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Peptide Encyclopedia

A clinical, evidence-graded monograph for every peptide.

The Peptide Encyclopedia is our A-Z reference of individual peptide monographs. Each entry covers what a peptide is, how it works, the strength of the human and preclinical evidence behind it (graded A-D), the doses and routes reported in the literature, its documented risks, and its current FDA and anti-doping status — every claim tied to a real, verifiable source. It is the reference spine of the site, written for readers who want the clinical record rather than the hype.

Peptide Encyclopedia

Carbetocin: Evidence, Mechanism, Dosing & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on carbetocin — the long-acting, heat-stable oxytocin analog. Grade A evidence for preventing postpartum hemorrhage, a failed Prader-Willi program, and a 2026 legal status that is not FDA-approved.

By Elena Soto, PharmD 11 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate: Evidence, Mechanism & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on N-Acetyl Semax Amidate — the terminally-stabilized analog of the Russian nootropic Semax. No human or animal data on the modified molecule, an unproven potency story, and an unsettled 2026 legal status.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 11 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

N-Acetyl Selank Amidate: Evidence, Mechanism & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on N-Acetyl Selank Amidate — a twice-stabilized analog of the Russian anxiolytic peptide Selank. No dedicated human or animal study exists; every claim is extrapolated, placing the analog itself at evidence grade D.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 11 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

Setmelanotide (Imcivree): Evidence, Mechanism & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on setmelanotide (Imcivree) — the MC4R-agonist octapeptide approved for rare genetic and hypothalamic obesity. Grade A human evidence in narrow indications, not a general weight-loss drug.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 11 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

The MOTS-c, Humanin & SHLP Axis: Mitochondrial Peptides Explained

A clinical monograph on the mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) axis — MOTS-c, humanin and the small humanin-like peptides (SHLP). One coherent mechanism, three very different maturity tiers, and zero approved human therapies.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 12 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

MOTS-c: Evidence, Mechanism, Dosing & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on MOTS-c — the 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide marketed as an 'exercise mimetic' and metabolic regulator. Striking rodent data, no completed human efficacy trial, and an unsettled 2026 legal status.

By Elena Soto, PharmD 11 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

MGF (Mechano Growth Factor): Evidence, Mechanism & Status

A clinical monograph on MGF (IGF-1Ec) — the mechanosensitive IGF-1 splice variant marketed for muscle repair and satellite-cell activation. Compelling rodent mechanism, contested preclinical data, zero human trials, and an unsettled 2026 legal and anti-doping status.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 11 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

MK-677 (Ibutamoren): Evidence, Mechanism & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on MK-677 (ibutamoren) — the oral, non-peptide ghrelin-receptor agonist that reliably raises GH and IGF-1, yet failed its clinical disease endpoints and carries a congestive-heart-failure safety signal.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 12 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

Melanotan II: Evidence, Mechanism, Risks & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on Melanotan II (MT-II) — the non-selective melanocortin agonist sold illegally for tanning. Thin 1990s human data, a high-risk safety profile, and an unapproved 2026 legal status.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 12 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

Melanotan I (Afamelanotide): Evidence, Mechanism & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on Melanotan I — INN afamelanotide, marketed as SCENESSE — the only FDA-approved melanocortin agonist, with Grade-A EPP photoprotection data and a separate unapproved gray-market tanning identity.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 12 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

Mazdutide: Evidence, Mechanism, Dosing & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on mazdutide (IBI362 / LY3305677) — the first GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist, backed by completed Phase 3 RCTs for obesity and type 2 diabetes, approved in China but investigational in the US.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 12 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

Matrixyl (Pal-KTTKS): Evidence, Mechanism & Safety

A clinical monograph on Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Pal-KTTKS) — the topical anti-aging cosmetic peptide. One positive industry RCT, one null independent RCT, consistent in-vitro collagen data, and a clean cosmetic safety record.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 10 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

LL-37: Evidence, Mechanism, Dosing & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on LL-37 — the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. Small topical wound-healing RCTs (grade B), strong preclinical mechanism, and a sharply double-edged immune profile.

