function.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — animal research shows endurance and metabolic effects, but there are no completed human outcome trials.

Best for: Researchers studying exercise-mimetic pathways, metabolic health, and mitochondrial signaling.

Typical dose range: Research-use protocols vary widely. Human dosing is not established.

Route: Usually oral in research discussions.

Full Protocol: SLU-PP-332 Dosing Guide.

What it does: A growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog originally approved for reducing visceral belly fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It stimulates your pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone naturally.

Evidence tier: 🟢 FDA-Approved — for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (branded as Egrifta). Off-label interest for general visceral-fat reduction.

Best for: People with stubborn visceral (belly) fat, metabolic syndrome, and those who prefer a natural GH-stimulation approach rather than direct GH injection.

Typical dose range: 1–2 mg injected subcutaneously daily.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Full Protocol: Tesamorelin Dosing Guide.

What it does: An isolated fragment of growth hormone designed to replicate its fat-burning effects without the muscle-building or blood-sugar impacts. Closely related to AOD-9604.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — animal data supports fat-metabolism effects. Limited human data.

Best for: People wanting targeted fat loss without broader GH effects.

Typical dose range: 250–500 mcg injected subcutaneously 1–2× daily, fasted.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

These peptides work mostly through the growth hormone axis — they stimulate your pituitary gland to release more GH, which supports muscle protein synthesis, recovery, and body recomposition.

What it does: A selective growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) that triggers natural GH pulses from your pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, or appetite. Think of it as a clean signal to your body to produce more growth hormone.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Phase 1–2 / Limited human data — has some clinical data plus extensive compounding-pharmacy and community-use history. One of the most widely used GH peptides.

Best for: Most people wanting GH benefits — it has the cleanest side-effect profile of the GH-releasing peptides. Popular for muscle building, body recomposition, anti-aging, recovery, and sleep quality.

Typical dose range: 100–300 mcg injected subcutaneously 2–3× daily (morning, afternoon, before bed).

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

2026 regulatory note: Ipamorelin was referred to the FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee in September 2024 and is among the peptides removed from Category 2 in the April 15, 2026 announcement.

Full Protocol: Ipamorelin Dosing Guide. Related reading: Best Peptides for Muscle Growth & Recovery (2026).

What it does: Extends growth hormone release by mimicking GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone) with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that extends its half-life. While ipamorelin creates sharp GH pulses, CJC-1295 provides a sustained GH elevation baseline.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Phase 1–2 / Limited human data — some clinical-trial data; extensive compounding use. Most commonly paired with ipamorelin.

Best for: People wanting sustained GH elevation rather than pulsatile release, typically stacked with ipamorelin for the gold-standard GH peptide combination.

Typical dose range: 1–2 mg injected subcutaneously 2× weekly.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Full Protocol: CJC-1295 Dosing Guide.

What it does: The same GHRH-mimicking peptide as CJC-1295 but without the Drug Affinity Complex — so it creates shorter GH pulses that more closely mimic natural release patterns. Sometimes called Modified GRF or CJC-1295 no DAC.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Phase 1–2 / Limited human data — derived from sermorelin research; community use is extensive.

Best for: People who prefer multiple daily GH pulses (more natural rhythm) over sustained elevation. Often stacked with GHRP peptides.

Typical dose range: 100–200 mcg injected subcutaneously 2–3× daily.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Full Protocol: CJC-1295 No DAC Dosing Guide.

What it does: A modified version of IGF-1 with an extended half-life. IGF-1 is the downstream mediator of many growth-hormone effects — it directly stimulates muscle-cell growth and may inhibit muscle breakdown.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Limited human data — some clinical investigation; primarily community-derived dosing protocols.

Best for: Advanced users focused on muscle hypertrophy, people who want the downstream effects of GH without waiting for the GH → IGF-1 conversion.

Typical dose range: 20–80 mcg injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly daily.

Route: Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.

Full Protocol: IGF-1 LR3 Dosing Guide.

What it does: Stimulates strong GH pulses and increases appetite. Similar to ipamorelin but with stronger hunger effects and slightly less selectivity.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Phase 1–2 / Limited human data — clinical data exists; community use is well-documented.

