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What are peptides? Every research compound, explained.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signalling molecules in the body. This is a plain-language, research-framed guide to 17 compounds — their mechanisms, typical published dose ranges, half-lives and the evidence behind them. Every compound is independently Janoshik & Freedom Diagnostics verified. For research use only.

In one line

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the same building blocks as proteins, only shorter (about 2–50 amino acids). In the body they act as signalling molecules that tell cells to grow, repair, release hormones or regulate metabolism. In research, peptides like BPC-157, GHK-Cu, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are studied to understand these pathways. New-U supplies them strictly as research chemicals — for laboratory and research use only, not for human consumption.

Peptide basics

The questions people ask first

Plain-language answers to the things most people search before anything else — framed for research context, not medical advice.

What do peptides do?

Different peptides act on different pathways. Research broadly groups them by mechanism — metabolic / GLP-1 (appetite & glucose), tissue repair, growth-hormone secretagogues, and anti-ageing / cognitive. Each profile below names its specific mechanism from the literature.

Are peptides safe?

It depends on the specific peptide, the context and the quality of the material. Some are approved medicines with large trials; many research peptides have only preclinical data. New-U material is research-use-only and not for human consumption, so we make no human dosing claims — but every batch is HPLC-tested to >99% with a Certificate of Analysis.

Are peptides legal?

Research peptides such as BPC-157 and Tirzepatide are not scheduled narcotics, but most are not approved medicines for human use either. They sit in a research-chemical category — legal to handle for bona-fide lab and research use, labelled "not for human use. 21+." Local rules vary and are the buyer's responsibility.

Are peptides steroids?

No. Anabolic steroids are lipid molecules on a cholesterol backbone that act directly on hormone receptors. Peptides are short amino-acid chains that usually act as signals — for example prompting the pituitary to release its own growth hormone rather than replacing a hormone. Different chemistry, different research questions.

Independently verified by Janoshik Analytical & Freedom Diagnostics

How to use this guide

Three steps from curiosity to confidence

Each profile is a descriptive reference drawn from published literature - not a recommendation. Use it to understand what a compound is, how it behaves, and where to verify the evidence.

Compound library

17 research peptide profiles

Filter by research goal, then open any compound for its mechanism, typical published dose range, half-life, form, storage and the state of the evidence. Descriptive references drawn from the literature — not recommendations.

Triple GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon agonist. The most potent fat-loss peptide available. Two independent >99% CoAs on file.

Retatrutide is a triple co-agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously — a mechanism that drives significantly greater weight reduction than dual or single agonists. Phase 2 clinical data showed mean weight loss of 24% over 48 weeks at the highest dose, making it the most powerful pharmacological fat-loss agent currently known. Research focus includes obesity, metabolic syndrome, and NAFLD.

Research: Phase 2 SURMOUNT-adjacent trials (NCT05224037) demonstrated dose-dependent weight loss of 17–24% at 48 weeks. Superiority over semaglutide and tirzepatide in head-to-head modelling.

GLP-1 receptor agonist. Appetite suppression, metabolic regulation, weight management.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with a half-life engineered for once-weekly dosing. It acts centrally to reduce appetite and caloric intake, and peripherally to slow gastric emptying and improve insulin secretion. Clinical trials (STEP programme) showed 14–17% mean bodyweight reduction at 2.4 mg/week. It has become the reference standard against which newer GLP-1-class peptides are benchmarked.

Research: STEP 1–4 trials demonstrated consistent 14–17% weight loss. The SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial (N=17,604) showed 20% reduction in MACE events vs placebo.

Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Superior weight loss profile to semaglutide in clinical trials.

Tirzepatide is a dual agonist co-activating both GIP and GLP-1 receptors via a single molecule. The additive effect of GIP stimulation — which enhances insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner and may sensitise adipocytes — produces superior weight loss to semaglutide. The SURMOUNT-1 trial reported up to 22.5% mean bodyweight reduction at 15 mg weekly, establishing tirzepatide as the leading dual agonist.

Research: SURMOUNT-1 (N=2,539) showed 15.0–22.5% weight loss vs 2.4% placebo at 72 weeks. SURPASS-2 demonstrated superiority over semaglutide 1 mg across all endpoints.

Accelerated healing for muscle, tendon, ligament and gut. Broad systemic repair compound.

BPC-157 is a 15-amino acid partial sequence of the gastric protein body protection compound (BPC). It has demonstrated remarkable regenerative properties across musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and neurological tissue in preclinical research. Key mechanisms include upregulation of growth factor receptors, promotion of angiogenesis via VEGF, and modulation of the nitric oxide system. Frequently stacked with TB-500 for synergistic repair protocols.

