PEPTIDE RESOURCES
Comprehensive guides on peptide mechanisms, dosing, FAQs, and research references — all in one place.
5-Amino-1MQ
5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium (5-Amino-1MQ) is a small-molecule inhibitor of the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)—a metabolic regulator tied to fat storage, NAD⁺ depletion, and reduced energy expenditure. By blocking NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ helps preserve nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), a coenzyme essential for mitochondrial energy production, metabolic flexibility, and fat oxidation.
Typical Dose
2.5-5mg/day (Subq)
Half-life
Short; effects are cumulative
ACE-031
ACE-031 (also known as Ramatercept) is an experimental, soluble activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB) fusion protein designed to promote muscle growth by acting as a decoy receptor for myostatin and other proteins that limit muscle mass. It was studied for muscle-wasting conditions, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Typical Dose
100-200mcg
Half-life
10-15 days
Acetic Acid Water
Reconstitution Solvent
Dilute acetic acid (0.1–1%) in sterile water, used as a solvent for peptides that do not dissolve well in bacteriostatic water. Commonly required for IGF-1, IGF-1 LR3, and some other growth factors.
Typical Dose
Use 0.1–1% acetic acid — NOT straight vinegar
Half-life
N/A
Adamax
Adamax is an adamantane‑modified analog of Semax (N‑acetyl Semax Amidate), a heptapeptide derivative of ACTH(4–10) studied for nootropic and neuroprotective properties[1][2]. The adamantane moiety enhances blood–brain barrier penetration and peptide stability, yielding greater potency than standard Semax[3]. This educational protocol presents a once‑daily subcutaneous approach using a practical dilution for clear insulin‑syringe measurements.
Typical Dose
.3mg-1mg per/dose
Half-life
Adipotide
Adipotide is an experimental proapoptotic peptide that selectively targets and destroys blood vessels supplying white adipose tissue, causing fat cell death. Studied primarily in primates.
Typical Dose
~250-1000mcg/day (research only)
Half-life
Not established
Adipotide (FTPP)
Fat Cell Targeting Peptide
Adipotide is an experimental proapoptotic peptide that selectively targets and destroys blood vessels supplying white adipose tissue, causing fat cell death. Studied primarily in primates.
Typical Dose
Not established for humans; primate studies used ~60–120 mcg/kg/day
Half-life
Not established
AICAR
AMPK Activator / Endurance Peptide
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is a cell-permeable adenosine analog that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator of energy homeostasis.
Typical Dose
1-5mg/day
Half-life
~3–4 hours
AOD-9604
GH Fragment for Fat Loss
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment (amino acids 176–191) of human growth hormone. It retains the fat-burning properties of HGH without the anabolic or blood sugar effects.
Typical Dose
300-500mcg/day
Half-life
~30 minutes
ARA-290
Innate Repair Receptor Agonist
ARA-290 is a peptide derived from erythropoietin (EPO) that selectively targets the Innate Repair Receptor (IRR) without stimulating red blood cell production. It has strong neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
Typical Dose
2-4mg/day
Half-life
~4 hours
B12
B12's primary jobs include helping with nerve function, the formation of red blood cells (which carry oxygen throughout the body), and the production of DNA.
Typical Dose
1000mcg/day/week/month
Half-life
BPC-157
Body Protection Compound
BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in human gastric juice. It is one of the most researched peptides for its remarkable healing and regenerative properties.
Typical Dose
200-600mcg/day
Half-life
~4 hours
BPC-157 + TB-500 (Wolverine)
This blend combines two well-studied regenerative peptides: BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157), a pentadecapeptide derived from human gastric juice with cytoprotective and wound-healing properties[1][2], and TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment), a 43-amino-acid peptide involved in tissue repair, cell migration, and angiogenesis
Typical Dose
500-1000mcg
Half-life
Cagrilintide
Long-Acting Amylin Analogue
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analogue under development (Novo Nordisk) for obesity. When combined with semaglutide (CagriSema), it shows superior weight loss over either agent alone.
