Peptides have exploded onto the wellness sphere, spearheaded by the use of GLP1 medications for diabetes and obesity. These drugs made over $40 BILLION in 2024! However, peptide therapy dates back to 1921, with the development of the first peptide, synthetic insulin. Over the years, therapeutic peptides have been developed for a range of conditions, including gastrointestinal, urologic, cardiovascular, pain, oncology and rare diseases. In 2022, there were over 170 peptides in active clinical trial development.

Peptides are short chains of 2 to 50 amino acids held together by a peptide bond. They are mini-proteins that bind to target receptors and act primarily as signaling molecules, delivering instructions to specific cells and tissues. Because peptides are small molecules, they can be synthesized more easily for targeted health applications, including potential cancer vaccines. They are commonly administered via subcutaneous injections to maximize absorption into the bloodstream and bypass digestive system breakdown; some peptides are formulated for oral use.

The regulatory status of peptides depends on the molecule, ranging from pharmaceutical medications prescribed by health care providers to availability through compounding pharmacies or from chemical manufacturers for research use only. Although “research only” peptides are readily available online, consumer concerns include purity, stability and sterility, which vary widely and are neither regulated nor recommended for human use.

Despite the lack of clinical trials and long-term safety data, peptides are in high demand due to animal model testing and observed clinical benefits. Their mechanisms of action are generally well known: Sports medicine and orthopedics have commonly utilized “wolverine” peptides BPC-157 (gastric pentadecapeptide) and TB 500 (thymosin beta 4) for improved performance and recovery from sports injuries; the “biohacking” and wellness community use peptides for longevity and mitochondrial repair, and the cosmetic industry use GHK-Cu for skin and hair loss collagen boosts, mainly through anecdotal evidence and self-experimentation.

Other possible drawbacks of unregulated peptide use are the potential for unknown short-term and long-term side effects and possible drug and herb interactions. Some popular peptides, such as BPC 157, have shown potential to stimulate VEGF growth factors in rat muscle and tendon models, increasing local blood flow, which is good for tissue healing but potentially harmful for cancerous tumors.

The cost of pharmaceutical-grade peptides for human use can be a hurdle, which is why many people take the hefty risk of using cheaper “research only” products. There are also no established optimal dosing protocols specific to each patient. Thus, prescribing doctors must be knowledgeable and comfortable using safely sourced peptides for their patients.

Therapeutic peptides are an exciting and evolving field with significant therapeutic potential. Since the blockbuster success of GLP-1 drugs and the exponential explosion of peptides in drug research, we expect expansive use across health disciplines. In the meantime, remember to use a healthy dose of common sense when branching into the brave new world of peptides.

Dr. Sonja Fung is a primary care naturopathic doctor with a focus on integrative cancer care and PRP regenerative joint injections at Live Well Clinic in La Quinta. Call (760) 771.5970 or visit www.livewellclinic.org.

Sources available upon request.