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Melanotan 1 is a synthetic analogue closely related to the naturally occurring peptide α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH, also referred to as Melanotan 2). α-MSH plays a key role in regulating skin and hair pigmentation by acting on melanocytes through strong binding to the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). As a non-selective full agonist, α-MSH also activates melanocortin receptors 1, 3, 4, and 5. Melanotan 1 differs from α-MSH by a single amino acid substitution and was originally developed as a sunless tanning agent. Early studies confirmed its ability to induce pigmentation but also revealed broader effects, including changes in baseline metabolism. Research on Melanotan 1 and related melanocortin-binding peptides has since provided valuable insights into the melanocortin signaling system.
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Melanotan-2 (MT-2) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), originally developed in the 1980s. Research indicates that MT-2 may influence several physiological processes, including enhancement of sexual arousal, reduction of compulsive or addictive behaviors, appetite suppression, and stimulation of melanin synthesis. By activating melanocytes, MT-2 promotes increased skin pigmentation. Preliminary studies have also suggested a potential role in supporting neurodevelopmental outcomes, with some evidence pointing to possible benefits in early interventions for autism.
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PT-141, also known by its clinical name Bremelanotide, is a synthetic peptide derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) through extensive structural modifications. It has undergone clinical evaluation for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in both men and women, as well as for applications in acute hemorrhagic conditions. PT-141 functions as an agonist at melanocortin-4 (MC4R) and melanocortin-1 (MC1R) receptors. Evidence from research indicates that it enhances sexual arousal and exerts immunomodulatory effects.
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Sermorelin is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) that is commonly used to evaluate and enhance endogenous growth hormone production. Research interest in sermorelin stems from its potential roles in promoting bone density, minimizing scar formation, mitigating cognitive decline associated with dementia, and reducing seizure occurrence.
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MOTS-c is a 16–amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) that plays a key role in metabolic regulation. Produced within mitochondria, it helps maintain cellular energy balance by influencing glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and stress-response pathways. MOTS-c can translocate to the nucleus, where it regulates the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic adaptation, particularly during metabolic stress. Studies indicate that MOTS-c enhances exercise performance, reduces obesity and insulin resistance, and provides protective effects against conditions such as osteoporosis, metabolic disorders, and age-related diseases. In summary, MOTS-c supports metabolic homeostasis, healthy aging, and improved physical performance while mitigating the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and related disease states.
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Oxytocin is a peptide hormone with key physiological roles in sexual reproduction, childbirth, maternal-infant bonding during lactation, and tissue repair. Beyond these established functions, emerging evidence indicates that oxytocin may enhance cognitive performance, reduce cardiovascular risk, and mitigate complications associated with diabetes.
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BPC-157 is a peptide made up of 15 amino acids, originally discovered in human gastric juice. Research shows that it supports faster healing of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even skin injuries such as burns. It also helps protect organs and may prevent gastric ulcers. In the digestive system, BPC-157 has been shown to support gut health by helping with issues like leaky gut, IBS, cramps, and Crohn’s disease. In addition, it may reduce pain and speed up recovery by improving blood flow, boosting collagen production, and supporting new tissue and blood vessel growth. Because of these benefits, BPC-157 is being studied as a promising option for wound healing and overall recovery support.
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BPC-157 is a peptide made up of 15 amino acids, originally discovered in human gastric juice. Research shows that it supports faster healing of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even skin injuries such as burns. It also helps protect organs and may prevent gastric ulcers. In the digestive system, BPC-157 has been shown to support gut health by helping with issues like leaky gut, IBS, cramps, and Crohn’s disease. In addition, it may reduce pain and speed up recovery by improving blood flow, boosting collagen production, and supporting new tissue and blood vessel growth. Because of these benefits, BPC-157 is being studied as a promising option for wound healing and overall recovery support.
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AOD9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from human growth hormone (hGH), specifically from the 176-191 amino acid region of the hGH molecule. It was developed to mimic the fat-reducing (lipolytic) effects of hGH without the growth-promoting effects typically associated with the full hormone.
