Semaglutide
FDA-approved: Wegovy (NDA 215256, weight management, CV risk) and Ozempic (NDA 209637, type 2 diabetes)Evidence: Approved
The GLP-1 behind Wegovy/Ozempic, with heart and liver benefits in trials.
New: HHS proposed a rule change for 6 peptides. It is not final.
Which peptides are approved, and which are still being tested.
See where each peptide stands, from lab research to FDA-approved. Pick a goal, like weight loss or sleep, to see the peptides studied for it.
Updated
Weight & Metabolism
Focus & Mood
Skin & Hair
Gut
Recovery & Joints
Strength
Sleep
Immunity
Longevity
Sexual health
Bone
Lab research only
In human trials
HHS proposal (not final)Proposed, not final
FDA-approved
All peptides by goal
All goalsWeight & Metabolism
FDA-approved
Tirzepatide
FDA-approved: Zepbound (NDA 217806, weight management, OSA) and Mounjaro (NDA 215866, type 2 diabetes)Evidence: Approved
Weekly shot (Zepbound/Mounjaro) that acts on two hormones. FDA-approved for weight and type 2 diabetes.
Setmelanotide
FDA approved Nov 25, 2020 (Imcivree, NDA 213793) for specific rare genetic obesitiesEvidence: FDA approved; Phase 3 trials
Setmelanotide, sold as Imcivree by Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, is a peptide medicine for people whose severe obesity is caused by rare genetic defects in the brain's hunger-control pathway.
Pramlintide
FDA approved Mar 16, 2005 (Symlin, NDA 021332) with mealtime insulin for type 1 and type 2 diabetesEvidence: FDA approved
Pramlintide, sold as Symlin, was the first approved medicine based on amylin, a hormone made alongside insulin.
Dulaglutide
FDA approved Sep 18, 2014 (Trulicity, BLA 125469) for type 2 diabetesEvidence: FDA approved
Dulaglutide, sold as Trulicity by Eli Lilly, is a once-weekly GLP-1 injection for type 2 diabetes.
Exenatide
FDA approved Apr 28, 2005 (Byetta, NDA 021773) for type 2 diabetesEvidence: FDA approved
Exenatide was the first GLP-1 drug ever approved.
Orforglipron
FDA approved Apr 1, 2026 (Foundayo, NDA 220934) for chronic weight managementEvidence: FDA approved; Phase 3 trials
Orforglipron, sold as Foundayo by Eli Lilly, is a once-daily GLP-1 pill for weight management.
In human trials
Retatrutide
In human trials. Not approved.Evidence: Phase 3
An experimental weekly shot that acts on three hormones. Being tested for weight loss.
Cagrilintide
In human trials. Not approved.Evidence: Phase 3
Amylin analog studied with semaglutide.
Amycretin
Investigational: Phase 3 (AMAZE program); not approved anywhereEvidence: Phase 1b/2 human trials; Phase 3 ongoing
Amycretin, now also called zenagamtide, is an experimental weight-management medicine from Novo Nordisk.
Eloralintide
Investigational: Phase 3 (ENLIGHTEN program); not approvedEvidence: Phase 2 randomized trial; Phase 3 ongoing
Eloralintide is an experimental once-weekly injection from Eli Lilly that mimics amylin, a hormone released with insulin that tells the brain you are full.
Petrelintide
Investigational: Phase 3 (ZUPREME program, started Sep 2026); not approvedEvidence: Phase 2 completed; Phase 3 ongoing
Petrelintide is an experimental once-weekly injection that mimics amylin, a natural fullness hormone.
Ecnoglutide
Approved in China (T2D Jan 2026; weight management Mar 2026); not FDA approvedEvidence: Phase 3 trials; approved outside US
Ecnoglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 injection developed by Sciwind Biosciences.
Aleniglipron
Investigational: Phase 3 (ACCOMPLISH program, started Jul 2026); not approvedEvidence: Phase 2 randomized trial; Phase 3 ongoing
Aleniglipron is an experimental daily GLP-1 pill.
CagriSema
Not approved; NDA submitted to FDA Dec 2025, decision expected by Novo in Q4 2026Evidence: Phase 3 trials
CagriSema is a once-weekly injection that combines cagrilintide (an amylin analog) with semaglutide (the GLP-1 in Wegovy).
Survodutide
Investigational: Phase 3 (SYNCHRONIZE) results published 2026; not approvedEvidence: Phase 3 trials
Survodutide is an experimental weekly injection that acts on two hormone receptors, glucagon and GLP-1.
Mazdutide
Approved in China (NMPA: obesity Jun 2025, type 2 diabetes Sep 2025); not FDA approvedEvidence: Phase 3 trials; approved outside US
Mazdutide is a weekly injection acting on glucagon and GLP-1 receptors.
MariTide
Investigational: Phase 3 (MARITIME-1/2, primary completion est. Jan 2027); not approvedEvidence: Phase 2 trial; Phase 3 ongoing
MariTide is Amgen's experimental once-monthly weight-management injection.
