Peptide Guides
Educational guides explaining what different peptides are and how they work.
Showing 36 guides
Are Peptides Safe?
An honest overview of peptide safety, distinguishing between approved medications and research compounds.
Clinical Trial Phases: A Guide to the Terms
A plain-language reference for preclinical research, Phases 1 through 4, and the separate FDA review step.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Guide to the Drug Class
A plain-language guide to GLP-1 receptor agonists, how their actions differ from tirzepatide, and why each U.S. brand has its own approved uses.
How GLP-1 Agonists Work in the Body
A plain-language explanation of GLP-1 receptor signaling in the pancreas, gut, and appetite system, with the safety and product differences that matter.
How Peptides Work: A Receptor and Signaling Primer
A beginner's guide to peptide receptor binding, cell signaling, and why one peptide's behavior cannot stand for every peptide.
How to Read an Animal Study About Peptides
A practical checklist for judging what an animal study reports and which human questions it leaves unanswered.
How to Read Peptide Research
A practical guide to evaluating peptide research claims and understanding what studies actually show.
Peptide Evidence Levels Explained
A reference for reading the four evidence-strength labels on PepCodex and the limits of each label.
Peptides and Proteins: A Terminology Guide
A short guide to amino acids, peptide bonds, polypeptides, and proteins, including why a fixed size cutoff is only a convention.
What Are GH Secretagogues?
An introduction to growth hormone secretagogues, compounds that stimulate the body to release growth hormone.
What Are Longevity Peptides?
An introduction to peptides marketed for anti-aging and longevity, including Epitalon and thymic peptides.
What Are Nootropic Peptides?
An introduction to peptides marketed for cognitive enhancement, including Semax, Selank, and Dihexa.
What Are Recovery Peptides?
An introduction to peptides marketed for tissue repair and recovery, including BPC-157 and TB-500.
What is BPC-157?
An introduction to BPC-157, its origins, claims, and important limitations.
What is CJC-1295?
An introduction to CJC-1295, a modified GHRH analog designed for longer-lasting effects.
What is Dihexa?
An introduction to dihexa, an experimental nootropic peptide studied for cognitive effects.
What is Epithalon?
An introduction to epithalon, a synthetic tetrapeptide studied for potential effects on telomeres.
What is GHK-Cu?
An introduction to GHK-Cu (copper peptide), the naturally occurring peptide used in skincare.
What is Humanin?
An introduction to humanin, a naturally occurring mitochondrial-derived peptide with protective properties.
What is Ipamorelin?
An introduction to ipamorelin, a selective growth hormone secretagogue that was never approved.
What is LL-37?
An introduction to LL-37, a human antimicrobial peptide with emerging research on immune function.
What is Melanotan II?
An introduction to Melanotan II, the unapproved tanning peptide with serious safety warnings.
What is MK-677?
MK-677 (ibutamoren/LUM-201) is an investigational oral growth-hormone secretagogue with established hormonal effects but uncertain clinical benefit.
What is Mounjaro?
An introduction to Mounjaro, the brand name for tirzepatide approved for type 2 diabetes.
What is Ozempic?
An introduction to Ozempic, the brand name for semaglutide approved for type 2 diabetes.
What is PT-141?
An introduction to PT-141 (bremelanotide/Vyleesi), the FDA-approved treatment for HSDD.
What is Retatrutide?
An introduction to retatrutide, the investigational triple agonist showing promising weight loss results.
What is Rybelsus?
An introduction to Rybelsus, the oral tablet form of semaglutide for type 2 diabetes.
What is Semaglutide?
An introduction to semaglutide, the GLP-1 agonist behind Ozempic and Wegovy.
What is Sermorelin?
An introduction to sermorelin, a GHRH analog that was once FDA-approved for pediatric growth hormone deficiency.
What is TB-500?
An introduction to TB-500, a fragment of thymosin beta-4 marketed for tissue repair.
What Is Tesamorelin?
A guide to tesamorelin: the GHRH analog approved for excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, its trial evidence and limitations.
What is Thymalin?
An introduction to thymalin, a thymic peptide extract studied for immune function.
What is Tirzepatide?
An introduction to tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Learn how it works, what the research shows, and key facts you should know.
What is Wegovy?
An introduction to Wegovy, the brand name for semaglutide approved for weight management.
What is Zepbound?
An introduction to Zepbound, the brand name for tirzepatide approved for weight management.