Independent peptide research

Peptide research & education — evidence-based compound guides

PeptideMark is the most comprehensive evidence-based peptide reference on the internet. Every claim cited. Every compound evidence-rated. No hype, no vendor influence — just research.

20+ compounds profiled100% claims cited4-tier evidence rating$0 vendor influence

Featured compounds

Healing & RecoveryL2

BPC-157Body Protection Compound-157, Bepecin

128studies

A gastric pentadecapeptide studied extensively in animal models for tissue healing, gut protection, and cytoprotective properties. Despite over 100 preclinical studies, human clinical data remains extremely limited.

Preliminary EvidenceBanned from Compounding (Category 2)WADA bannedAngiogenesis & VEGF Modulation
Weight LossL5

SemaglutideOzempic, Wegovy

630studies

An FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.

Strong EvidenceFDA ApprovedGLP-1 Receptor Agonism
Weight LossL5

TirzepatideMounjaro, Zepbound

180studies

An FDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that has shown the highest weight loss results of any approved medication.

Strong EvidenceFDA ApprovedDual GIP/GLP-1 Agonism
Healing & RecoveryL3

TB-500Thymosin Beta-4, TB4

119studies

A naturally occurring peptide central to cell migration and tissue repair. Phase 2 human wound healing trials showed accelerated healing; also studied for cardiac and corneal repair.

Moderate EvidenceBanned from Compounding (Category 2)WADA bannedActin Sequestration & Cell Migration
Weight LossL4

RetatrutideLY3437943, Triple Agonist

31studies

A triple-acting GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist in Phase 3 trials showing potentially the highest weight loss of any drug in development.

Moderate EvidenceIn Clinical TrialsTriple GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon Agonism
Immune SupportL4

Thymosin Alpha-1Tα1, Thymalfasin

113studies

A naturally occurring thymic peptide approved internationally for immune modulation, with extensive clinical data in hepatitis and cancer immunotherapy.

Strong EvidenceResearch OnlyDendritic Cell & T-Cell Activation

Latest research & news

News

Foundayo (Orforglipron) FDA Approved: The First GLP-1 Pill You Can Take Any Time of Day

On April 1, 2026, the FDA approved Foundayo (orforglipron) — Eli Lilly's once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight loss. Unlike existing oral semaglutide, Foundayo can be taken any time of day without food or water restrictions, starting at $149/month.

10 min read
News

FDA Removes 12 Peptides from Category 2: BPC-157, TB-500, Semax, and More No Longer Flagged as Safety Risks

On April 15, 2026, the FDA announced the removal of 12 peptide bulk drug substances from Category 2 — the list reserved for compounds with significant safety concerns. BPC-157, TB-500, Semax, MOTS-c, GHK-Cu (injectable), and seven others are affected. Here is what it means.

9 min read
Research

Stanford Discovers "Natural Ozempic" Peptide That Cuts Appetite 50% Without GI Side Effects

Stanford researchers used an AI tool called Peptide Predictor to scan all 20,000 human protein-coding genes and discovered BRP — a naturally occurring 12-amino-acid peptide that reduced food intake by 50% in mice and minipigs without the GI side effects of semaglutide. The study was published in Nature.

9 min read
Research

Semaglutide Fails Alzheimer's Trial: What the EVOKE Results Mean for GLP-1 Brain Claims

The largest clinical trial of semaglutide for Alzheimer's disease — the EVOKE program, enrolling 3,808 patients across 566 sites in 40 countries — failed to slow cognitive decline. But the biomarker data tells a more nuanced story, and the Parkinson's evidence remains stronger.

10 min read
Deep Dive

Tirzepatide for Weight Loss: What the Clinical Trials Actually Show

Tirzepatide delivered 20.2% body weight reduction in the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial against semaglutide — the largest weight loss ever recorded for a GLP-1 class drug. This guide covers every major trial, the dosing escalation schedule, side effects, cost, and who should consider it.

