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Plain-English research reference

What do peptides do?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can act as signals in biological systems. Different peptides interact with very different pathways, so there is no single “peptide effect.” Open any entry below to understand what it is, why researchers study it and how strong the evidence currently is.

Complete reference index

Every A–Z catalogue entry

These shorter entries explain the intended research idea behind every name in the wider catalogue. Open a letter, then select a product.

51 entries
5-Amino-1MQ

A small-molecule NNMT inhibitor used in preclinical metabolic research; it is not an approved medicine.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
A9 entries
ACE-031

An investigational soluble activin receptor designed to alter myostatin and related signalling in muscle research.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Acetic Acid Reconstitution Water

A dilute acidic laboratory diluent. Suitability depends on the material and protocol; it is not interchangeable with every reconstitution solution.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
ACTH 1-39

The full-length corticotropin peptide, studied for its role in stimulating adrenal corticosteroid production.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Adamax

A supplier catalogue name without a clearly established international non-proprietary identity; composition should be confirmed from a COA before research use.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Adipotide

An experimental peptide studied preclinically for effects on blood vessels associated with adipose tissue; it is not an approved treatment.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
AHK-Cu

A copper-binding tripeptide investigated in laboratory models involving skin, hair follicles and extracellular-matrix biology.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
AICAR

An adenosine analogue used in laboratory research to activate AMPK and investigate cellular energy regulation.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
AOD-9604

A modified fragment of human growth hormone studied for metabolic signalling; it is not an approved weight-management medicine in the UK.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)

An investigational erythropoietin-derived peptide studied for tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory signalling without red-cell stimulation.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
B3 entries
B7-33

A single-chain relaxin-family peptide investigated preclinically for fibrosis and tissue-remodelling pathways.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
BAC Water

Bacteriostatic water is sterile water containing a preservative. Laboratory use must follow the material specification and compatibility requirements.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
BPC-157

An experimental peptide widely used in preclinical tissue-repair research; reliable human clinical evidence is limited and it is not an approved medicine.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
C6 entries
Cagrilintide

A long-acting amylin analogue under clinical investigation for appetite and body-weight regulation.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Cagrilintide + Semaglutide

An investigational combination of an amylin analogue and a GLP-1 receptor agonist studied in metabolic and weight-management trials.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
CBL60

A supplier catalogue label whose exact chemical identity is not established by the name alone; verify the formulation and analytical documentation before research use.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
CJC-1295 No DAC

A catalogue name commonly used for modified GRF (1–29), a GHRH analogue without the drug-affinity-complex modification. Confirm its sequence; it is not simply the same molecule as CJC-1295 with DAC.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
CJC-1295 No DAC + Ipamorelin

A research blend combining a GHRH analogue with a ghrelin-receptor agonist; the blend is not an approved medicine.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
CJC-1295 With DAC

A longer-acting GHRH analogue incorporating a drug-affinity-complex modification, studied for growth-hormone signalling.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
D4 entries
Dermorphin

A potent opioid peptide originally identified in amphibian skin and used in receptor and analgesia research; it carries serious opioid-related risks.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Dihexa

An experimental small molecule derived from angiotensin-related research and studied preclinically for synaptic and neurotrophic pathways.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
DSIP

Delta sleep-inducing peptide is an experimental neuropeptide studied in sleep and stress research; its biological role remains uncertain.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Dulaglutide

A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist used as a prescription medicine for type 2 diabetes; catalogue information is for reference only.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
E1 entries
Epitalon

A synthetic tetrapeptide investigated in ageing and cell-regulation studies; robust clinical evidence and regulatory approval are lacking.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
F4 entries
Follistatin

A protein that binds activins and related growth factors, used in research on muscle, reproduction and tissue regulation.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
FOXO4

A transcription factor central to cell-cycle, stress-response and longevity research; the catalogue name alone does not define a particular peptide sequence.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
FOXO4-DRI

An experimental D-retro-inverso peptide studied preclinically for interactions involving FOXO4 and senescent cells.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
FST-344

