Peptide Research Database

Research-backed information on peptides — dosage, half-life, risks, and the latest peer-reviewed studies from PubMed.

91peptides
11categories
1214research papers

5-Amino-1MQ

Weight LossMetabolic

A small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme significantly overexpressed in white adipose tissue of obese individuals. Not technically a peptide but commonly sold alongside peptides in weight management protocols. Works by preserving cellular NAD+ and SAM pools, shifting fat cells from a storage to a fat-burning metabolic state.

Half-life:12-16 hours (limited pharmacokinetic data)

Adipotide

Weight Loss

An experimental peptidomimetic that destroys blood vessels specifically feeding white adipose tissue, causing fat cell death through ischemia. Developed at MD Anderson Cancer Center using vascular-targeting technology originally designed for anti-cancer applications. Produced significant fat mass reduction in primate studies but development has been severely limited by kidney toxicity.

Half-life:Estimated 2-4 hours (limited pharmacokinetic data)

AOD-9604

Weight Loss

A modified fragment of human growth hormone comprising amino acids 176-191 with an additional tyrosine residue at the N-terminus. Designed to isolate the lipolytic (fat-burning) activity of growth hormone without its growth-promoting, IGF-1-raising, or diabetogenic effects. Originally developed at Monash University, though it failed to demonstrate significant weight loss in Phase II/III clinical trials.

Half-life:1-2 hours

Cagrilintide

Weight Loss

A long-acting analogue of amylin, a satiety hormone naturally co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells. Developed by Novo Nordisk primarily as the amylin component of the CagriSema combination therapy. Targets a distinct appetite-suppression pathway from GLP-1 agonists, acting on brainstem amylin receptors to reduce meal size and food intake.

Half-life:168 hours (7 days)

CagriSema

Weight Loss

A fixed-dose combination of cagrilintide (amylin analogue) and semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist) in a single weekly injection. Targets two complementary appetite-suppression pathways — amylin receptors in the brainstem and GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus. Achieved approximately 25% body weight loss in Phase 3 trials, among the highest for any pharmaceutical intervention.

Half-life:168 hours (7 days) for both components

GLP-1

Weight LossMetabolic

The native incretin hormone produced by intestinal L-cells in response to food intake. The endogenous molecule that semaglutide, tirzepatide, and all GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs are designed to mimic. Understanding native GLP-1 is essential to understanding the entire drug class. Not used therapeutically due to its extremely short half-life from rapid DPP-4 enzymatic degradation.

Half-life:1-2 minutes

HGH Fragment 176-191

Weight Loss

The unmodified C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone, comprising exactly the last 16 amino acids (176-191) of the full 191-amino-acid GH molecule. The predecessor to AOD-9604, retaining the lipolytic (fat-metabolizing) properties of growth hormone without its anabolic, growth-promoting, or insulin-antagonistic effects. Less stable than AOD-9604 due to lacking the additional tyrosine residue.

Half-life:0.5-1 hours

L-Carnitine

Weight LossMetabolic

A naturally occurring amino acid derivative that serves as the sole carrier molecule for transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation (energy production). Produced endogenously from lysine and methionine, primarily in the liver and kidneys. One of the most widely used fat-metabolism supplements, with FDA-approved pharmaceutical forms available for carnitine deficiency states.

Half-life:2-3 hours (injectable); oral bioavailability 15-25%

Lemon Bottle

BeautyWeight Loss

A branded lipolytic injection from South Korea containing riboflavin (vitamin B2), lecithin (phosphatidylcholine), and bromelain (pineapple enzyme). Marketed as a fat-dissolving solution for localized fat reduction through direct injection into subcutaneous fat deposits. A cosmetic treatment for targeted areas rather than a systemic weight loss solution.

Half-life:Components metabolized within hours; visible effects develop over 2-4 weeks

Lipo-C

Weight LossMetabolic

A multi-component lipotropic injection containing methionine, inositol, and choline (the MIC complex) plus B vitamins and L-carnitine. Targets multiple aspects of hepatic fat metabolism, methylation, and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. One of the most commonly prescribed supportive treatments in weight loss clinics, typically used alongside caloric restriction and exercise.

Half-life:Variable by component; effects are cumulative with regular dosing

Liraglutide

Weight LossMetabolic

A GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% structural homology to native GLP-1 and the predecessor to semaglutide. FDA-approved for both type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and obesity (Saxenda). One of the most prescribed weight loss medications worldwide, with extensive long-term safety data including cardiovascular outcome trials demonstrating reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in diabetic patients.

Half-life:13 hours

Mazdutide

Weight Loss

A dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist combining appetite suppression with increased hepatic fat oxidation and energy expenditure. Developed by Innovent Biologics and approved in China for obesity in 2024. Achieves up to 14% body weight loss while also targeting metabolic liver disease through glucagon-driven fat metabolism in the liver.

Half-life:144-192 hours (6-8 days)

Retatrutide

Weight Loss

The first triple hormone receptor agonist, targeting GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. Achieved up to 24% body weight loss in Phase 2 trials — the highest recorded for any anti-obesity medication. The addition of glucagon receptor agonism drives increased energy expenditure and hepatic fat oxidation beyond what dual agonists achieve.

Half-life:144 hours (6 days)

Semaglutide

Weight Loss

A GLP-1 receptor agonist and the most widely prescribed anti-obesity medication worldwide. FDA-approved for weight management (Wegovy) and type 2 diabetes (Ozempic), with an oral formulation also available (Rybelsus). Produces average weight loss of 15-17% of body weight by suppressing appetite through central nervous system signaling and slowing gastric emptying.

Half-life:168 hours (7 days)

Survodutide

Weight Loss

A dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist being developed primarily for obesity and MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). Shows particularly strong efficacy in reducing liver fat content through glucagon-mediated hepatic fatty acid oxidation. Addresses both the upstream cause (excess caloric intake) and downstream pathology (hepatic steatosis) of metabolic liver disease simultaneously.

Half-life:144 hours (6 days)

Tesamorelin

Weight LossBodybuilding

A synthetic GHRH analogue and the only one with active FDA approval, indicated for reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy (marketed as Egrifta). Modified with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group on the full 44-amino-acid GHRH sequence for improved receptor binding affinity. Widely used off-label for body composition improvement and reduction of visceral adipose tissue.

Half-life:26-38 minutes

Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin

BodybuildingAnti-AgingWeight Loss

A popular combination pairing the FDA-approved GHRH analogue Tesamorelin with the selective ghrelin-mimetic Ipamorelin for enhanced growth hormone release. Favored for body composition improvement, visceral fat reduction, and anti-aging. Tesamorelin's proven clinical efficacy for visceral fat reduction combined with Ipamorelin's clean side-effect profile makes this a premium GH peptide protocol.

Half-life:Tesamorelin: 26 minutes | Ipamorelin: 2 hours

Tesofensine

Weight Loss

A triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) originally developed for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease that showed significant weight loss as an unexpected clinical trial finding. Reduces appetite through combined monoaminergic signaling in hypothalamic appetite centers. Represents a CNS-based approach to obesity treatment distinct from GLP-1 agonists and other peptide-based mechanisms.

Half-life:192-216 hours (8-9 days)

Tirzepatide

Weight Loss

The first dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and weight management (Zepbound). Targets two incretin pathways simultaneously, producing superior weight loss results compared to single-target GLP-1 agonists. Clinical trials demonstrated up to 22.5% body weight reduction at the highest dose.

Half-life:120 hours (5 days)

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