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Semaglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. As an analogue of endogenous GLP-1, semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors to stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion, inhibit glucagon release, delay gastric emptying, and promote satiety, thereby improving glycemic control and reducing body weight (Nauck & Meier, 2019). Its molecular modifications, including substitution of alanine at position 8 and attachment of a C18 fatty diacid chain, extend its half-life to approximately one week, enabling once-weekly dosing (Marso et al., 2016). Semaglutide was initially approved for the management of type 2 diabetes under the trade name Ozempic and later for chronic weight management under the brand Wegovy. Large-scale clinical trials, such as the SUSTAIN and STEP programs, demonstrated significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), meaningful weight loss, and favorable cardiovascular outcomes in patients at high risk (Wilding et al., 2021; Marso et al., 2016). Beyond diabetes and obesity, ongoing research is evaluating semaglutide’s potential role in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders (Newsome et al., 2021). Given its robust clinical efficacy and broad therapeutic potential, semaglutide represents a major advancement in metabolic medicine and has reshaped the treatment paradigm for both diabetes and obesity.
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Epithalon (Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) originally developed as an analogue of the naturally occurring pineal peptide complex, Epithalamin. It has been proposed to act as a modulator of telomerase activity, the ribonucleoprotein enzyme complex responsible for the preservation and elongation of telomeric DNA sequences at chromosomal termini. Experimental evidence suggests that Epithalon may facilitate telomere extension, thereby enhancing genomic stability, delaying replicative senescence, and exerting potential geroprotective effects through the attenuation of age-associated cellular decline.
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GHK-Cu is an endogenous peptide naturally present in human plasma, urine, and saliva. Preclinical studies in animal models indicate that GHK-Cu enhances wound repair, supports immune function, and promotes skin regeneration by stimulating collagen synthesis, activating fibroblasts, and facilitating angiogenesis. Evidence also suggests that it functions as a feedback signal released following tissue injury. Additionally, GHK-Cu exhibits antioxidant properties by mitigating free radical–induced damage.
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IGF-1 LR3 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Long R3) is a synthetic, engineered variant of insulin-like growth factor-1 designed for enhanced stability and activity. Unlike native IGF-1, IGF-1 LR3 has a reduced affinity for IGF-binding proteins, allowing it to remain biologically active for up to 120 times longer. This extended half-life increases its physiological impact, promoting enhanced cell proliferation, fat metabolism, and muscle growth through the suppression of myostatin. Additionally, emerging studies indicate potential applications in supporting lactation in postpartum mothers.
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Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide originally developed by Novo Nordisk as part of their exploration of selective growth hormone secretagogues. Structurally, it is a short chain of five amino acids, designed to act as an agonist at the ghrelin or growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). By binding to this receptor in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, ipamorelin mimics the activity of the natural “hunger hormone” ghrelin, stimulating the pituitary to release growth hormone (GH) in a pulsatile and physiologically natural rhythm. This mechanism contrasts with direct growth hormone injections, which deliver GH in a non-pulsatile, supra-physiological manner.
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Cagrilintide is a long-acting analogue of amylin, a natural peptide released alongside insulin. In animal studies, it has shown potential for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. Beyond these uses, research has explored its possible benefits for liver injury, alcohol-related liver disease, and cardiovascular conditions. There is also speculation about its role in Alzheimer’s disease, though no studies have yet been published in that area. Several trials have examined cagrilintide in combination with semaglutide for obesity and type 2 diabetes, with evidence suggesting the two agents may act synergistically to promote greater and more sustained weight loss. While preclinical findings are encouraging, clinical data in humans remain limited, and further studies are needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety.
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5-amino-1MQ is a small molecule that inhibits the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), which plays a key role in metabolism and energy regulation, particularly in fat tissue. By blocking NNMT, 5-amino-1MQ increases levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), a critical cofactor in cellular metabolism. This increase in NAD⁺ enhances metabolic activity and activates the SIRT1 gene, also known as the “longevity gene.” SIRT1 is associated with a reduced risk of various chronic conditions, including diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, kidney and liver disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and certain cancers. In studies involving mice, treatment with 5-amino-1MQ led to a 7% reduction in body mass within 10 days, without any change in food consumption compared to untreated controls. Additional research suggests that lowering NNMT activity may help shrink fat cells and decrease fat accumulation.