Typical Dose
.4-4.5mg/week (titrated)
Half-life
~7–10 days
Cerebrolysin
Neuropeptide Brain Trophic Factor
Cerebrolysin is a peptide-rich extract derived from porcine brain tissue, containing low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and amino acids. Widely used in Europe and Asia for neurological conditions.
Typical Dose
5mg IM per session
Half-life
Short; effects are cumulative
CJC-1295
GHRH Analogue
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Often combined with Ipamorelin for synergistic GH release.
Typical Dose
100–300 mcg/dose
Half-life
w/o DAC: ~30 min | with DAC: ~6–8 days
CJC-1295 (DAC)
CJC-1295 DAC is a long-acting synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) modification binds reversibly to albumin, extending the peptide’s half-life to approximately 6–8 days. By stimulating pituitary GHRH receptors, CJC-1295 DAC increases GH secretion and circulating IGF-1 in a dose-dependent manner.
Typical Dose
.3-1mg 2x per wk/dose
Half-life
6-8 days
CJC-1295 (w/o DAC)
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Often combined with Ipamorelin for synergistic GH release.
Typical Dose
100-300mcg/dose
Half-life
w/o DAC: ~30 min
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin (Combo)
GHRH + Secretagogue Stack
The CJC-1295 (without DAC) + Ipamorelin combination is one of the most popular GH optimization protocols. CJC-1295 provides the GHRH signal while Ipamorelin amplifies the GH pulse at the pituitary — synergistically producing stronger, cleaner GH release.
Typical Dose
100-300mcg/dose
Half-life
CJC (no DAC): ~30 min | Ipamorelin: ~2 hours
Dermorphin
Ultra-Potent Opioid Peptide
Dermorphin is a naturally occurring heptapeptide originally isolated from South American frog skin (Phyllomedusa). It is an extremely potent mu-opioid receptor agonist — approximately 30–40x more potent than morphine by weight.
Typical Dose
12.5-25mcg dose
Half-life
Short (~minutes IV)
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)
Sleep & Stress Regulatory Peptide
DSIP is a nonapeptide first isolated in 1974 from rabbit brain. It was discovered for its ability to induce delta (slow-wave) sleep. It also has stress-modulating, antioxidant, and pain-reducing properties.
Typical Dose
100-500mcg dose
Half-life
~30 minutes (but effects persist)
Eloralintide
Typical Dose
1mg-9mg
Half-life
Epithalon
Telomere-Extending Peptide
Epithalon (Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from the pineal gland extract Epithalamin. It is the most studied anti-aging peptide, primarily for its effect on telomeres.
Typical Dose
5mg/day (10-20 day cycles)
Half-life
Short; rapid tissue penetration
Follistatin 344
Follistatin 344 (FS344) is a naturally occurring protein and potent inhibitor of myostatin, designed to significantly increase lean muscle mass and enhance strength by limiting muscle-growth inhibitors. Often researched as a peptide or through gene therapy for muscular disorders, it is used to promote muscle growth, accelerate recovery, and potentially treat muscle-wasting conditions.
Typical Dose
100mcg
Half-life
72-96 hrs
FOXO4-DRI
Senolytic Peptide
FOXO4-DRI is a modified retro-inverso peptide that selectively induces apoptosis in senescent cells ("zombie cells") without harming healthy cells. Senolytics are a cutting-edge class of anti-aging interventions.
Typical Dose
250-500mcg dose/daily
Half-life
Short; effects are persistent due to mechanism
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Copper-Binding Skin & Repair Peptide
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) found in human plasma, urine, and saliva. It declines with age and has broad tissue repair, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Typical Dose
1-2mg/day (subq) or topical application
Half-life
Short (~hours)
GHRP-2
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2
GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue. It is one of the most potent GHRP compounds, stimulating strong GH pulses from the pituitary gland.
