Peptide Resource Center

Peptide Therapy Reference for
Healthcare Providers

GLP-1 therapies, growth hormone peptides, healing peptides, cognitive support, immune modulation, and clinical applications — with regulatory guidance for modern medicine practices.

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What this page coversPeptides are short chains of amino acids used therapeutically to modulate hormones, stimulate tissue repair, support immune function, and optimize metabolism. This guide covers 8 peptide categories — GLP-1, growth hormone, healing, cognitive, sexual wellness, immune, mitochondrial, and cosmetic — with clinical applications, regulatory status, and prescribing considerations for each.

Who this is for: Physicians, NPs, PAs, hormone clinic operators, functional medicine practitioners, longevity medicine providers, men's health clinics, and telehealth companies offering or considering peptide therapy programs.

Disclaimer: Peptide regulatory status changes frequently. Many peptides are not FDA-approved and their availability as compounded medications is subject to FDA guidance. Verify current regulatory status before prescribing any peptide therapy. This guide is for educational purposes only.

What Are Peptides and Why They Matter in Modern Medicine

Quick answer: Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the body — used therapeutically to modulate hormones, stimulate tissue repair, support immune function, and optimize metabolism.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins. Unlike large proteins, peptides are small enough to be absorbed and to cross certain biological barriers, making them effective therapeutic agents. In medicine, peptides are used because they can mimic or modulate the activity of naturally occurring proteins in the body with high specificity and relatively low toxicity.

Peptide therapies have expanded significantly in modern medicine, driven by advances in compounding pharmacy, growing patient interest in optimization medicine, and the commercial success of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight management. Today, peptide therapies are used across specialties including weight management, hormone optimization, regenerative medicine, cognitive health, sexual wellness, and immune support.

The regulatory landscape is complex and evolving. Some peptides are FDA-approved medications. Others are available as compounded preparations. Some have been restricted by FDA action. Providers must stay current with FDA guidance and verify the regulatory status of any peptide before prescribing.

GLP-1Growth HormoneHealingCognitiveImmuneSexual WellnessLongevityAnti-Aging

GLP-1 Therapies: Weight Management and Metabolic Health

Quick answer: GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) are the most commercially significant peptide therapies — FDA-approved for weight management and type 2 diabetes, with compounded versions available under specific conditions.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are the most commercially significant peptide therapies in modern medicine. They work by activating GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce cardiovascular risk.

FDA-approved GLP-1 medications:

Medication	Brand Name	Approved Indication	Dosing
Semaglutide (injectable)	Ozempic, Wegovy	Type 2 diabetes, obesity (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidity)	Weekly SQ injection
Tirzepatide	Mounjaro, Zepbound	Type 2 diabetes, obesity	Weekly SQ injection
Liraglutide	Victoza, Saxenda	Type 2 diabetes, obesity	Daily SQ injection
Dulaglutide	Trulicity	Type 2 diabetes	Weekly SQ injection
Semaglutide (oral)	Rybelsus	Type 2 diabetes	Daily oral tablet

Regulatory Note: Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide availability depends on FDA drug shortage status, which changes over time. Verify current FDA guidance and pharmacy compliance before prescribing compounded GLP-1 medications.

Growth Hormone Peptides: Anti-Aging and Body Composition

Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) are peptides that stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH). They are used in anti-aging medicine, body composition optimization, recovery, and longevity protocols. Unlike exogenous HGH, GH secretagogues stimulate the body's own GH production, which is considered a more physiologic approach.