Best for: People who want GH stimulation and are also trying to eat more calories (bulking phases, hard gainers).

Typical dose range: 100–300 mcg injected 2–3× daily on an empty stomach.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

What it does: The strongest appetite-stimulating GH peptide. Creates potent GH pulses alongside significant hunger — useful when eating enough is the bottleneck, counterproductive during cutting phases.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Phase 1–2 / Limited human data.

Best for: Hard gainers during aggressive bulking phases. Not ideal for fat loss due to strong appetite stimulation.

Typical dose range: 100–300 mcg injected 2–3× daily.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

What it does: A potent GH releaser with additional research interest for cardioprotective properties. Stronger GH release than ipamorelin but may cause desensitization with extended use.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Phase 1–2 / Limited human data — some clinical cardiology research.

Best for: People wanting potent GH release for shorter cycles, those interested in the cardiovascular research angle.

Typical dose range: 100–200 mcg injected 2–3× daily.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Note: Desensitization is common with prolonged use. Most protocols recommend 8–12 week cycles with off periods.

What it does: An older GHRH analog that stimulates natural GH release from the pituitary. It was actually FDA-approved (as Geref) for diagnosing GH deficiency in children, though that approval was withdrawn for commercial reasons, not safety.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Phase 1–2 / Historical FDA approval — unique legal standing due to prior FDA approval, though current use is through compounding.

Best for: People who prefer an established compound with a longer track record. Similar to ipamorelin but slightly less selective.

Typical dose range: 200–300 mcg injected subcutaneously before bed.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Full Protocol: Sermorelin Dosing Guide.

What it does: Inhibits myostatin — the protein that limits how much muscle your body will build. By blocking myostatin, follistatin may allow enhanced muscle development beyond natural genetic limits.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — animal data is dramatic (myostatin-knockout mice are famously muscular), but human data is extremely limited.

Best for: Advanced users, competitive bodybuilders, people with muscle-wasting conditions. Not a beginner compound.

Typical dose range: 100 mcg daily or every other day.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Note: Expensive, limited availability. This is an advanced peptide — start with the GH secretagogue foundations first.

What it does: A splice variant of IGF-1 that's produced in muscle tissue after mechanical stimulation (training). MGF is thought to activate satellite cells — the muscle stem cells responsible for repair and growth. PEG-MGF is a pegylated version with an extended half-life.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — mechanistic understanding is solid but human dosing data is limited.

Best for: Bodybuilders seeking enhanced post-workout muscle growth response. Niche compound.

Typical dose range: MGF: 100–200 mcg injected post-workout. PEG-MGF: 200–300 mcg 2–3× weekly.

Route: Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.

These peptides target fundamental aging mechanisms — mitochondrial function, telomere maintenance, cellular energy production, and NAD+ metabolism.

What it does: A mitochondrial-derived peptide that enhances cellular energy production and metabolic health. What makes MOTS-c unusual is that it's encoded by mitochondrial DNA — not nuclear DNA — which redefined our understanding of mitochondria as active signaling organs rather than just energy factories.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — the landmark 2021 Nature Communications study showed old mice treated with MOTS-c doubled their treadmill running time. Human data is extremely limited.

Best for: People focused on energy, endurance, metabolic health, and longevity research. Endurance athletes interested in mitochondrial support.

Typical dose range: 5–10 mg injected subcutaneously 2–3× weekly.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Full Protocol: MOTS-c Dosing Guide. Related reading: Best Peptides for Sleep & Longevity.

What it does: A small mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for cell survival, stress response, metabolism, and age-related decline. It is often discussed with MOTS-c because both come from mitochondrial signaling research.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — strong cell and animal research, but limited human data.

Best for: Researchers studying mitochondrial health, cellular stress, metabolic aging, and neuroprotection.

Typical dose range: Human dosing is not established. Research-use protocols vary by model and goal.

Route: Subcutaneous injection in most research-use discussions.

What it does: A synthetic version of the naturally occurring peptide epithalamin. Research suggests it may activate telomerase — the enzyme that maintains telomere length. Telomeres are protective caps on your chromosomes that shorten with each cell division, and their length is associated with biological aging.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — animal studies show intriguing longevity signals, but human evidence is limited to small or older studies.

