Peptide Options for Arthritis
Peptides that may help treat arthritis, ordered by evidence level.
5-Amino-1MQ
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule NNMT inhibitor with preclinical evidence for metabolic regulation. It has zero human clinical studies and is classified as a small molecule rather than a classical peptide.
AHK-Cu
AHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys-Copper) is a tripeptide-copper complex marketed for hair growth and skin rejuvenation, with evidence limited to a single ex vivo hair follicle study.
AOD-9604
AOD-9604 is a synthetic hGH fragment (177-191) studied for fat loss. It completed 6 clinical trials but failed its pivotal Phase IIb endpoint.
BPC-157
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from human gastric juice protein, investigated for tissue regeneration, musculoskeletal healing, and gastroprotection.
Argireline
Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3) is a synthetic neuropeptide analog developed as a topical alternative to botulinum toxin, investigated for wrinkle reduction through SNAP-25 mimicry and reduced muscle contraction.
Cartalax
Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp) is a synthetic Khavinson tripeptide marketed for cartilage repair and joint health, with zero published human trials or Western clinical validation.
Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived peptide mixture with neurotrophic properties, studied extensively for stroke recovery, vascular dementia, and traumatic brain injury.
Chonluten
Chonluten (Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic Khavinson tripeptide marketed for respiratory and connective tissue support, with zero published human trials or Western clinical validation.
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is a combined growth hormone secretagogue stack using dual GHRH and ghrelin receptor pathways, with limited human evidence and FDA Category 2 compounding restrictions.
CagriSema
CagriSema is a fixed-dose combination of semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist) and cagrilintide (amylin analog) achieving the highest single-medication weight loss in Phase 3 trials, with NDA currently under FDA review.
Cortistatin
Cortistatin (CST) is an endogenous neuropeptide with unique dual binding to somatostatin and ghrelin receptors, investigated for CNS effects on sleep, mood, and hormone regulation.
Collagen Peptides
Collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen) are bioavailable protein fragments with robust RCT evidence for improving skin elasticity, joint health, and bone mineral density through fibroblast and chondrocyte stimulation.
Dihexa
Dihexa is a synthetic angiotensin IV analog designed for cognitive enhancement. All evidence is preclinical — the related compound fosgonimeton failed Phase 3 trials in 2024.
Danuglipron
Danuglipron (PF-06882961) is an oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Pfizer, with Phase 2b data showing 8-13% placebo-adjusted weight loss at 32 weeks.
CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog based on modified GRF(1-29) with tetrasubstituted amino acid modifications. The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) variant extends half-life from 30 minutes to 6-8 days via albumin binding, enabling sustained GH pulsatility and IGF-1 elevation.
Crystallin
Crystallin (HSPB5/alpha-crystallin) is an endogenous heat shock protein studied as a biomarker for lens damage, retinal degeneration, and aging — it is not a therapeutic peptide.
Creatine Peptides
Creatine peptides are peptide-bound forms of creatine marketed for improved absorption, though evidence shows no clear advantage over the extensively studied creatine monohydrate for exercise performance.
DSIP
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a nonapeptide discovered in 1974 with extremely thin human evidence limited to small 1980s studies.
Ecnoglutide
Ecnoglutide (XW003) is a long-acting, cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide with Phase 3 data showing superior weight reduction in Chinese populations.
Efinopegdutide
Efinopegdutide (MK-6024) is a GLP-1/glucagon receptor dual co-agonist developed by Merck, with Phase 2a data showing 72.7% liver fat reduction in NAFLD — outperforming semaglutide.
Fox04-DRI
Fox04-DRI is a D-retro-inverso senolytic peptide designed to eliminate senescent cells. All evidence traces to a single 2017 Cell paper with zero human studies.
Epitalon
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) with telomere extension claims, but essentially no independent Western clinical verification.
GHK Peptide
GHK (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine) is a tripeptide and the parent molecule of GHK-Cu, investigated for gene expression modulation and tissue repair — but most human data is for the copper-bound form.
GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide with moderate human evidence for skin aging and wound healing applications.