A follistatin isoform investigated for its binding to activin and myostatin-family proteins in muscle and developmental research.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
G6 entries
GDF-8

Growth differentiation factor 8, also called myostatin, is a signalling protein studied for its role in limiting skeletal-muscle growth.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
GHK-Cu

A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide studied in laboratory models of wound repair, collagen biology and skin remodelling.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
GHRP-2

A synthetic ghrelin-receptor agonist studied for growth-hormone release and endocrine signalling.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
GHRP-2 Acetate

The acetate salt of GHRP-2, a synthetic ghrelin-receptor agonist used in experimental endocrine research.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Glutathione

A naturally occurring cellular antioxidant used in biochemical research on redox balance, detoxification and oxidative stress.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Gonadorelin Acetate

A synthetic form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone used to study pituitary LH and FSH release.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
H6 entries
HCG

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone that acts at the LH receptor and is used clinically in specific prescribed settings and in reproductive research.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Hexarelin Acetate

A synthetic growth-hormone secretagogue and ghrelin-receptor agonist studied in endocrine research.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
HGH

Human growth hormone regulates growth and metabolism. It is a prescription-only biological medicine and should not be treated as a general research supplement.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
HGH Fragment 176-191

A C-terminal growth-hormone fragment investigated for metabolic signalling; it is not an approved medicine.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
HMG

Human menopausal gonadotropin contains gonadotropin activity and is used clinically under specialist supervision and in reproductive-endocrine research.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Humanin

A mitochondria-associated peptide investigated in preclinical studies of cellular stress, metabolism and neuroprotection.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
I3 entries
IGF-1 LR3

A long-acting laboratory analogue of insulin-like growth factor 1 used to study growth and metabolic signalling; it is not an approved medicine.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
IGF-DES

A shortened IGF-1 analogue used in experimental studies of IGF-receptor signalling and tissue growth.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Ipamorelin

A selective ghrelin-receptor agonist studied for growth-hormone release; it is not an approved medicine.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
K2 entries
Kisspeptin-10

A short active fragment of kisspeptin used to investigate hypothalamic control of reproductive hormone signalling.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
KPV

A tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH investigated preclinically for inflammatory and barrier-related pathways.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
L6 entries
L-Carnitine

A naturally occurring compound involved in transporting fatty acids into mitochondria and widely studied in energy metabolism.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Lipo B

A supplier-defined lipotropic mixture; ingredients and concentrations vary, so the name alone is insufficient to establish composition.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Lipo C

A supplier-defined lipotropic mixture rather than a standardised drug name; verify every ingredient and concentration from the formulation record.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Lipo C with B12

A non-standardised lipotropic mixture that includes vitamin B12; exact composition varies between suppliers.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Liraglutide

A GLP-1 receptor agonist used as a prescription medicine for diabetes and weight management in approved products and indications.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
LL-37

A human antimicrobial peptide studied for innate immunity, inflammation and host-defence signalling.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
M7 entries
Mazdutide

A dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist studied in metabolic trials. Specific mazdutide medicines are authorised in China; that approval does not apply to a UK research-labelled catalogue item.

Innovent: Chinese regulatory and trial update ↗Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Melanotan I

An analogue of alpha-MSH related to afamelanotide and studied for melanocortin signalling and pigmentation.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Melatonin

A hormone involved in circadian timing and sleep regulation; legal and product classifications vary by country.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
MGF

Mechano growth factor is an IGF-1 splice-variant concept studied in muscle adaptation; commercial catalogue material may not match endogenous MGF.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
MK-677

Ibutamoren is an investigational small molecule, not a peptide, that activates the ghrelin receptor in growth-hormone and IGF-1 research.