Best for: Longevity-focused biohackers, people interested in cellular-aging research.

Typical dose range: 5–10 mg total over 10–20 days, cycled 2–4× yearly.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Note: Short intensive cycles repeated periodically, not continuous dosing.

What it does: Targets the inner mitochondrial membrane, specifically interacting with cardiolipin — a lipid critical for mitochondrial energy production. Think of it as repairing the power plant's internal machinery rather than just feeding it more fuel.

Evidence tier: 🔵 Phase 2–3 — has progressed into late-stage clinical trials for mitochondrial myopathy (Barth syndrome) and heart failure. More clinical data than most longevity peptides.

Best for: People with chronic fatigue, mitochondrial dysfunction, serious biohackers targeting cellular energy.

Typical dose range: 5–20 mg injected subcutaneously daily.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Note: Expensive. More clinical data available than most longevity peptides due to active pharma development.

What it does: Not technically a peptide, but widely used alongside peptide protocols. NAD+ is a coenzyme present in every living cell, essential for energy production, DNA repair, and gene expression. Levels decline roughly 50% between ages 20 and 60.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Limited human data for injection — oral precursors (NR, NMN) have human-trial data showing blood NAD+ increases of about 2.7-fold at 1,000 mg/day NR.

Best for: People focused on cellular energy, longevity, and recovery optimization.

Typical dose range: 50–100 mg subcutaneously 2–3× weekly (injection). Oral NR/NMN precursors: 250–1,000 mg daily.

Route: Subcutaneous injection or oral (precursors).

Full Protocol: NAD+ Injection Guide.

What it does: A Peptide Partners energy-focused research blend. It is not a peptide. It combines B vitamins, amino acids, and metabolic support compounds for researchers studying larger vitamin and amino combinations.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Ingredient-supported / blend-specific data limited — the individual ingredients are well known, but the exact Meta-Z mix is a proprietary research blend.

Formula snapshot: B12 1 mg/mL, methionine 50 mg/mL, inositol 100 mg/mL, choline bitartrate 400 mg/mL, taurine 50 mg/mL, leucine 20 mg/mL, L-carnitine 500 mg/mL, L-arginine 200 mg/mL, and alpha-lipoic acid 25 mg/mL.

Best for: Energy, amino-acid, lipotropic, and metabolic-support research where a multi-ingredient blend is being compared against single-compound options.

Route: Injection research blend.

What it does: A broad B-vitamin research blend. It is not a peptide, but it is often grouped with peptide-support supplies because B vitamins support energy metabolism, methylation, and general cellular function.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Ingredient-supported / blend-specific data limited — B vitamins are well studied, but this exact blend should be treated as a research product.

Formula snapshot: B1 100 mg/mL, B2 2 mg/mL, niacin 20 mg/mL, nicotinamide 80 mg/mL, B5 250 mg/mL, B6 50 mg/mL, biotin 10 mg/mL, L-methylfolate 15 mg/mL, and B12 1 mg/mL.

Best for: Researchers comparing B-vitamin support blends for energy, methylation, and recovery-adjacent protocols.

Route: Injection research blend.

Beyond muscle growth, the ipamorelin + CJC-1295 combination is the most commonly discussed anti-aging peptide foundation. Growth hormone underpins skin quality, sleep, recovery, body composition, and cellular repair — all of which decline with age. See the Ipamorelin protocol and the CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin GH Pulse Stack.

These peptides target brain function — focus, anxiety reduction, neuroprotection, and mental clarity. Most are administered via nasal spray rather than injection.

What it does: A synthetic analog of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) fragments that enhances cognitive function, focus, and may offer neuroprotective effects. Approved as a pharmaceutical in Russia for stroke recovery and cognitive conditions.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Limited human data (Western standards) — approved and prescribed in Russia; peer-reviewed publications exist but large Western clinical trials are lacking.

Best for: People wanting cognitive enhancement, focus improvement, students, professionals with high mental demands.