By Elena Soto, PharmD 12 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

Matrixyl Synthe'6 (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38): Evidence & Status

A clinical monograph on palmitoyl tripeptide-38 (Matrixyl Synthe'6) — the topical matrikine marketed to rebuild six matrix proteins. Real but low-tier, manufacturer-led human data, no independent RCT.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 10 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

Lixisenatide: Evidence, Mechanism, Dosing & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on lixisenatide (Adlyxin/Lyxumia) — the short-acting, exendin-4-derived GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes, with a large RCT base, proven cardiovascular safety, and an emerging Parkinson's signal.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 11 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

Livagen (KEDA): Evidence, Mechanism & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on Livagen (KEDA; Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala) — a Khavinson 'bioregulator' tetrapeptide proposed to decondense aged chromatin and protect the liver. Single-lab preclinical signals only, no human trials.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 10 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

Liraglutide: Evidence, Mechanism, Dosing & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on liraglutide — the once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist sold as Victoza and Saxenda. Grade A human RCT evidence for glycemic control, weight loss, and reduced cardiovascular death.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 12 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

Exenatide in Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence & Status

A clinical monograph on exenatide — the first-in-class GLP-1 receptor agonist (synthetic exendin-4) — with a focus on its Grade A pediatric type 2 diabetes evidence, mechanism, dosing from the literature, safety, and 2026 regulatory status.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 11 MIN READ
Peptide Encyclopedia

CagriSema: Evidence, Mechanism, Dosing & Legal Status

A clinical monograph on CagriSema — Novo Nordisk's investigational once-weekly cagrilintide + semaglutide combination. Grade A Phase 3 RCT data, ~20-23% weight loss, and a 2026 legal status that is still investigational worldwide.

By Marcus Feld, PharmD, BCPS 12 MIN READ

Frequently asked about Peptide Encyclopedia

What is a peptide monograph?

A peptide monograph is a single, structured reference page for one peptide. On PeptideVox each monograph covers identity and chemistry, mechanism of action, the indication-by-indication evidence (each graded A-D), reported dosing and routes from the literature, safety and contraindications, and current legal and anti-doping status. Every efficacy claim carries an evidence grade and an inline citation to a real study, regulatory document, or trial registry so you can check the source yourself. The format is informational and editorial — it is not medical advice.

How are peptides graded for evidence?

PeptideVox grades every efficacy claim on an A-D scale. Grade A means human randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses support the claim; grade B means lower-tier human evidence such as cohort or open-label studies; grade C means preclinical only (animal or in-vitro) with no qualifying human efficacy data; and grade D means anecdotal, mechanistic-only or marketing claims with no controlled evidence. Grading is deliberately conservative — preclinical promise never earns an A or B, and the grade always reflects the human-evidence level when human and animal data conflict.

Is the encyclopedia a buying guide?

No. The encyclopedia is strictly informational and editorial. It does not recommend vendors, link to sellers of unapproved peptides, or tell you how to source or self-administer anything. Dosing figures are reported only as they appear in the published literature and clinical or anecdotal use, for completeness — never as a protocol to follow. Many peptides covered here are not FDA-approved, are sold as "research chemicals not for human use," and may be prohibited in sport. Always consult a licensed clinician before any health decision.

Medical Disclaimer · Read in full

PeptideVox is an evidence reference, not medical advice. Nothing here authorizes you to acquire, possess, or self-administer any compound.

01 · Not FDA-approved

The majority of compounds documented here are not approved by the FDA for human use. Approved drugs (e.g. semaglutide, tirzepatide) are noted explicitly and require a licensed prescriber.

02 · Research chemicals

Many peptides — including BPC-157 and GHK-Cu in injectable form — are sold strictly "for research use only — not for human consumption." Purity, identity, and dosing of such products are not regulated or guaranteed.

03 · WADA-prohibited

Several compounds are banned in competitive sport under the WADA Prohibited List. Athletes risk sanction regardless of intent or formulation.

04 · Consult a clinician

Always consult a qualified, licensed healthcare professional before considering any compound. Individual risk depends on your full medical context.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only · No physician–patient relationship is created · Evidence grades reflect published data as of the stated revision and may change.