GHRP-2
GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is the most clinically validated GHRP with regulatory approval in Japan for GH diagnostic testing and 3-5 RCTs in humans.
GHRP-6
GHRP-6 is a first-generation growth hormone-releasing peptide with the strongest appetite stimulation of any GHRP, making it uniquely suited for cachexia applications.
Glutathione Injectable
Injectable glutathione delivers pharmacologic doses of the body's master antioxidant via IV or IM, bypassing the near-complete oral degradation, with mixed clinical evidence for skin lightening and chemotherapy support.
GnIH
GnIH (Gonadotropin-Inhibiting Hormone, also known as RFRP-3 in mammals) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that inhibits reproductive hormone release, with zero human clinical trials.
Gonadorelin
Gonadorelin (GnRH) is an FDA-approved hypothalamic decapeptide used for diagnostic pituitary testing and treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, with over 40 years of clinical use and 500+ human studies.
Hexarelin
Hexarelin (examorelin) is the most potent GH-releasing peptide with unique CD36 cardiac receptor binding not seen in other GHRPs.
Humanin
Humanin is a 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded in the 16S rRNA gene, studied as a cytoprotective biomarker in aging and neurodegeneration — with zero human therapeutic trials.
Insulin
Insulin is an FDA-approved, life-sustaining peptide hormone with over 100 years of clinical use and thousands of RCTs, essential for managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes through glucose homeostasis regulation.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and selective GHS-R1a agonist that stimulates pulsatile growth hormone release without elevating cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH — making it the cleanest growth hormone secretagogue studied to date.
KPV
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH with preclinical anti-inflammatory data but zero human clinical trials for any indication.
Kisspeptin-10
Kisspeptin-10 is a reproductive peptide hormone that stimulates the HPG axis, currently in Phase 2 trials for infertility and hypogonadism.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist prescribed for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and chronic weight management (Saxenda), with robust cardiovascular outcomes data from the LEADER trial.
Livagen
Livagen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Leu) is a synthetic Khavinson tetrapeptide marketed for liver protection and hepatocyte support, with zero published human trials or Western clinical validation.
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide)
Matrixyl is a synthetic signal peptide used in anti-aging skincare that stimulates collagen and elastin production, with 10+ RCTs showing 10-30% wrinkle reduction over 8-12 weeks.
LL-37
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, with promising early wound healing data from a small RCT and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
Mazdutide
Mazdutide (IBI362) is the world's first approved GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist, approved in China for Type 2 Diabetes with Phase 3 data showing up to 20.1% weight loss and superiority over semaglutide.
Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic melanocortin peptide with documented melanoma case reports. WADA-prohibited, not FDA approved, and likely to remain restricted.
MK-677
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an oral growth hormone secretagogue with 30+ human studies. Not a peptide — it is a small molecule ghrelin receptor agonist.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide with animal data showing metabolic effects. Zero therapeutic human trials exist — the 'exercise in a bottle' claim has no human evidence.
NAD+ Precursors (NMN & NR)
NMN and NR are NAD+ precursors that consistently raise blood NAD+ levels by 40-100% in human trials, supporting cellular energy production, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation.
NAD+
NAD+ is a coenzyme essential for cellular energy production and is linked to anti-aging and regenerative medicine.
Orforglipron
Orforglipron is an investigational oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Pfizer, offering a needle-free alternative with ~9-10% weight loss in Phase 3 trials.
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is an FDA-approved mucolytic and acetaminophen overdose antidote that serves as the primary precursor to glutathione, the body's master antioxidant.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is an FDA-approved nonapeptide hormone used in obstetrics for labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage, with extensive off-label research into social bonding, autism, and PTSD.
Pancragen
Pancragen (Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp) is a synthetic Khavinson tetrapeptide marketed for pancreatic function and metabolic support, with zero published human trials or Western clinical validation.
PCSK9 Inhibitors
PCSK9 inhibitors (alirocumab, evolocumab, inclisiran) are FDA-approved lipid-lowering agents that reduce LDL cholesterol by 50-60% and have proven cardiovascular risk reduction in large outcomes trials.