Typical dose range: 300–600 mcg nasal spray or injection, 1–2× daily.

Route: Nasal spray (most common) or subcutaneous injection.

Full Protocol: Semax Dosing Guide.

What it does: An anxiety-reducing peptide derived from tuftsin (an immune-modulating peptide). It targets GABA pathways — the same system that benzodiazepines act on — but without the sedation or dependence risk.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Limited human data (Western standards) — approved in Russia as an anxiolytic. Some published studies support anti-anxiety and immune-modulating effects.

Best for: People with anxiety, stress-management needs, focus issues. Often paired with Semax — Selank for calm, Semax for sharpness.

Typical dose range: 250–500 mcg nasal spray or injection, 1–3× daily.

Route: Nasal spray (most common) or subcutaneous injection.

Full Protocol: Selank Dosing Guide.

What it does: A small peptide derived from angiotensin IV that acts on the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) system. Research suggests it may promote synapse formation and cognitive function at extremely low doses.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — animal data on cognitive enhancement is notable, but no human trials have been completed.

Best for: Advanced biohackers focused on cognitive research. Not a beginner compound.

Typical dose range: 10–40 mg orally or sublingually daily (community protocols).

Route: Oral, sublingual, or intranasal.

Note: Very limited human data. Approach with caution.

What it does: Promotes deep sleep and may help regulate disrupted sleep patterns. Named for its effect on delta-wave (deep) sleep stages.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — some older human studies exist but evidence is mixed and the compound has faded from active clinical development.

Best for: People with sleep disorders, athletes needing recovery through better sleep quality.

Typical dose range: 100–300 mcg injected before bed.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Note: Less commonly used than other peptides. Mixed results reported in community. Ipamorelin before bed may be a more reliable sleep-quality approach.

Related reading: Best Peptides for Sleep & Longevity: Epithalon, MOTS-c, DSIP.

These peptides modulate immune function — strengthening, balancing, or redirecting the immune system depending on the compound.

What it does: A thymus-derived peptide that enhances immune function by stimulating T-cell maturation and natural killer cell activity. It's one of the most clinically studied immune-modulating peptides.

Evidence tier: 🟢 Approved in some countries — approved in over 30 countries for hepatitis B/C treatment and as an immune adjuvant. Not FDA-approved in the US, but has extensive clinical-trial data.

Best for: People with compromised immunity, chronic infections, hepatitis, cancer treatment support (adjunctive), and preventive immune optimization.

Typical dose range: 1.6–3 mg injected subcutaneously 2–3× weekly.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

2026 regulatory note: Thymosin Alpha-1 was referred to the FDA's PCAC in September 2024 and is among the peptides removed from Category 2 in the April 15, 2026 announcement.

Full Protocol: Thymosin Alpha-1 Dosing Guide.

What it does: A human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide that forms part of the innate immune defense. It directly kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi while also modulating inflammatory responses.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — extensive in vitro and animal data. No completed human efficacy trials for therapeutic injection.

Best for: People interested in antimicrobial immune support, chronic infection contexts.

Typical dose range: 50–200 mcg injected subcutaneously daily (community protocols).

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Note: LL-37 may remain on the FDA Category 2 restricted list due to stronger safety concerns. Verify current status before sourcing.

These compounds are used for libido, reproductive-hormone signaling, or melanocortin-driven tanning and desire effects.

What it does: Activates melanocortin receptors in the brain to restore sexual desire and arousal. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis) that address blood flow, PT-141 works on desire pathways — it helps you want to, not just be able to.

Evidence tier: 🟢 FDA-Approved — branded as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.

Best for: Women with low libido (especially post-menopause or HSDD), people with desire issues where PDE5 inhibitors haven't helped.

Typical dose range: 0.5–2 mg injected subcutaneously 2–3 hours before desired effect.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Note: Use as-needed (not daily). Most protocols suggest 1–3× weekly maximum.

Full Protocol: PT-141 Dosing Guide.

What it does: A neuropeptide that regulates the HPG (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal) axis — the master control system for reproductive hormones. It triggers GnRH release, which cascades into LH, FSH, and downstream testosterone or estrogen production.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Phase 1–2 — clinical investigation ongoing for fertility and hormonal-regulation applications.

