Approved Peptide Drugs — Authorized for Sale in at Least One Country
| Peptide | Category / Function | Legal Markets | Indication / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 analogue | Global | Approved for Type 2 diabetes and obesity. |
| Tirzepatide | GLP-1/GIP dual agonist | Global | Approved for diabetes and chronic weight management. |
| PT-141 | MC4R agonist | US | Treats hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. |
| Afamelanotide | α-MSH analogue (Melanotan I) | EU, AU | Approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria photoprotection. |
| Tesamorelin | GHRH analogue | US, CA | Treats HIV-associated lipodystrophy. |
| HCG | Gonadotropin hormone | Global | Used for infertility and hypogonadism. |
| HMG | Menotropin (FSH/LH) | Global | Stimulates ovulation and spermatogenesis. |
| HGH 191AA | Human growth hormone | Global | Treats GH deficiency and short stature disorders. |
| Gonadorelin | GnRH agonist | US, EU | Used diagnostically in fertility medicine. |
| Oxytocin Acetate | Reproductive hormone | Global | Induces labor and supports lactation. |
| L-Carnitine | Metabolic cofactor | Global (OTC/Rx) | Enhances fat oxidation and endurance. |
| Glutathione | Antioxidant tripeptide | Asia Rx / Global OTC | Supports liver detox and skin brightening. |
Cosmetic-Use Peptides (Topical Legal Use Only)
| Peptide | Function | Regulatory Note |
|---|---|---|
| Snap-8 | Smooths expression lines and reduces wrinkles. | Approved cosmetic ingredient only. |
| GHK-Cu | Stimulates collagen synthesis and skin repair. | Topical use only – not systemic. |
| Lipo-C | L-carnitine blend supporting fat metabolism and skin tone. | Aesthetic injection cocktail; not a drug. |
| Glutathione | Brightening and antioxidant skin support. | Cosmetic category only. |
Peptides in Clinical Trials (Promising for Future Approval)
| Peptide | Mechanism / Target | Stage | Indication / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AOD-9604 | GH-fragment 176-191 (lipolytic) | Phase 2 | Obesity and cartilage repair. |
| Cagrilintide | Amylin analogue (satiety) | Phase 3 | Obesity – Novo Nordisk development. |
| Retatrutide | GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon triple agonist | Phase 3 | Obesity and type 2 diabetes (Eli Lilly). |
| Mazdutide | GLP-1/GCGR dual agonist | Phase 3 (CN) | Obesity and metabolic disease. |
| Survodutide | GLP-1/Glucagon dual agonist | Phase 3 (EU) | Obesity and NASH (Boehringer Ingelheim). |
| Kisspeptin-10 | GnRH stimulation peptide | Phase 2 | Infertility and IVF regulation. |
| Thymosin Alpha-1 | Immunomodulator | Marketed CN/IT + trials global | Hepatitis, sepsis, immune adjuvant. |
| Selank | Heptapeptide anxiolytic | Phase 2 (RU) | Anxiety and cognitive support. |
| Semax | ACTH-fragment neuroprotective | Phase 2 (RU) | Stroke recovery and learning enhancement. |
| Epitalon | Telomerase activator | Exploratory | Aging and neurodegeneration studies. |
| TB-500 | Actin modulator | Phase 2 | Cardiac, ocular and wound repair. |
| BPC-157 | Cytoprotective angiogenic peptide | Pilot Human (2024–25) | GI and musculoskeletal healing. |
| ARA-290 | Erythropoietin-derived anti-inflammatory peptide | Phase 2 | Neuropathy and sarcoidosis. |
| MOTS-C | Mitochondrial-encoded metabolic peptide | Phase 1 | Metabolic syndrome and insulin sensitivity. |
| SS-31 | Mitochondrial cardiolipin binder | Phase 3 | Mitochondrial myopathy and heart failure. |
| 5-Amino-1MQ | NNMT enzyme inhibitor | Pre-clinical → Phase 1 | Fat metabolism and longevity research. |
| Follistatin-344 | Myostatin binding protein | Pre-clinical | Muscle growth and metabolic therapy. |
Research-Only / Unapproved Peptides (No Formal Clinical Pathway)
| Peptide | Main Research Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 (with DAC) | GH secretagogue | Research-only. |
| CJC-1295 (without DAC) | Short-acting GHRH analogue | Research-only. |
| GHRP-2 | Growth hormone releasing peptide | Research-only. |
| GHRP-6 | GH release and appetite stimulation | Research-only. |
| Hexarelin | Potent GH secretagogue | Research-only. |
| Ipamorelin | Selective GH release peptide | Research-only. |
| Sermorelin | GHRH analog (former Rx) | Compounded / research use. |
| KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) | Anti-inflammatory peptide | Research-only. |
| LL-37 | Antimicrobial and immune modulator | Research-only. |
| Vilon | Thymic fragment – regeneration | Research-only. |
| Thymalin | Thymus-derived immune peptide | Research-only. |
| DSIP | Sleep and stress regulation | Research-only. |
| FOXO4-DRI | Senolytic anti-aging peptide | Research-only. |
| GDF-11 | Regeneration and anti-aging factor | Research-only. |
| P21 | Neural regeneration and repair | Research-only. |
| MGF | IGF-1 splice variant; muscle repair | Research-only. |
| PEG-MGF | Extended MGF; muscle growth | Research-only. |
| IGF-1 LR3 | Long-acting IGF-1 analog | Research-only. |
| Melanotan II | Melanocortin receptor agonist | Illegal in most countries. |
| NAD+ | Metabolic coenzyme; cellular energy | Nutraceutical; not a drug. |
| Dermorphin | Opioid peptide analogue | Banned / research-only. |
Disclaimer:
This information is provided for research and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment guidance. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical or health decisions.