Tocris: MK-0677 research identity ↗Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
MOTS-C

A mitochondria-derived peptide investigated in preclinical research on cellular energy, stress responses and metabolic regulation.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
MT-2 · Melanotan II

An unapproved synthetic melanocortin analogue studied for pigmentation and related receptor effects; significant safety concerns have been reported.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
N1 entries
NAD+

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is an essential cellular coenzyme studied in energy metabolism, redox reactions and ageing biology.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
O2 entries
Orexin B

A neuropeptide involved in wakefulness, arousal and energy-balance signalling, used in neuroscience research.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Oxytocin Acetate

The acetate salt of oxytocin, a peptide hormone involved in uterine, lactation and social-behaviour pathways.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
P5 entries
PE-22-28

An experimental spadin-derived peptide investigated preclinically for TREK-1 potassium-channel and neurobehavioural pathways.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
PEG-MGF

A pegylated catalogue form associated with mechano growth factor research; identity and biological comparability require analytical verification.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Pinealon

A short synthetic peptide investigated in limited experimental work involving neural and cellular ageing pathways.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
PNC-27

An experimental p53-derived peptide studied preclinically for interactions with cancer-cell membranes; it is not an approved cancer treatment.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
PT-141

Bremelanotide is a melanocortin-receptor agonist studied for sexual-function signalling; regulatory status and approved indications differ by country.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
R2 entries
Retatrutide

An investigational triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors in clinical studies of obesity and metabolic disease; it is not an approved medicine.

Lilly: current investigational programme ↗Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Retatrutide + Tirzepatide Blend

A non-standard experimental mixture of two incretin-pathway compounds. It is not an approved formulation and its composition requires independent verification.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
S8 entries
Selank

A synthetic peptide investigated in limited studies of anxiety, cognition and immune signalling; it is not an approved UK medicine.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Semaglutide

A GLP-1 receptor agonist used in authorised prescription medicines for diabetes and weight management; unlicensed material is not equivalent to an approved product.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Semax

A synthetic ACTH-derived peptide investigated in neurological and cognitive research; it is not an approved UK medicine.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Sermorelin

A growth-hormone-releasing-hormone analogue used in endocrine research and historically in some clinical settings.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
SLU-PP-332

An experimental small molecule described as an oestrogen-related-receptor agonist in preclinical metabolism and exercise-mimetic research.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
SNAP-8

A synthetic cosmetic peptide studied for effects on neurotransmitter-release machinery and the appearance of expression lines.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
SS-31

Elamipretide is a mitochondria-targeting peptide. The specific US medicine Forzinity received accelerated approval for Barth syndrome in patients weighing at least 30 kg; research-labelled SS-31 is not that authorised product.

FDA: specific Forzinity accelerated approval ↗Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Survodutide

An investigational dual glucagon and GLP-1 receptor agonist studied in obesity and metabolic liver disease.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
T7 entries
TB-500

A commercial research name generally associated with thymosin-beta-4-related material; exact sequence and composition should be analytically confirmed.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
TB-500 Fragment 17-23

A short thymosin-beta-4-derived fragment used in laboratory research; it is not an approved medicine.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Teriparatide

A parathyroid-hormone fragment used in authorised prescription medicines for osteoporosis and in bone-metabolism research.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Tesamorelin

A growth-hormone-releasing-factor analogue used in a specific approved indication in some countries and studied in metabolic research.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Thymalin

A thymic peptide preparation investigated in limited immune and ageing research; the catalogue name may represent a mixture rather than one defined molecule.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Thymosin Alpha-1

A thymic peptide investigated for immune-modulating effects and used clinically in some countries, but not universally authorised.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Tirzepatide

A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist used in authorised prescription medicines for diabetes and weight management.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
V3 entries
Vilon

A synthetic dipeptide investigated in limited studies of thymic, immune and gene-regulatory pathways.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
VIP · Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

A naturally occurring neuropeptide involved in vascular tone, smooth muscle, secretion and immune signalling.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Vitamin B12

A group of cobalamin compounds essential for DNA synthesis, blood-cell formation and neurological function; the exact form should be specified.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
W2 entries
Wolverine · BPC-157 5 mg + TB-500 5 mg

A supplier-defined blend of two experimental peptide materials. It is not an approved formulation and each component requires independent verification.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.
Wolverine · BPC-157 10 mg + TB-500 10 mg

A supplier-defined blend of two experimental peptide materials. It is not an approved formulation and each component requires independent verification.

Research and reference information only. This is not a treatment recommendation or an approved-use claim.