Best for: People with fertility issues, hormonal imbalances, or interest in HPG-axis research.

Typical dose range: 1–10 mcg daily (community protocols; clinical trials use variable dosing).

Route: Subcutaneous injection or intravenous (clinical settings).

Note: Newer peptide with developing clinical data. Experimental.

What it does: A signaling peptide found in the gut, brain, lungs, and immune system. VIP helps regulate blood-vessel tone, smooth muscle, inflammation, and nervous-system signaling.

Evidence tier: 🟡 Limited human data — VIP has clinical research interest, but most wellness and research-use protocols are still experimental.

Best for: Researchers studying immune balance, inflammation signaling, gut-brain signaling, and vascular response.

Typical dose range: Research-use dosing varies widely. Human dosing should be treated as experimental and clinician-guided.

Route: Intranasal or injection depending on the research model.

What it does: A synthetic melanocortin peptide that stimulates melanin production (tanning) and has secondary effects on appetite suppression and libido.

Evidence tier: 🟠 Preclinical — no FDA approval. Safety concerns have been raised regarding mole changes and melanoma monitoring.

Best for: People wanting year-round tanning without UV exposure. The appetite suppression and libido effects are secondary.

Typical dose range: 250–500 mcg injected daily for loading (2–4 weeks), then 1–2× weekly maintenance.

Route: Subcutaneous injection.

Important safety note: Monitor moles and skin changes carefully. Melanocortin activation can affect existing moles. Dermatological screening before and during use is prudent.

Full Protocol: Melanotan II Dosing Guide.

Use this table as a starting point. Each row shows the most commonly used first choice for that goal, a runner-up, the best stack option, and the evidence tier so you know what kind of data backs it.

For detailed supplier comparisons, Finnrick Analytics quality ratings, and pricing data on any peptide in this list, visit the PepPal Supplier Directory. All suppliers listed there have been assessed by Finnrick Analytics with COA verification. Use code PEPPAL at checkout where eligible.

If this list feels overwhelming, narrow it down in three steps.

Not three — one. Weight loss, injury healing, muscle building, anti-aging, or cognitive enhancement. Your first peptide should target your top priority.

If you're new to peptides, start with compounds that have the strongest human evidence and the most established safety profiles. FDA-approved peptides (semaglutide, tirzepatide, PT-141, tesamorelin) have the most data behind them. The GH secretagogues (ipamorelin, CJC-1295) have extensive compounding and community history. BPC-157 and TB-500 are preclinical but are the most commonly used research peptides globally.

Start with a single peptide (or one well-established pair like ipamorelin + CJC-1295). Run it for 12–16 weeks. Track results. Then decide whether to add, switch, or continue.

The peptide regulatory environment is shifting in 2026. Here's what to know.

In late 2023, the FDA placed roughly 19 widely used peptides on its Category 2 restricted list, which blocked compounding pharmacies from preparing them. The restricted compounds included BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, Thymosin Alpha-1, AOD-9604, Selank, Semax, GHK-Cu, KPV, MOTS-c, and others.

On February 27, 2026, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that approximately 14 of the restricted peptides would be moved back to Category 1 — restoring the ability of licensed compounding pharmacies to prepare them under physician prescription.

On April 15, 2026, the FDA followed through with a formal action that removed 12 peptides — BPC-157, TB-500, MOTs-C, Epitalon, KPV, Semax, injectable GHK-Cu, Melanotan II, LL-37, DSIP, PEG-MGF, and DiHexa — from Category 2 status. The July 2026 FDA meeting is expected to address full approval decisions.

Category 1 placement allows compounding but is not the same as FDA approval. These peptides still lack formal FDA approval for specific therapeutic indications. They would be available through compounding pharmacies with a prescription, not over-the-counter. As of May 2026, formal final-rule publication of the full updated list is still pending — the April action covered 12 compounds, but the broader list outcome will firm up at the July 2026 meeting.

The Category 2 discussion does not affect semaglutide, tirzepatide, or other GLP-1 compounds. Those follow their own regulatory path as FDA-approved medications.