VK2735
Investigational: Phase 3 VANQUISH (results expected 2027); oral Phase 3 started Oct 2026; not approvedEvidence: Phase 2 trials; Phase 3 ongoing
VK2735 is Viking Therapeutics' experimental weight-management drug, tested as a weekly injection and as a daily pill.
Focus & Mood
Lab research only
Selank
Lab research only. Not approved for people.Evidence: Early human studies (outside the US)
Studied for calm focus and anxiety in small trials outside the US.
Dihexa
Lab research only. Not approved for people.Evidence: Preclinical
Lab research on forming new brain connections.
Cerebrolysin
Lab research only. Not approved for people.Evidence: Human trials (outside the US)
Brain-derived peptide mix studied after stroke and brain injury.
Skin & Hair
FDA-approved
Afamelanotide
FDA-approved: Scenesse (NDA 210797) for phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyriaEvidence: Approved
Approved implant that protects skin from light reactions in a rare condition.
Dietary supplements
Glutathione
Sold as a dietary supplement; we found no FDA approval for wellness useEvidence: Small human trials (supplement)
Glutathione is a tiny peptide made of three amino acids that every cell makes.
Cosmetic ingredients
Argireline
Cosmetic ingredient (not an FDA-approved drug)Evidence: Cosmetic studies
Topical cosmetic peptide studied for expression lines.
SNAP-8
Cosmetic ingredient (not an FDA-approved drug)Evidence: Cosmetic studies
Next-gen expression-line cosmetic peptide.
AHK-Cu
Not an FDA-approved drug; lab (in-vitro) research onlyEvidence: Lab studies only
AHK-Cu is a small copper-binding peptide, a cousin of the better-known GHK-Cu.
Gut
FDA-approved
Teduglutide
FDA-approved: Gattex (NDA 203441) for short bowel syndromeEvidence: Approved
Approved to help the gut absorb nutrients in short bowel syndrome.
HHS proposal (not final)
BPC-157
Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved.Evidence: Preclinical (animal)
A peptide first found in the stomach. Studied in animals for gut and tissue healing. Named in HHS's 2026 proposal.
KPV
Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved.Evidence: Preclinical
Tiny anti-inflammatory fragment studied for gut inflammation; named in HHS's 2026 proposal.
In human trials
Larazotide
Investigational; Phase 3 discontinued (not approved)Evidence: Phase 3 halted (2022)
Studied to tighten the gut barrier in celiac disease.
Recovery & Joints
HHS proposal (not final)
TB-500
Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved.Evidence: Preclinical
Fragment of thymosin beta-4 studied for tissue repair and mobility; named in HHS's 2026 proposal.
BPC-157
Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved.Evidence: Preclinical (animal)
Animal studies on tendon and ligament healing.
In human trials
Thymosin Beta-4
In human trials. Not approved.Evidence: Human trials
Full-length repair peptide studied in eye and heart healing.
Dietary supplements
Collagen peptides
Dietary supplement (not an FDA-approved drug)Evidence: Human trials (supplement)
Food-grade peptides studied for joint comfort and skin.
Strength
FDA-approved
Tesamorelin
FDA-approved: Egrifta (BLA 022505, formerly NDA) for excess abdominal fat in HIV lipodystrophyEvidence: Approved
Approved growth-hormone-releasing peptide for abdominal fat in a specific HIV population.
Lab research only
Ipamorelin
Lab research only. Not approved for people.Evidence: Early human
Selective growth-hormone secretagogue studied for recovery.
CJC-1295
Lab research only. Not approved for people.Evidence: Early human
Long-acting GHRH analog studied for GH levels.
Follistatin
Lab research only. Not approved for people.Evidence: Preclinical / gene therapy
Myostatin blocker studied for muscle growth.
Sleep
Immunity
Lab research only
Thymosin Alpha-1
Not FDA-approved; research use only in the US; formerly in FDA 503A Category 2 (nomination withdrawn); approved outside the USEvidence: Approved outside the US; not FDA-approved
Thymus peptide approved in several countries as an immune modulator.
LL-37
Lab research only. Not approved for people.Evidence: Early human
The body's own antimicrobial peptide.
Thymulin
Lab research only. Not approved for people.Evidence: Preclinical
Zinc-dependent thymus hormone.
Longevity
FDA-approved
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
FDA accelerated approval: Forzinity (NDA 215244) for Barth syndromeEvidence: Approved (accelerated)
Mitochondria-targeting peptide approved for muscle strength in Barth syndrome, a rare mitochondrial disease.
HHS proposal (not final)
Epitalon
Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved.Evidence: Early human studies (outside the US)
Studied for telomeres and aging markers; named in HHS's 2026 proposal.
MOTS-c
Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved.Evidence: Preclinical
Declines with age; studied for metabolic healthspan.
Dietary supplements
Glutathione
Sold as a dietary supplement; we found no FDA approval for wellness useEvidence: Small human trials (supplement)
Glutathione is a tiny peptide made of three amino acids that every cell makes.