Typical Dose
100-300mcg/dose
Half-life
~15–60 minutes
GHRP-6
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6
GHRP-6 is a first-generation hexapeptide GH secretagogue. It is well known for producing significant GH pulses alongside a notable increase in appetite — making it useful for bulking phases.
Typical Dose
100-300mcg/dose
Half-life
~2-2.5 hours
GLOW
The ultimate skin, healing & regeneration blend
GLOW is a synergistic tri-peptide blend combining BPC-157 (10mg), TB-500 (10mg), and GHK-Cu (50mg) — three of the most powerful healing and regenerative peptides available. BPC-157 drives tissue repair, angiogenesis, and gut healing. TB-500 enhances cellular mobility, reduces fibrosis, and downregulates inflammation. GHK-Cu stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, promotes skin firmness, and supports hair follicle activation. Together they deliver full-spectrum regeneration from the inside out — targeting muscle, tendon, skin, fascia, and blood vessels.
Typical Dose
BPC-157 .5mg / TB-500 .5mg / GHK-Cu 2.5mg per dose
Half-life
TB-500 ~hours–days | BPC-157 ~4 hours | GHK-Cu ~minutes (tissue depot effect)
Glutathione
Master Antioxidant Tripeptide
Glutathione (GSH) is the body's most abundant endogenous antioxidant — a tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. Injectable glutathione bypasses degradation in the GI tract for superior bioavailability.
Typical Dose
100-200mcg dose/daily
Half-life
Short (~minutes in blood); cellular effects sustained
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
LH-Mimicking Hormone
HCG is a glycoprotein hormone that mimics Luteinizing Hormone (LH). In men, it is used to maintain testicular function and endogenous testosterone production during or after testosterone therapy.
Typical Dose
250-500iu (Subq)
Half-life
~24–36 hours
Hexarelin
Potent GH Secretagogue & Cardiac Peptide
Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide GHRP with among the strongest GH-releasing activity of all GHRPs. It also has notable cardioprotective properties independent of GH.
Typical Dose
100-200mcg/dose
Half-life
~70 minutes
HGH
Typical Dose
335-1300mcg
Half-life
IGF-1 LR3
Long-Acting Insulin-Like Growth Factor
IGF-1 LR3 (Long Arg3 IGF-1) is a recombinant analogue of insulin-like growth factor 1, modified to have a much longer half-life than native IGF-1. It mediates many of the anabolic effects of growth hormone.
Typical Dose
20-50mcg/day
Half-life
~20–30 hours
Ipamorelin
Selective GH Secretagogue
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue known for its selectivity — it stimulates GH release without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels.
Typical Dose
200-250mcg/dose
Half-life
~2 hours
Kisspeptin-10
GnRH & Testosterone Stimulator
Kisspeptin-10 is the bioactive fragment of kisspeptin, a neuropeptide that plays a master regulatory role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. It is the primary trigger for GnRH release.
Typical Dose
100-200mcg/dose
Half-life
~35 minutes
KLOW 80
GH Secretagogue Blend
KLOW 80 is a potent growth hormone secretagogue blend designed for comprehensive GH axis stimulation.
Typical Dose
1.25–3.75mg
Half-life
Variable
KPV
Anti-Inflammatory MSH Tripeptide
KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from the C-terminal of alpha-MSH. It carries the anti-inflammatory activity of the parent peptide in a smaller, more stable form with excellent gut mucosal penetration.
Typical Dose
200-500mcg/day
Half-life
Short; oral stability better than many peptides
L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative essential for fatty acid transport into mitochondria, where it facilitates β-oxidation and energy production.
Typical Dose
50-100mg Daily
Half-life
LL-37
Human Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin — a 37-amino acid antimicrobial peptide produced by immune cells, epithelial cells, and skin. It is a first-line defense against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Typical Dose
100-200mcg/day
Half-life
Short
Mazdutide
GLP-1/Glucagon Dual Agonist
Mazdutide (IBI362) is an investigational once-weekly dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist developed by Innovent Biologics. It has shown strong weight loss and metabolic results in Phase 2/3 trials.
