Clinical evidence
Semaglutide
Wegovy • Ozempic • Rybelsus
A GLP-1 receptor agonist used in specific prescription medicines for defined indications.
Weight & metabolism
Understanding Peptides
A plain-language guide to what peptides are and why they are being extensively researched.
The Peptide Library
Peptides are the subject of ongoing research across many areas of health. Start with a topic that interests you, then explore an individual compound to see what the evidence says, and what it doesn't.
Explore the library by name or interest. Every profile separates biological mechanisms, evidence and product-specific regulatory context.
14 of 14 profiles. Topics describe areas of study, not treatment recommendations; evidence filters are navigation aids, not quality scores.
- Clinical evidence
Tirzepatide
Zepbound • Mounjaro
A dual-receptor agonist with evidence tied to specific prescription products and patient groups.
Weight & metabolism - Investigational human research
Retatrutide
LY3437943
An investigational compound acting at GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors.
Weight & metabolism - Preclinical / limited evidence
GHK-Cu
Copper tripeptide-1 • glycyl-histidyl-lysine copper
A copper-bound tripeptide studied in skin biology and extracellular-matrix research.
Skin, hair & aesthetics - Preclinical / limited evidence
AHK-Cu
Alanyl-histidyl-lysine copper
A distinct copper tripeptide studied in cultured hair follicles and dermal-papilla cells.
Skin, hair & aesthetics - Preclinical / limited evidence
BPC-157
Body protection compound 157
An experimental compound discussed in tissue-repair research, with major clinical evidence gaps.
Recovery & tissue research - Clinical evidence
SS-31 / Elamipretide
Forzinity • elamipretide
A compound associated with a specific US medicine for Barth syndrome—not general anti-aging approval.
Cellular science & aging - Preclinical / limited evidence
5-Amino-1MQ
5-amino-1-methylquinolinium
A small-molecule NNMT inhibitor included for clarity because it appears in peptide catalogues.
Weight & metabolism - Investigational human research
CJC-1295
Verify the exact molecular form
A growth-hormone-pathway compound whose molecular form matters when interpreting research.
Muscle & body composition - Investigational human research
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin acetate
An investigational compound discussed in growth-hormone signaling and combination-product marketing.
Muscle & body composition - Preclinical / limited evidence
TB-500 / Tβ4 fragment
Commercial naming requires verification
A research-market name that must be distinguished from full-length thymosin beta-4.
Recovery & tissue research - Clinical evidence
Tesamorelin
Egrifta product family
A prescription compound with a specific visceral-fat indication, not a general weight-loss indication.
Muscle & body composition - Preclinical / limited evidence
Adamax
Semax-derived research compound
A synthetic research peptide described by suppliers as a modified analogue of Semax, investigated for interest in cognition and nerve-cell signalling.
Cognition, sleep & mood - Preclinical / limited evidence
PT-141
PT-141 is a research compound supplied for laboratory and scientific study.
Cellular science & aging
The Basics
You don't need a science degree to ask better questions.
What is a peptide?
A peptide is a chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Different sequences can have very different biological roles, so “peptide” describes a molecular family, not a guarantee of effectiveness or safety.
Some are naturally occurring signals; others are designed medicines or experimental compounds. Not everything sold as a peptide actually is one: 5-Amino-1MQ, for example, is a small molecule.
How do peptides work?
Some interact with receptors, the proteins that receive biological signals. Others are investigated for interactions with cellular structures or enzymes. The effect depends on the exact molecule, formulation, exposure and biological context.
A plausible mechanism is the beginning of an explanation. Showing a meaningful benefit requires appropriate studies in people, not just evidence that a pathway changed.
What counts as evidence?
Laboratory studies of cells or tissues help explore mechanisms, and animal studies examine effects in living models. Neither proves a benefit in people.
For human trials, ask who was studied, whether there was a comparison group, what was measured and for how long. A change in a hormone or biomarker may not mean better health or performance.
Does an approved molecule mean an approved vial?
No. Approval concerns a particular product, formulation and use within a country. A research vial with a matching compound name does not inherit that approval.
US status is given as reference context. Registration, importation and supply in Trinidad and Tobago are matters for the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division.
For Education Only
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified physician. Do not start, stop or change any treatment based on this information.
Many of the compounds described here are still being researched. Unless stated otherwise, they are not approved for human or veterinary use, and nothing here suggests they can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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