Drug Class:
Synthetic Growth Hormone C-Terminal Fragment Analogue
Development Stage:
Unapproved Research Peptide (WADA Prohibited S2)
Synthetic 16-amino-acid peptide corresponding to the C-terminal lipolytic domain of human growth hormone (Tyr-hGH 177-191 with an added N-terminal tyrosine). Developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals for obesity. Failed to produce significant weight loss in human Phase 2b clinical trials. Placed in Category 2 bulk compounding restrictions by US FDA. Unapproved.
Drug Class:
Synthetic Pentadecapeptide
Development Stage:
Unapproved Research Compound (WADA Prohibited Category S0)
Synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from human gastric juice protein (BPC). Under active preclinical investigation for gastrointestinal mucosal repair, tendon/ligament healing, and angiogenesis modulation. Not approved by FDA or international drug agencies.
Drug Class:
Long-Acting Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) Analogue
Development Stage:
Unapproved Research Peptide (WADA Prohibited S2)
Synthetic tetrasubstituted growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) 1-29 analogue. Exists in two distinct formulations: CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex, covalent albumin binder with ~6-8 day half-life) and CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29, ~30 min half-life). Clinical development by ConjuChem was terminated following a fatal cardiovascular event in a Phase 2 trial. Unapproved by FDA.
Drug Class:
Synthetic Pineal Peptide Bioregulator
Development Stage:
Unapproved Research Chemical (NOT FDA-Approved)
Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly / AGED) derived from the bovine pineal gland peptide extract Epithalamin. Developed by Prof. Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. Investigated in Russian gerontology for telomerase activation, pineal melatonin rhythm restoration, and longevity. Lacks FDA, EMA, or EDA approval; WADA S0 prohibited.
Drug Class:
Copper Peptide Chelate Complex
Development Stage:
Cosmetic Ingredient / Research Chemical (NOT FDA Drug Approved)
Naturally occurring copper chelated tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex). Extensively studied and approved as a cosmetic skincare ingredient (INCI: Copper Tripeptide-1). Systemic injectable pharmaceutical formulations are NOT FDA-approved.
Drug Class:
Recombinant Human Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (rhIGF-1)
Development Stage:
FDA-Approved for Specific Pediatric Indication (Increlex)
Recombinant human Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (rhIGF-1, Mecasermin). Marketed as INCRELEX. FDA-approved strictly for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency (Laron syndrome) and GH gene deletion with neutralizing antibodies. Crucially distinct from unapproved research variants such as IGF-1 LR3 and IGF-1 DES, which have modified IGFBP binding and no approved human indications. Banned in sports by WADA (S2).
Drug Class:
Selective Growth Hormone Secretagogue (GHS / Ghrelin Mimetic)
Development Stage:
Unapproved Research Peptide (WADA Prohibited S2)
Synthetic pentapeptide ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist and growth hormone secretagogue. Developed by Novo Nordisk; selectively stimulates pituitary growth hormone release without significant elevations in ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin. Lacks FDA approval for any clinical indication.
Drug Class:
Endogenous Neuropeptide Decapeptide Fragment
Development Stage:
Unapproved Research Peptide
Synthetic C-terminal decapeptide (metastin 45-54) of the natural human KISS1 gene product. High-affinity agonist at the G-protein coupled receptor GPR54 (KISS1R) on hypothalamic GnRH neurons; powerfully triggers pulsatile GnRH release and downstream pituitary LH/FSH secretion. Investigated for hypogonadism, hypothalamic amenorrhea, and assisted reproduction. Not approved by US FDA; prohibited in sports by WADA (S2).
Drug Class:
Synthetic Non-Selective Melanocortin Receptor Agonist
Development Stage:
Unapproved Research Compound (FDA Consumer Warnings / WADA Prohibited S0)
Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2). Developed at the University of Arizona. Promotes melanogenesis (skin tanning via MC1R), central sexual arousal (MC4R), and appetite modulation. UNAPPROVED GLOBALLY. Subject of multiple FDA, EMA, and international regulatory public health warnings due to severe adverse events including systemic hypertension, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, melanoma exacerbation, and priapism. Prohibited by WADA.