Pemvidutide
Pemvidutide is a GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist developed by Altimmune, with Phase 2b data showing 59.1% MASH resolution and FDA Fast Track designation for metabolic liver disease.
PE-22-28
PE-22-28 is a synthetic spadin analog that inhibits TREK-1 potassium channels, representing a novel antidepressant mechanism entirely distinct from SSRIs — but with zero human studies.
Pinealon
Pinealon (Glu-Asp-Arg) is a synthetic Khavinson tripeptide marketed for neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement, with zero published human trials or Western clinical validation.
Pentosan Polysulfate
Pentosan polysulfate (Elmiron) is an FDA-approved heparinoid for interstitial cystitis with 25+ years of clinical use, also investigated for osteoarthritis and cartilage protection.
PT-141
PT-141 (bremelanotide/Vyleesi) is an FDA-approved melanocortin receptor agonist that acts centrally in the brain to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women, with significant off-label use for male erectile dysfunction.
Retatrutide
Retatrutide (LY3437943) is a first-in-class triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist showing up to 24% weight loss in Phase 2 trials, currently in Phase 3 development.
Selank
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide anxiolytic derived from tuftsin, approved in Russia for generalized anxiety disorder and claimed to produce benzodiazepine-like effects without dependence liability.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide used for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, with proven cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic benefits across landmark trials including STEP, SUSTAIN, SELECT, and FLOW.
Semax
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide ACTH(4-10) analog approved in Russia for ischemic stroke and cognitive disorders, with neuroprotective and nootropic properties driven by BDNF upregulation and neurotransmitter modulation.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino-acid GHRH analog that was FDA-approved (1997-2008) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency and is now available only as a compounded medication for off-label adult GH optimization.
Snap-8
Snap-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is an 8-amino-acid cosmetic peptide marketed as a topical Botox alternative via SNARE complex inhibition — but with zero peer-reviewed human RCTs.
SS-31
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin to restore electron transport chain efficiency. FDA approved for Barth syndrome (September 2025); investigational for heart failure and primary mitochondrial disease.
Survodutide
Survodutide is an investigational dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist that demonstrated 15-20% weight loss in Phase 3 trials by combining appetite suppression with glucagon-driven fat oxidation.
Taltirelin
Taltirelin is a synthetic TRH analog approved in Japan as Ceredist for spinocerebellar ataxia, with multiple RCTs demonstrating modest motor function improvement — but not FDA approved.
TB-500
TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4 with promising preclinical data for tissue repair, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory effects, though human evidence remains extremely limited.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin (Egrifta/Egrifta WR) is the only FDA-approved GHRH analog for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, demonstrating 18% visceral fat reduction in pivotal trials.
Testagen
Testagen (Lys-His-Glu-Gly) is a synthetic Khavinson tetrapeptide marketed for testosterone support and male reproductive health, with zero published human trials or Western clinical validation.
Thymalin
Thymalin is a bovine thymus extract peptide complex developed in Russia for immune modulation, with very limited Western evidence and significant concerns about source material safety.
Thymosin Alpha-1
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Zadaxin) is an immunomodulatory peptide with FDA orphan drug designation, approved in 35+ countries for hepatitis B/C and immune support, with 400+ human studies.
Thymosin Beta-4
Thymosin Beta-4 is a regenerative peptide known for its healing and repair properties, particularly in tissue repair and inflammation reduction.
Vesilute
Vesilute (Lys-Glu-Asp) is a synthetic Khavinson tripeptide marketed for vascular health and immune support, with zero published human trials or Western clinical validation.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) is a first-in-class dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, with up to 22.5% body weight reduction.
Vilon
Vilon (Lys-Glu) is a synthetic Khavinson dipeptide marketed for immune modulation and thymus support, with zero published human trials or Western clinical validation.
VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with 3-5 small RCTs across multiple indications. The synthetic formulation Aviptadil was studied under FDA IND for COVID-19 ARDS.