Complete List of Peptides & What They Do (2026)

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, blocking compounding pharmacies from preparing it. In February 2026, HHS Secretary Kennedy announced plans to reclassify ~14 peptides back to Category 1, which would restore compounding access. Formal FDA publication is still pending as of April 2026.

Full protocol: BPC-157 Dosing Protocol

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 injected 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 Protocol

Related reading: Does TB-500 Cause Cancer? What the Research Shows

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 Protocol

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 Protocol

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 ~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 Protocol

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 ~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 Protocol

What it does: A triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. By hitting three metabolic pathways at once, it 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, 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 Protocol

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 ~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 Protocol

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 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 expected to move from FDA Category 2 back to Category 1 following the February 2026 HHS announcement.

Full protocol: AOD-9604 Dosing Protocol

What it does: A growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog originally approved for reducing visceral belly fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. 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 Protocol

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

Full protocol: HGH Fragment 176-191 Dosing Protocol

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 expected to return to Category 1.

Full protocol: Ipamorelin Dosing Protocol

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 Protocol

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 Protocol

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 Protocol

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

Full protocol: GHRP-2 Dosing Protocol

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

Full protocol: GHRP-6 Dosing Protocol

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.

Full protocol: Hexarelin Dosing Protocol

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 Protocol

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.

Full protocol: Follistatin Dosing Protocol

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

Full protocol: MGF Dosing Protocol

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 Protocol

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.

Full protocol: Epithalon Dosing Protocol

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.

Full protocol: SS-31 Dosing Protocol

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 ~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 Protocol

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 Protocol

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 Protocol

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.

Full protocol: Dihexa Dosing Protocol

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.

Full protocol: DSIP Dosing Protocol

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 expected to return to Category 1 status.

Full protocol: Thymosin Alpha-1 Dosing Protocol

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.

Full protocol: LL-37 Dosing Protocol

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 Protocol

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.

Full protocol: Kisspeptin Dosing Protocol

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 Protocol