Peptide therapy involves the use of peptide compounds to promote health and treat illness. Some types of peptides have shown promise in research, but most peptide-based therapies have limited evidence and lack FDA approval as drugs. That said, peptides are naturally occurring compounds that can be safely used and compounded for off-label medical purposes under doctor supervision.
There are two main categories of peptides used in medicine:
- Growth hormone-releasing peptides include substances like sermorelin, ipamorelin, CJC-1295, and others that may stimulate natural growth hormone (GH) production. These are most often used to counteract age-related declines in GH levels. Potential benefits being explored include improved body composition, skin quality, healing ability, energy, and more.
- Signal peptides like BPC-157, thymosin beta-4, LL-37, etc. influence cell signaling pathways to help restore optimal tissue and organ function. They hold promise for gut healing, tendon/ligament repair, skin rejuvenation, immune function, and combating inflammation.
Medical use of peptides generally falls under
physician supervision and compounded pharmacy production rather than FDA-approved pharmaceuticals. Reasons for the current lack of FDA peptide drugs include:
- Most peptide compounds cannot be patented, which reduces financial incentive for formal drug development.
- Peptides are rapidly metabolized and cleared from circulation, which can make pharmacological testing challenging.
- Clinical trials to formally prove safety/efficacy of peptides face significant () before drug approval is possible. Global pharmaceutical companies tend to focus resources on more lucrative drug opportunities.
That said, individual physicians may prescribe peptide therapies for off-label use at their discretion. There are several key points to understand regarding peptide use under medical supervision:
- Peptides from compounding pharmacies are not verified by the FDA like commercially approved drugs. Quality/purity may vary, which highlights the importance of trusted sources.
- Patient experiences with peptides also vary substantially - from mild benefits to life-changing improvements. Managing patient expectations is warranted.
- Peptide handling requirements like temperature control, sterility, and injection technique are critical for safety and efficacy. Physicians should provide thorough oversight and guidance.
In summary,
peptide-based medical treatments currently represent an innovative area of personalized, preventative medicine with more research needed to confirm applications. Consultation with a knowledgeable physician focused on peptides, like New Beginnings HRT Clinic(), allows people to make an informed decision about whether peptide therapy aligns with their health goals. While not a magic bullet cure-all, certain peptides hold significant promise.