Common growth hormone peptides:

Peptide	Mechanism	Clinical Applications	Typical Protocol
Sermorelin	GHRH analog — stimulates pituitary GH release	Anti-aging, body composition, sleep quality	SQ injection before bed
Ipamorelin	Selective GHRP — stimulates GH release without cortisol spike	Body composition, recovery, anti-aging	SQ injection 2–3x/day or before bed
CJC-1295	Long-acting GHRH analog	Sustained GH elevation, anti-aging	Weekly SQ injection (with DAC) or daily (without DAC)
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin	GHRH + GHRP combination	Synergistic GH release, body composition	SQ injection before bed
Tesamorelin	GHRH analog — FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy	Visceral fat reduction, body composition	Daily SQ injection
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)	Oral GH secretagogue	GH elevation, muscle mass, sleep	Oral daily dosing

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Healing and Regenerative Peptides

Quick answer: BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, and GHK-Cu are the most commonly used healing peptides — used for tissue repair, anti-inflammatory effects, wound healing, and gut health.

Healing and regenerative peptides have tissue repair, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. They are used in sports medicine, orthopedics, wound healing, gut health, and recovery protocols.

Key healing peptides and their applications:

✓BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) — Tissue repair, gut healing, anti-inflammatory, tendon and ligament repair. Available as injectable or oral. FDA regulatory status has been subject to scrutiny — verify current status.
✓TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) — Tissue repair, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, cardiac protection. Injectable preparation. Widely used in sports medicine and recovery protocols.
✓KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) — Anti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from alpha-MSH. Used for gut inflammation, wound healing, and skin conditions. Oral and topical preparations available.
✓GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) — Collagen stimulation, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, hair growth. Used in dermatology, aesthetics, and anti-aging medicine. Topical and injectable preparations.
✓LL-37 — Antimicrobial peptide with wound healing and immune-modulating properties. Used for chronic wounds and infections.

Cognitive and Neurological Peptides

Cognitive peptides support brain health, cognitive function, neuroprotection, and mental clarity. They are used in functional neurology, longevity medicine, cognitive optimization, and neurological rehabilitation.

Common cognitive peptides:

Peptide	Primary Effects	Applications	Administration
Semax	ACTH analog — neuroprotection, cognitive enhancement, BDNF upregulation	Cognitive optimization, stroke recovery, ADHD	Intranasal spray
Selank	Anxiolytic, nootropic, immune modulation	Anxiety, cognitive enhancement, immune support	Intranasal spray or SQ injection
Dihexa	Potent nootropic — synaptogenesis, memory enhancement	Cognitive decline, Alzheimer's research	Oral or topical
Cerebrolysin	Neuropeptide mixture — neuroprotection, neuroplasticity	Stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, dementia	IV or IM injection
NAD+	Coenzyme — cellular energy, DNA repair, sirtuin activation	Longevity, cognitive function, addiction recovery	IV infusion or SQ injection

Sexual Wellness and Immune Support Peptides

Sexual Wellness Peptides

PT-141 (bremelanotide) is the most widely used sexual wellness peptide. It works on melanocortin receptors in the brain to increase sexual desire and arousal in both men and women. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis), PT-141 works centrally rather than peripherally. It is FDA-approved as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.

Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide that regulates GnRH release and has been studied for its role in sexual function and fertility.

Immune Support Peptides

Thymosin Alpha-1 is the most clinically established immune-modulating peptide. It enhances T-cell function, natural killer cell activity, and dendritic cell maturation. Used for chronic infections (hepatitis B and C, HIV), immune deficiency, and as an adjunct in cancer treatment. Available as a compounded injectable from licensed pharmacies.

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) has anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Used in CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) protocols and mast cell activation syndrome.

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Regulatory Compliance for Peptide Prescribing

Quick answer: Peptide regulatory status changes frequently. Always verify current FDA guidance, pharmacy compliance, and state-specific requirements before prescribing any peptide therapy.

The regulatory landscape for peptide therapies is complex and evolving. Providers must understand the regulatory framework before prescribing peptide therapies to patients.