Research: Extensive rat/rodent models show 2–3× faster tendon repair, gastric ulcer resolution, and spinal cord injury recovery. No human trials published; mechanism well-characterised in vitro.

Enhanced tissue healing, cardiovascular repair, anti-inflammatory. Works synergistically with BPC-157.

TB-500 is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) protein, a ubiquitous intracellular actin-sequestering peptide. It promotes cell migration and proliferation, upregulates actin assembly, and has demonstrated significant cardiac and skeletal muscle repair in preclinical studies. TB-500 covers complementary pathways to BPC-157 — particularly cardiovascular repair and systemic anti-inflammatory action — making the two a common stacking pair.

Research: Animal models demonstrate improved cardiac function post-MI, accelerated wound healing, and reduced inflammatory markers. Phase II human trial in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa completed (NCT01248065).

GHRH analogue with Drug Affinity Complex. Sustained GH pulse amplification, recovery and body composition.

CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a modified GHRH analogue engineered for extended half-life via covalent albumin binding. Unlike native GHRH (half-life <7 min), CJC-1295 DAC remains active for 6–8 days, maintaining elevated baseline IGF-1 and amplifying pulsatile GH release. Research applications include GH deficiency, body composition, sleep quality, and recovery optimisation. Often paired with Ipamorelin for synergistic GH secretion.

Research: Dose-escalation human trials showed dose-dependent IGF-1 increases of 2–3× baseline persisting 28 days post-injection. No suppression of endogenous GH pulsatility observed.

Selective growth hormone secretagogue. Clean GH release with no cortisol or prolactin elevation.

Ipamorelin is a selective pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) that mimics ghrelin's action at the GHS-R1a receptor to stimulate pulsatile GH release from pituitary somatotrophs. Its distinguishing feature is high selectivity — unlike GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, Ipamorelin does not meaningfully raise cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH, making it the cleanest GH secretagogue available. Commonly stacked with CJC-1295 DAC.

Research: Multiple human trials confirm selective GH release without adrenal or lactotroph activation. Phase II studies in post-surgical recovery and sarcopenia completed.

Stimulates pituitary GH release naturally. Anti-aging, fat loss, sleep improvement, lean mass preservation.

Sermorelin is the first 29 amino acids of endogenous human GHRH (the active receptor-binding domain). It stimulates pituitary GH release via the GHRH receptor while preserving the hypothalamic–pituitary feedback axis. Because sermorelin works within the natural regulatory system rather than bypassing it, GH levels cannot exceed physiological peaks — a key safety advantage. Research applications span anti-ageing, sarcopenia prevention, fat loss, and sleep quality.

Research: FDA-approved (as Geref) for paediatric GH deficiency. Adult anti-ageing and body composition studies show IGF-1 normalisation and improved sleep architecture.

GHRH analogue clinically proven for visceral fat reduction. Strong GH pulse amplification.

Tesamorelin is a stabilised GHRH analogue (trans-3-hexenoic acid conjugated) with greater potency and a longer half-life than native GHRH. It is the only GHRH-class peptide with FDA approval — specifically for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, where it reduces visceral adipose tissue by ~15–18%. The visceral fat reduction mechanism operates via GH-mediated lipolysis and is independent of body weight change, making tesamorelin uniquely valuable for metabolic and body composition research.

Research: Pivotal FDA trials (LIPO-010A/B, N=816) showed significant visceral fat reduction and IGF-1 normalisation. Cognitive benefits reported in a separate MCI trial (NCT01699867).

Copper peptide. Collagen stimulation, skin regeneration, anti-inflammatory. Widely used in longevity protocols.

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring human plasma peptide that declines significantly with age. It binds copper(II) and modulates a remarkably broad set of biological processes: collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, antioxidant enzyme upregulation, anti-inflammatory gene expression, and stem cell activation. Research across dermatology, wound healing, and longevity science positions GHK-Cu as one of the most multifunctional peptides known.

Research: Microarray analysis (Pickart et al.) shows GHK-Cu modulates >4,000 human genes — 50% up, 50% down — many involved in cancer suppression and anti-ageing pathways. Multiple human skin trials confirm collagen density improvement.

Pineal gland tetrapeptide. Telomere lengthening, circadian rhythm regulation, immune function.

Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from epithalamin, the active fraction of bovine pineal gland extract developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson. It is one of the few peptides with published evidence of telomerase activation and measurable telomere lengthening in human somatic cells. Research also documents restored melatonin rhythm, improved immune parameters, and reduced tumour incidence in aged animal models. Typically administered in 10–20 day cycles.

Research: Khavinson (2003) demonstrated telomere elongation in human fetal fibroblasts. Subsequent studies in aged individuals showed improved immune parameters and melatonin restoration. 35+ years of published research.

Insulin-like Growth Factor variant. Muscle hypertrophy, fat oxidation, rapid recovery. Extended half-life.

IGF-1 LR3 is a recombinant variant of human IGF-1 with an arginine substitution at position 3 and a 13-amino acid N-terminal extension, which reduces insulin receptor binding affinity and prevents IGF binding protein (IGFBP) sequestration. The result is a half-life of ~20–30 hours versus <15 minutes for native IGF-1, with significantly higher bioavailability at target tissues. Research applications include muscle hypertrophy, fat oxidation, neuroregeneration, and recovery from intense training stimuli.

Research: Cell culture and animal studies demonstrate potent anabolic and anti-apoptotic effects. Binding protein resistance confers superior pharmacokinetics over native IGF-1 in tissue distribution studies.

Anxiolytic nootropic. Reduces anxiety without sedation, enhances memory consolidation and BDNF expression.

Selank is a heptapeptide anxiolytic (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, as a tuftsin analogue. Unlike benzodiazepines, it modulates GABAergic tone without sedation, dependence, or cognitive blunting. Clinical research in Russia (Phase III) documented significant anxiolytic and nootropic effects, BDNF elevation, and improved working memory. It is licensed in Russia as Selank nasal spray. Western research focus includes generalised anxiety, PTSD, and cognitive enhancement.

Research: Russian Phase III trials (N=60+) show significant GAD symptom reduction vs placebo. BDNF serum elevation of 35% documented. Registered medicine in Russia since 2009.

Cognitive enhancer and neuroprotective. BDNF upregulation, focus, mood stability.

Semax is a heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from the ACTH 4–10 sequence, developed by Moscow State University in the 1980s. It is a licensed drug in Russia and Ukraine, used clinically for ischaemic stroke, ADHD, and cognitive decline. Semax potently upregulates BDNF, NGF, and VEGF in the hippocampus and cortex, with documented improvements in attention, working memory, and executive function. It has a rapid onset when administered intranasally and is one of the most studied nootropic peptides.

Research: Licensed for stroke rehabilitation and cognitive disorders in Russia/Ukraine. Multiple double-blind trials document cognitive improvements and stroke outcome improvement. 30+ years of clinical use.

Sleep quality enhancement, GH pulse amplification during slow-wave sleep, stress reduction.

DSIP (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu) is a neuromodulatory nonapeptide first isolated from rabbit cerebral venous blood during natural sleep induction in 1974. It promotes delta-wave (slow-wave) sleep — the deepest and most restorative stage — and simultaneously amplifies nocturnal GH secretion pulses, linking sleep quality directly to anabolic and restorative physiology. Research also documents stress-axis normalisation via cortisol reduction and improved LH release, making DSIP relevant beyond pure sleep applications.

Research: Original isolation by Monnier & Schoenenberger (1974). Subsequent human studies documented EEG delta-wave enhancement and GH pulse amplification. Over 40 years of published research.

Mitochondria-derived peptide. Metabolic regulation, insulin sensitisation, exercise performance, longevity.

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded entirely within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene — one of the first peptides known to be encoded by the mitochondrial genome. It translocates to the nucleus in response to metabolic stress and activates AMPK, driving glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Research positions MOTS-c as a key mediator of exercise adaptation, insulin sensitivity, and healthy ageing.

Research: Lee et al. (2015, Cell Metabolism) established MOTS-c as the first mitochondria-encoded peptide acting as a systemic metabolic hormone. Exercise-dependent secretion confirmed in human studies (Kim et al., 2022).

Immune modulator. Enhances T-cell function, antiviral defence, reduces systemic inflammation.

Thymosin Alpha-1 is the first 28 amino acids of prothymosin alpha, a naturally occurring thymic peptide hormone. It is an FDA-designated orphan drug and licensed medicine in 35+ countries (as Zadaxin) for hepatitis B/C, cancer immunotherapy adjunct, and immunocompromised states. Tα1 activates dendritic cells and T-helper cells, upregulates MHC class II expression, and promotes balanced Th1 immune responses. It is widely used in integrative oncology and longevity medicine protocols.