13 min read
Deep Dive

Peptides for Women: Safety, Benefits, and What’s Different

Women metabolize peptides differently than men — hormonal cycles, body composition, and reproductive considerations all matter. This guide covers what the research actually shows about peptides in women, from GLP-1 agonists and fertility to PT-141 and growth hormone secretagogues.

14 min read
Regulatory

FDA Sets July 23–24 Meeting to Review BPC-157, TB-500, and 5 More Peptides for Compounding Access

The FDA announced a formal advisory committee meeting on July 23–24 to evaluate whether seven peptides — including BPC-157, TB-500, and Semax — should be added to the 503A bulk drug substances list, restoring legal compounding access. A public comment docket is open until July 22.

12 min read
Regulatory

Are Peptides Legal in 2026? The Complete Post-RFK Status Guide

The legal landscape for peptides shifted dramatically in 2026 after HHS Secretary RFK Jr. moved 14 peptides back to Category 1. Here is exactly what is legal, what is not, and what it means for patients and researchers.

10 min read
News

When Will Retatrutide Be FDA Approved? The 2026 Timeline Explained

With Phase 3 results showing 24% mean weight loss, retatrutide is poised to become the most effective weight-loss drug ever approved. But when will patients actually get it, and what does the timeline look like from here?

8 min read

The Peptide Brief

Weekly research digest. New studies, regulatory updates, and expert analysis — no spam, no vendor pitches.

Free. Unsubscribe anytime.

What is peptide research and why does it matter?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — typically between 2 and 50 — that serve as signaling molecules throughout the human body. Unlike larger proteins, peptides can cross cell membranes and interact with specific receptors, making them promising candidates for therapeutic research. Over the past decade, peptide-based drugs have moved from the laboratory into mainstream medicine, with FDA-approved compounds like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), and bremelanotide (Vyleesi) demonstrating the clinical potential of this drug class.

At PeptideMark, we track and analyze the published scientific evidence for over 20 peptide compounds, from GLP-1 receptor agonists used in weight management to research peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500 that are studied for tissue repair. Our compound guides include clinical trial data, mechanism-of-action breakdowns, safety profiles, and current regulatory status — all rated with our four-tier evidence system that distinguishes strong human trial data from preliminary animal research.

Whether you are a clinician evaluating peptide therapies, a researcher following the latest clinical trials, or someone trying to understand the science behind compounds you have read about, PeptideMark provides the objective, citation-backed information you need to make informed decisions. We accept no vendor funding and maintain complete editorial independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids (typically 2–50) that function as signaling molecules in the body. Therapeutic peptides include FDA-approved drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, as well as research compounds with varying evidence profiles.

Are peptides legal in the United States?

It depends on the compound. FDA-approved peptides like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjoor, and Vyleesi are fully legal with prescription. Others — BPC-157, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, Thymosin Alpha-1 — were placed on the FDA 503A Do Not Compound list in 2023, eliminating the compounding pathway. Research-chemical purchases exist in a gray zone.

Which peptides have the strongest evidence?

GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) have the strongest evidence of any peptide class, with large Phase 3 trials demonstrating weight loss, glycemic control, and cardiovascular benefit. Tesamorelin and PT-141 are FDA-approved for specific indications. Research peptides like BPC-157 have extensive preclinical data but limited human trials.

How does PeptideMark rate evidence?

We use a transparent evidence-rating framework based on trial quality, sample size, regulatory status, and replication. Every claim on the site is cited to primary sources, and ratings distinguish FDA-approved therapies from preclinical-only research compounds.

Is PeptideMark independent?

Yes. PeptideMark accepts no peptide vendor sponsorship and does not sell or recommend specific suppliers. All content is independently researched and reviewed.

Why PeptideMark

Every claim is cited

PubMed IDs, named studies, FDA documents. If we can't cite it, we don't print it.

Evidence is rated honestly

Our 4-tier system distinguishes human RCTs from animal studies. No conflation, no cherry-picking.

Updated continuously

Weekly PubMed and FDA monitoring. Every compound page shows its last review date.