Peptides from A to Z.
21 peptides with approval status, evidence and risks, 18 technical terms explained in plain language – and what vials, pens and syringes look like. No doses, no shop links.
Weight loss & metabolism 7
Tirzepatide
Mounjaro, Zepbound (USA)A peptide that mimics two gut hormones at once: GIP and GLP-1.
Semaglutide
Ozempic, Wegovy, RybelsusLong-acting GLP-1 analogue.
Liraglutide
Victoza, SaxendaThe “predecessor” of semaglutide.
Retatrutide
LY3437943, “Reta”Combines the effect of tirzepatide with an additional glucagon signal that is meant to increase energy expenditure and fat loss – especially in the liver.
Cagrilintide
in CagriSema (with semaglutide)Mimics amylin, a hormone released together with insulin.
AOD-9604
HGH fragment 176-191A piece of the growth hormone molecule that is meant to stimulate fat loss without the other effects of growth hormone.
MOTS-c
mitochondrial peptideProduced by the mitochondria (the cell’s “power plants”).
Recovery & healing 4
BPC-157
Body Protection CompoundThe best-known “healing peptide”.
TB-500
Thymosin β4 (fragment)Thymosin β4 is a protein naturally produced by the body that is involved in cell movement and wound healing.
Peptide blends
“Wolverine”, “Glow”, “Klow”Several peptides in one vial, sold as an all-in-one package for healing or skin.
KPV
Lys-Pro-ValThe last three amino acids of the hormone α-MSH.
Growth hormone 3
CJC-1295
with or without “DAC”Stimulates the pituitary gland to release more of the body’s own growth hormone.
Ipamorelin
GHRPReleases growth hormone via the ghrelin receptor.
Tesamorelin
Egrifta (USA)Stimulates growth hormone release and specifically reduces belly fat (visceral fat).
Cognition & stress 2
Semax
ACTH(4-10) analogueDerived from a piece of the stress hormone ACTH, but without its hormonal effect.
Selank
Tuftsin analogueDerived from the immune peptide tuftsin.
Skin, tanning & libido 3
GHK-Cu
Copper peptideOccurs naturally in the blood and declines with age.
Bremelanotide
PT-141, Vyleesi (USA)Acts on melanocortin receptors in the brain and increases sexual desire – unlike erectile dysfunction drugs, which act on the blood vessels.
Melanotan II
“Barbie drug”, tanning injectionTriggers tanning without sun and increases libido.
Nothing found. Missing a peptide? Write to us – we keep adding to the index.
Evidence bars: 1 = cell/animal studies only · 2 = small human studies · 3 = large trials, not yet completed · 4 = large randomised trials and approval. As of September 2026.
What it looks like
Schematic drawings so you know what you are holding – and how to spot problems. Real products look different depending on the manufacturer.
The vial – three states
Lyophilisate
White, compact “cake” at the bottom. May be slightly crumbly. Flip-off cap over a rubber stopper, with a metal crimp underneath.
Dissolved
Clear and colourless after dissolving. Let the liquid run down the glass wall and swirl, do not shake.
Cloudy or flakes
Cloudiness, streaks, particles or discolouration indicate contamination or degradation. Dispose of it.
Pens, syringes, nasal spray
Prefilled pen (disposable)
This is how approved medicines such as tirzepatide or semaglutide come from the pharmacy. The active ingredient is already dissolved, the window shows the solution, and the dose is printed on the label or selected with the button. Multi-dose pens (e.g. KwikPen) contain several weekly doses.
Reusable pen with cartridge
Refillable pen with a replaceable 3 mL cartridge and dial. One click usually equals 0.01 mL. Before each use, briefly “prime” it until a drop appears at the needle.
Example of a certified reusable pen: the GensuPen 2 from the Polish manufacturer Bioton – a medical device designed for its Gensulin insulin cartridges (manufacturer’s page). Important: for other, self-filled cartridges the manufacturer does not guarantee accurate dosing. With pens, always look for CE marking as a medical device – many cheap pens from online shops are only declared as “lab tools”.
U-100 insulin syringe
Recognisable by the orange cap. Available in 0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 mL. The scale counts units: 100 units = 1 mL. Use only once.
Genuine pharmacy pack
In Germany: German labelling, package leaflet, tamper-evident seal and a DataMatrix code (Securpharm) with a serial number. The pharmacy checks the code against a database before dispensing.
Nasal spray
For peptides such as Semax or Selank. The amount per spray depends on the pump (often 0.1 mL) – this is stated on the pump or pack.
Warning signs when buying
- “Research use only” or “not for human consumption” on the label
- No manufacturer, no batch number, no expiry date
- A pen with a well-known brand name but foreign-language or faulty labelling
- Damaged cap, missing seal, powder sticking as a film to the glass wall
- Certificate of analysis without a lab name, without a matching batch – or none at all
Technical terms explained briefly
- Agonist
- A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it – like a matching key. GLP-1 agonists, for example, activate the GLP-1 receptor.
- Amino acid
- Building block of peptides and proteins. There are 20 protein-forming amino acids.
- Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
- Sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol. The additive inhibits bacterial growth, so an opened vial can be used several times. Not the same as water for injection.
- COA / certificate of analysis
- Lab report on the purity and content of a batch. Only meaningful if it comes from an independent lab, matches the batch number and can be verified.
- Endotoxins
- Components of dead bacteria. Even small amounts in injections can trigger fever and inflammation. Medicines are tested for them, “research” products usually are not.
- Evidence
- How well an effect is supported. From weak to strong: cell and animal studies → case reports → small human studies → large randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
- Half-life
- The time it takes for half of an active ingredient to be broken down in the body. Determines how often a medicine is given – for tirzepatide about 5 days, hence once a week.
- HPLC / mass spectrometry
- Lab methods to check whether the stated substance is really present in the stated purity.
- Incretins
- Gut hormones such as GLP-1 and GIP that are released after eating, increase insulin release and promote satiety.
- Lyophilisate
- Freeze-dried powder. Many peptides keep longer in this form than in solution. Typically looks like a white, solid “cake” at the bottom of the vial.
- Off-label
- Use of an approved medicine outside its approved indication. Only possible under a doctor’s responsibility.
- Reconstitution
- Dissolving a lyophilisate with a liquid. The amount of liquid determines the concentration – that is what our calculator is for.
- Research Use Only (RUO)
- Label meaning “for research purposes only, not for human use”. Such products are not subject to the quality requirements for medicines.
- Securpharm
- The German authenticity verification system: every prescription-only pack in Germany carries a DataMatrix code with a serial number that the pharmacy checks before dispensing.
- Subcutaneous (s.c.)
- Injection into the fatty tissue under the skin, e.g. on the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Injection sites should be rotated.
- Titration
- Gradual dose increase so the body gets used to a medicine – standard with GLP-1 medicines to limit nausea.
- U-100
- Standard insulin syringes: 100 units = 1 mL, so 1 unit = 0.01 mL. The “unit” here is only a measure of volume.
- WADA S0 / S2
- Categories of the World Anti-Doping Agency. S0: non-approved substances, S2: peptide hormones, growth factors and related substances. Both are prohibited at all times.