Typical Dose
2.5-10mg/week
Half-life
~5–7 days
Melanotan I
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-MSH. It stimulates melanogenesis (skin tanning) without UV exposure and is FDA/EMA-approved (as Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Typical Dose
.25mg-1mg/day (injectable)
Half-life
~2–4 hours
Melanotan II
Tanning & Libido Peptide
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic lactam analogue of alpha-MSH. It stimulates tanning and has potent libido-enhancing effects. It is the parent compound from which PT-141 was derived.
Typical Dose
0.5-1mg/day (loading), 0.25mg (maintenance)
Half-life
~2–4 hours
Melatonin
Circadian Rhythm & Sleep Hormone
Melatonin is a naturally occurring neurohormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Injectable melatonin provides rapid, precise dosing beyond what oral supplements achieve.
Typical Dose
0.5-3mg/night
Half-life
~40–50 minutes
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
Muscle Repair IGF-1 Splice Variant
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 produced in muscle tissue in response to mechanical loading (exercise). It activates satellite cells to repair and grow muscle fibers.
Typical Dose
100-300mcg post-workout
Half-life
Native MGF: minutes. PEG-MGF: several days.
MOTS-c
Mitochondria-Derived Metabolic Regulator
MOTS-c is a mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the mitochondrial genome. It acts as an exercise mimetic and metabolic regulator, improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic flexibility.
Typical Dose
.2mg-1mg
Half-life
Short; cumulative effects
NAD+
Essential Coenzyme for Cellular Energy
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells, essential for energy metabolism and DNA repair. Levels decline significantly with age. Injectable NAD+ provides superior bioavailability.
Typical Dose
50-100mg/day (subq)
Half-life
Short in plasma; cellular retention varies
Oxytocin
The Bonding & Trust Peptide
Oxytocin is a naturally occurring hypothalamic neuropeptide/hormone involved in social bonding, trust, stress reduction, and uterine contractions. Used clinically for labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage.
Typical Dose
200mcg subq
Half-life
~1–3 minutes (plasma); central effects last longer
PE-22-28
PE-22-28 is a synthetic heptapeptide (sequence: GVSWGLR) derived from the sortilin propeptide, engineered as a potent and selective antagonist of TREK-1 potassium channels[4]. Preclinical studies demonstrate rapid antidepressant-like effects, enhanced neurogenesis, and neuroprotection with a favorable safety profile showing no cardiac or metabolic side effects[2][3]. This educational protocol presents a once-daily subcutaneous approach with gradual titration.
Typical Dose
50–200 mcg
Half-life
PEG-MGF
Long-Acting PEGylated MGF
PEG-MGF is a PEGylated (polyethylene glycol-modified) form of Mechano Growth Factor, designed to dramatically extend the half-life of native MGF from minutes to several days, allowing less frequent dosing.
Typical Dose
100-500mcg
Half-life
~3–5 days (due to PEGylation)
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
Sexual Health Peptide
PT-141 is a melanocortin receptor agonist developed from Melanotan II. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, it acts centrally on the brain rather than the vascular system.
Typical Dose
1-2mg as needed
Half-life
~2.7 hours
Retatrutide
Triple GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon Agonist
Retatrutide is an investigational once-weekly triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. Phase 2 trials showed up to 24% body weight reduction — among the highest seen in any pharmacotherapy.
Typical Dose
2-6mg/week (titrated)
Half-life
~6 days
Selank
Anxiolytic Nootropic Peptide
Selank is a synthetic analogue of the human tetrapeptide tuftsin, developed in Russia. It exhibits anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and nootropic properties without sedation.