Drug Class:
Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MDP)
Development Stage:
Unapproved Research Peptide (WADA Prohibited S0/S2)
Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c. A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome. Acts as an exercise mimetic by stimulating AMPK phosphorylation, enhancing cellular glucose uptake, and regulating lipid beta-oxidation. Not approved by US FDA; restricted under Category 2 bulk compounding warning; prohibited by WADA under S0/S4.
Drug Class:
Melanocortin Receptor Agonist (MC1R / MC4R)
Development Stage:
FDA-Approved for Specific Indication (Vyleesi)
Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist (Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OH). Developed by Palatin Technologies. Bremelanotide (trade name Vyleesi) is FDA-approved exclusively for acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Crucially distinct from unapproved research PT-141 vials marketed for male erectile dysfunction or recreational use. Banned by WADA.
Drug Class:
Triple Hormone Receptor Agonist (GLP-1R / GIPR / GCGR)
Development Stage:
Investigational New Drug (NOT FDA-APPROVED)
Investigational synthetic 39-amino-acid peptide triple hormone receptor agonist (GLP-1R, GIPR, GCGR) developed by Eli Lilly and Company (LY3437943). Under clinical evaluation for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes.
Drug Class:
Synthetic Tuftsin-Derived Anxiolytic Neuropeptide
Development Stage:
Unapproved Research Compound (Regional Approval Only / NOT FDA-Approved)
Synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) extended with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide. Developed in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic agent; acts via allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors and neurotrophin upregulation without sedative or addictive properties. Not approved by US FDA, EMA, or EDA; FDA Category 2 compounding substance.
Drug Class:
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonist
Development Stage:
FDA-Approved Prescription Medication
Synthetic 31-amino-acid GLP-1 receptor agonist with 94% sequence homology to native human GLP-1, modified with an albumin-binding C18 diacid spacer. Marketed by Novo Nordisk as Ozempic (injectable T2D), Rybelsus (oral T2D), and Wegovy (injectable obesity & cardiovascular risk reduction). Approved globally.
Drug Class:
Synthetic ACTH-Derived Neuropeptide
Development Stage:
Unapproved Research Compound (Regional Approval Only / NOT FDA-Approved)
Synthetic heptapeptide analogue of adrenocorticotropic hormone fragment ACTH(4-10) with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide stabilization sequence. Developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Approved in Russia for acute ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and cognitive disorders; NOT approved by US FDA, EMA, or Egyptian Drug Authority. Restricted under FDA Category 2 compounding notice.
Drug Class:
Cardiolipin-Targeted Mitochondrial Protective Tetrapeptide
Development Stage:
FDA-Approved (Barth Syndrome)
Synthetic cardiolipin-targeted mitochondrial tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2). Also known as Elamipretide, MTP-131, and Bendavia. Active pharmaceutical ingredient in FORZINITY, which received FDA accelerated approval on September 19, 2025, specifically to improve muscle strength in adult and pediatric patients with Barth syndrome weighing at least 30 kg. FDA approval applies solely to the prescription drug product FORZINITY and does not extend to unregulated research-grade SS-31 vials, compounded formulations, or unapproved anti-aging and athletic uses.
Drug Class:
Synthetic Peptide Fragment of Thymosin Beta-4
Development Stage:
Unapproved Research Peptide (WADA Prohibited S0/S2)
Synthetic peptide fragment (Ac-LKKTETQ, sequence 17-23) corresponding to the central actin-binding domain of human Thymosin Beta-4. Preclinically studied for actin regulation, cell migration, and tissue repair. Distinct from full-length 43-aa Thymosin Beta-4. Not FDA-approved.
Drug Class:
Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor (GHRF / GHRH) Analogue
Development Stage:
FDA-Approved for Specific Indication
Synthetic Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor (GRF 1-44) analogue with an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoyl modification. Marketed as EGRIFTA and EGRIFTA SV. FDA-approved exclusively for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adult patients with lipodystrophy. Off-label use for bodybuilding, athletics, or general weight loss is not approved and is prohibited in sports by WADA.
Drug Class:
Dual GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist ("Twincretin")
Development Stage:
FDA-Approved Prescription Medication
Synthetic 39-amino-acid peptide engineered as a first-in-class dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Marketed by Eli Lilly as Mounjaro (for Type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (for chronic weight management). Approved by US FDA, EMA, and Egyptian Drug Authority.