Key regulatory considerations:

✓FDA drug shortage status — Compounded versions of FDA-approved peptides (semaglutide, tirzepatide) are only permissible when the drug is on the FDA shortage list. Verify current shortage status at accessdata.fda.gov.
✓Bulk drug substance lists — The FDA maintains lists of bulk drug substances that may (Category 1) and may not (Category 2) be used in compounding. Verify the status of any peptide before prescribing.
✓503A vs. 503B pharmacy — 503A pharmacies require patient-specific prescriptions. 503B outsourcing facilities can compound for office use without patient-specific prescriptions.
✓Pharmacy accreditation — Use PCAB-accredited or ACHC-accredited pharmacies for peptide compounding. Verify USP <797> compliance for all injectable preparations.
✓Informed consent — Document informed consent for all off-label and investigational peptide therapies.
✓Medical director oversight — Practices offering peptide therapies should have medical director oversight and written clinical protocols.
✓State pharmacy board requirements — Some states have additional requirements for compounded peptide prescribing. Verify with your state pharmacy board.

Stay Current: FDA guidance on compounded peptides changes frequently. Subscribe to FDA MedWatch alerts and consult a healthcare attorney for current regulatory status before building or expanding a peptide therapy program.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are peptides in medicine?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins. In medicine, peptides are used as therapeutic agents because they can mimic or modulate the activity of naturally occurring proteins in the body. Peptide therapies are used across many specialties including weight management, hormone optimization, regenerative medicine, and cognitive health.

Are peptides FDA-approved?

Some peptides are FDA-approved medications (such as semaglutide/Ozempic and tirzepatide/Mounjaro). Others are available as compounded medications through licensed compounding pharmacies when prescribed by a licensed practitioner. The regulatory status of individual peptides varies and changes over time. Providers should verify current FDA guidance before prescribing.

How are peptides administered?

Peptides are administered in various ways depending on the specific compound: subcutaneous injection (most common for systemic effects), intranasal spray, oral (limited bioavailability for most peptides), topical cream or gel, and sublingual formulations. The route of administration affects bioavailability and clinical outcomes.

What should providers know before prescribing peptides?

Providers should verify the current regulatory status of the peptide, ensure the compounding pharmacy is properly licensed and accredited, obtain informed consent from patients, document clinical rationale, and stay current with FDA guidance on compounded peptides. Medical director oversight is recommended for practices offering peptide therapies.

What is the difference between GLP-1 agonists and growth hormone peptides?

GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) work on the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor to reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin sensitivity. Growth hormone peptides (sermorelin, ipamorelin, CJC-1295) stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. They have different mechanisms, indications, and regulatory pathways.

Can I prescribe compounded semaglutide?

Compounded semaglutide has been available from 503A and 503B pharmacies when semaglutide was on the FDA drug shortage list. FDA shortage status changes over time. Providers must verify current FDA guidance and pharmacy compliance status before prescribing compounded GLP-1 medications. Consult a healthcare attorney for current regulatory status.

What is BPC-157 and is it legal to prescribe?

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic peptide studied for tissue repair, anti-inflammatory effects, and gut healing. It is not FDA-approved and its regulatory status as a compounded medication has been subject to FDA scrutiny. Verify current FDA guidance before prescribing.

What is Thymosin Alpha-1 used for?

Thymosin Alpha-1 is an immune-modulating peptide used to support immune function in patients with chronic infections, immune deficiency, and certain autoimmune conditions. It is available as a compounded injectable from licensed compounding pharmacies.

How do I find a compounding pharmacy for peptides?

Use our Compounding Pharmacy Directory to find PCAB-accredited pharmacies that specialize in peptide compounding. Verify that the pharmacy is USP <797> compliant for sterile preparations, licensed in your state, and can provide certificates of analysis for their peptide preparations.

What informed consent is required for peptide therapy?

Patients receiving peptide therapy should receive informed consent that covers: the investigational or off-label nature of the treatment, known and potential risks and side effects, alternatives to peptide therapy, the compounded (non-FDA-approved) nature of the preparation, and monitoring requirements. Document informed consent in the medical record.