Typical Dose
300-500mcg/day
Half-life
~2 hours
Semaglutide
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that has shown significant efficacy in weight management and type 2 diabetes treatment.
Typical Dose
0.25–2.4mg/week (titrated)
Half-life
~7 days
Semax
ACTH-Derived Nootropic Peptide
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of ACTH(4-7) developed in Russia. It has potent nootropic, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic properties, widely used for cognitive enhancement and neurological recovery.
Typical Dose
200-500mcg/day
Half-life
Short (~minutes); effects sustained via BDNF upregulation
Sermorelin
GHRH Analogue for GH Optimization
Sermorelin is a synthetic analogue of GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone). It stimulates natural GH pulsatile release.
Typical Dose
200-500mcg
Half-life
~11 minutes
SLU-PP-322
SLU-PP-332 is a synthetic pan-agonist of estrogen-related receptors (ERRα/β/γ) studied exclusively in murine models for its ability to activate an aerobic-exercise gene program, enhance mitochondrial function, and improve endurance and cardiometabolic phenotypes.
Typical Dose
1.25-2.5mg
Half-life
Snap-8
Botox-Alternative Wrinkle Peptide
Snap-8 (Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-3) is an octapeptide analogue of SNAP-25, a protein involved in neuromuscular junctions. It relaxes facial muscles to reduce expression wrinkles.
Typical Dose
Microneedling/Topical
Half-life
N/A (topical/local action)
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Mitochondria-Targeting Cardioprotective Peptide
SS-31 (Szeto-Schiller peptide 31, elamipretide) is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is one of the most promising mitochondria-targeting therapeutic peptides.
Typical Dose
5-10mg/day subq
Half-life
Short; concentrates in mitochondria
Survodutide
GLP-1/Glucagon Dual Agonist
Survodutide (BI 456906) is an investigational once-weekly dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist developed by Boehringer Ingelheim. Phase 2 trials show strong weight loss and NASH liver improvement.
Typical Dose
.6-6mg/week (titrated)
Half-life
~7 days
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
Systemic Tissue Repair Peptide
TB-500 is a synthetic version of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring peptide found in nearly all human and animal cells. It is renowned for its systemic healing capabilities.
Typical Dose
2-2.5mg 2x/week (loading), 2mg/week (maintenance)
Half-life
2.5-3hrs
Tesamorelin
FDA-Approved GHRH Analogue
Tesamorelin is a stabilized synthetic analogue of GHRH approved by the FDA (as Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It is one of the few peptides with full clinical approval and extensive human trial data.
Typical Dose
2mg Daily
Half-life
~26 minutes (GH response lasts hours)
Thymalin
Thymic Peptide for Immune Regulation
A polypeptide that consists of 28 amino acids and is derived from the thymus gland. It has been studied for its potential immunomodulatory effects, and some studies suggest that it may help to stimulate the production of immune cells and enhance immune function. Thymalin has also been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to promote tissue repair. Thymalin was approved as an immunomodulator by the USSR Ministry of Health in 1982.
Typical Dose
5-10mg/day (10-day cycles)
Half-life
Short
Thymosin Alpha-1
Immune System Modulator
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) is a 28-amino acid peptide derived from the thymus gland. It is one of the most clinically studied immune-modulating peptides, approved in 35+ countries for hepatitis B/C, cancer, and immunodeficiencies.
Typical Dose
300-500mcg
Half-life
~2 hours
Tirzepatide
Dual GIP/GLP-1 Agonist
Tirzepatide is a novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist, showing superior weight loss results compared to GLP-1 agonists alone.
Typical Dose
2.5–15mg/week (titrated)
Half-life
~5 days
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Neuropeptide Anti-Inflammatory & Vasodilator
VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide found throughout the nervous system, gut, and lungs. It is a potent vasodilator and anti-inflammatory agent, with emerging applications in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Typical Dose
50-300mcg 2x/day
Half-life
~1–2 minutes (plasma); effects persist