Research: Zadaxin Phase III trials (hepatitis B: N=200; hepatitis C: N=108) showed significant virological response improvement. Used as SCV-19 adjunct in Italian ICU protocol (Shi et al., 2022).

At a glance

Peptide comparison table

Every compound, its research category, primary mechanism, typical published dose range and half-life — side by side.

FAQ

Peptides: frequently asked questions

The most common questions, answered in plain language and framed for research context. Not medical advice.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the same building blocks as proteins, just shorter (roughly 2–50 amino acids). In the body many peptides act as signalling molecules, telling cells to grow, repair, release hormones or regulate metabolism. In research, peptides such as BPC-157, GHK-Cu, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide and Retatrutide are studied to understand these biological pathways. New-U supplies them strictly as research chemicals: for laboratory and research use only — not for human consumption. 21+.

Different peptides act on different pathways. Broadly, research groups them by mechanism: metabolic / GLP-1 class peptides (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Retatrutide) studied for appetite and glucose regulation; tissue-repair peptides (BPC-157, TB-500) studied for healing and recovery models; growth-hormone secretagogues (CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, Sermorelin, Tesamorelin); and anti-ageing / cognitive peptides (GHK-Cu, Epitalon, Semax, Selank). Each profile above lists the specific mechanism from the published literature.

Safety depends entirely on the specific peptide, the context and the quality of the material. Some peptides are approved medicines with extensive human trial data (for example licensed GLP-1 receptor agonists); many research peptides have only preclinical or limited human data. New-U material is sold for laboratory and research use only and is not intended for human consumption, so we do not make human safety or dosing claims. Every batch is independently HPLC-tested (>99% purity) with a Certificate of Analysis so researchers know exactly what they are handling.

Research peptides such as BPC-157, GHK-Cu, Retatrutide and Tirzepatide are not controlled/scheduled narcotics, but most are not approved medicines for general sale or human use either. They occupy a research-chemical category: legal to handle for bona-fide laboratory and research use, and labelled "for laboratory and research use only — not for human use. 21+." Regulations vary by country, so buyers are responsible for their local rules. New-U supplies research-use-only compounds and does not provide therapy, treatment or medical advice.

No. Peptides and anabolic steroids are chemically and functionally different. Steroids are lipid-based molecules built on a four-ring cholesterol backbone that act directly on hormone receptors. Peptides are short amino-acid chains that usually act as signalling molecules — for example prompting the body's own pituitary to release growth hormone, rather than replacing a hormone directly. They are studied for very different research questions.

"Peptide therapy" is an umbrella term used loosely in clinic marketing and wellness media for using peptide compounds toward a health goal. In regulated medicine it has a narrower meaning: an approved peptide medicine used for an approved indication. New-U is a supplier of research-use-only compounds with a Certificate of Analysis; we do not operate a clinic and do not provide therapy, treatment or dosing advice. See our peptide therapy explainer for more.

Research peptides ship as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder. In a laboratory setting they are typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water; the volume of solvent sets the concentration (concentration = mass of peptide ÷ volume of water). Lyophilised powder is generally stored frozen (around -20 °C) and, once reconstituted, refrigerated at 2–8 °C and used within the compound-specific window shown on each profile. This is descriptive laboratory-handling context, not a usage instruction.

The most-studied metabolic peptides are the GLP-1 class: Semaglutide (single GLP-1 agonist), Tirzepatide (dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist) and Retatrutide (triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonist), which showed the largest weight reductions in published trials. Tesamorelin and AOD-9604 are studied for fat-specific mechanisms. These are described here for research context only — New-U does not sell them for human weight-loss use.

Research on muscle and recovery focuses on growth-hormone secretagogues (CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, Sermorelin), IGF-1 LR3, and tissue-repair peptides such as BPC-157 and TB-500 (thymosin beta-4), which are often studied together in injury-recovery models. Each profile above summarises the mechanism and the state of the evidence. Research-use-only; not a training or dosing recommendation.

Research use only (RUO) means the material is supplied for laboratory and scientific research and is explicitly not intended, labelled or sold for human or veterinary consumption. Every New-U vial carries "for laboratory and research use only — not for human use. 21+." RUO is the actual legal and compliance framework, and it is why this guide is descriptive and educational rather than a set of usage instructions.

Scientific sources & further reading

Primary research databases and reference works underpinning these compound summaries, plus mainstream coverage of the peptide category. For research use only - not medical advice.

Databases & literature

Peptides in the news

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Related research guides

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