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KPV is a synthetic tripeptide (a short chain of three amino acids: lysine-proline-valine) that is derived from the larger hormone alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is a small peptide drug candidate with strong anti-inflammatory and protective properties, derived from the larger α-MSH hormone, and is being investigated as a targeted therapy for inflammatory disorders.
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Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential pyridine nucleotide and ubiquitous coenzyme present in all living cells, where it plays a central role in cellular metabolism and bioenergetics. Acting as a redox mediator, NAD+ undergoes continuous interconversion between its oxidized (NAD+) and reduced (NADH) states, thereby facilitating electron transfer reactions fundamental to oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production. Beyond its canonical role in energy metabolism, NAD+ serves as a critical co-substrate in more than 500 enzymatic reactions, underscoring its broad involvement in cellular homeostasis. Accumulating evidence suggests that maintenance of NAD+ levels contributes to enhanced skeletal muscle function, neuroprotection, and attenuation of age-associated physiological decline.
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MOTS-c is a 16–amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) that plays a key role in metabolic regulation. Produced within mitochondria, it helps maintain cellular energy balance by influencing glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and stress-response pathways. MOTS-c can translocate to the nucleus, where it regulates the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic adaptation, particularly during metabolic stress. Studies indicate that MOTS-c enhances exercise performance, reduces obesity and insulin resistance, and provides protective effects against conditions such as osteoporosis, metabolic disorders, and age-related diseases. In summary, MOTS-c supports metabolic homeostasis, healthy aging, and improved physical performance while mitigating the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and related disease states.
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CJC-1295 No DAC (Modified GRF) is a shortened peptide derivative of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH). Originally developed in the 1980s, studies on modGRF suggest it may support muscle repair and development, speed up wound recovery, enhance bone strength, boost fat metabolism, and promote overall metabolic health. Research also indicates it could play a role in regulating blood sugar levels and supporting immune function.
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BPC-157 is a peptide made up of 15 amino acids, originally discovered in human gastric juice. Research shows that it supports faster healing of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even skin injuries such as burns. It also helps protect organs and may prevent gastric ulcers. In the digestive system, BPC-157 has been shown to support gut health by helping with issues like leaky gut, IBS, cramps, and Crohn’s disease. In addition, it may reduce pain and speed up recovery by improving blood flow, boosting collagen production, and supporting new tissue and blood vessel growth. Because of these benefits, BPC-157 is being studied as a promising option for wound healing and overall recovery support.
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CJC-1295 DAC is a synthetic peptide designed as an analog of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH). Its primary purpose is to stimulate the pituitary gland to release more growth hormone, which subsequently elevates levels of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1). What sets the DAC version apart from the non-DAC form is the addition of a “Drug Affinity Complex.” This chemical modification allows CJC-1295 DAC to bind to albumin in the bloodstream, extending its half-life from just minutes to several days. Because of this extended duration, a single administration can keep growth hormone levels elevated for nearly a week, making it significantly more efficient in terms of dosing frequency compared to its short-lived counterpart. In research contexts, CJC-1295 DAC has been studied for its potential to promote tissue repair, support lean muscle growth, improve fat metabolism, enhance sleep quality, and contribute to overall cellular rejuvenation. These effects are largely connected to the consistent elevation of growth hormone and IGF-1, which play central roles in recovery, metabolism, and anti-aging pathways. Despite these promising avenues, CJC-1295 DAC remains a research chemical rather than an approved therapeutic drug. Human studies are limited, and while side effects observed have included injection site reactions, water retention, flushing, and tingling, the long-term implications are not yet fully understood. Because of this, its use outside of supervised research carries risks, and it is not approved by regulatory authorities for medical treatment.