Sexual health
FDA-approved
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
FDA-approved: Vyleesi (NDA 210557) for HSDD in premenopausal womenEvidence: Approved
Approved as Vyleesi for low desire in premenopausal women; acts on the brain.
Oxytocin
FDA-approved: Pitocin (NDA 018261) for labor induction/postpartum use onlyEvidence: Approved (obstetric use)
The 'bonding hormone'; approved for labor, studied for social behavior.
Lab research only
Kisspeptin
Research-only (not FDA-approved); FDA 503A Category 2 safety-risk listEvidence: Early human
A hormone signal studied for fertility and sex drive.
Bone
FDA-approved
Abaloparatide
FDA-approved: Tymlos (NDA 208743) for osteoporosisEvidence: Approved
Approved (Tymlos) to build bone in osteoporosis.
Teriparatide
FDA approved Nov 26, 2002 (Forteo, NDA 021318) for osteoporosis at high fracture riskEvidence: FDA approved; large randomized trials
Teriparatide is a lab-made version of the active part of parathyroid hormone.
At a glance
| Peptide | Goal | Stage | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Weight & Metabolism | FDA-approved: Wegovy (NDA 215256, weight management, CV risk) and Ozempic (NDA 209637, type 2 diabetes) | Source |
| Tirzepatide | Weight & Metabolism | FDA-approved: Zepbound (NDA 217806, weight management, OSA) and Mounjaro (NDA 215866, type 2 diabetes) | Source |
| Setmelanotide | Weight & Metabolism | FDA approved Nov 25, 2020 (Imcivree, NDA 213793) for specific rare genetic obesities | Source |
| Pramlintide | Weight & Metabolism | FDA approved Mar 16, 2005 (Symlin, NDA 021332) with mealtime insulin for type 1 and type 2 diabetes | Source |
| Dulaglutide | Weight & Metabolism | FDA approved Sep 18, 2014 (Trulicity, BLA 125469) for type 2 diabetes | Source |
| Exenatide | Weight & Metabolism | FDA approved Apr 28, 2005 (Byetta, NDA 021773) for type 2 diabetes | Source |
| Orforglipron | Weight & Metabolism | FDA approved Apr 1, 2026 (Foundayo, NDA 220934) for chronic weight management | Source |
| MOTS-c | Weight & Metabolism | Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved. | Source |
| Retatrutide | Weight & Metabolism | In human trials. Not approved. | Source |
| Cagrilintide | Weight & Metabolism | In human trials. Not approved. | Source |
| Amycretin | Weight & Metabolism | Investigational: Phase 3 (AMAZE program); not approved anywhere | Source |
| Eloralintide | Weight & Metabolism | Investigational: Phase 3 (ENLIGHTEN program); not approved | Source |
| Petrelintide | Weight & Metabolism | Investigational: Phase 3 (ZUPREME program, started Sep 2026); not approved | Source |
| Ecnoglutide | Weight & Metabolism | Approved in China (T2D Jan 2026; weight management Mar 2026); not FDA approved | Source |
| Aleniglipron | Weight & Metabolism | Investigational: Phase 3 (ACCOMPLISH program, started Jul 2026); not approved | Source |
| CagriSema | Weight & Metabolism | Not approved; NDA submitted to FDA Dec 2025, decision expected by Novo in Q4 2026 | Source |
| Survodutide | Weight & Metabolism | Investigational: Phase 3 (SYNCHRONIZE) results published 2026; not approved | Source |
| Mazdutide | Weight & Metabolism | Approved in China (NMPA: obesity Jun 2025, type 2 diabetes Sep 2025); not FDA approved | Source |
| MariTide | Weight & Metabolism | Investigational: Phase 3 (MARITIME-1/2, primary completion est. Jan 2027); not approved | Source |
| VK2735 | Weight & Metabolism | Investigational: Phase 3 VANQUISH (results expected 2027); oral Phase 3 started Oct 2026; not approved | Source |
| Semax | Focus & Mood | Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved. | Source |
| Selank | Focus & Mood | Lab research only. Not approved for people. | Source |
| Dihexa | Focus & Mood | Lab research only. Not approved for people. | Source |
| Cerebrolysin | Focus & Mood | Lab research only. Not approved for people. | Source |
| Afamelanotide | Skin & Hair | FDA-approved: Scenesse (NDA 210797) for phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria | Source |
| Glutathione | Skin & Hair | Sold as a dietary supplement; we found no FDA approval for wellness use | Source |
| Argireline | Skin & Hair | Cosmetic ingredient (not an FDA-approved drug) | Source |
| SNAP-8 | Skin & Hair | Cosmetic ingredient (not an FDA-approved drug) | Source |
| AHK-Cu | Skin & Hair | Not an FDA-approved drug; lab (in-vitro) research only | Source |
| GHK-Cu | Skin & Hair | Lab research only. Not approved for people. | Source |
| Teduglutide | Gut | FDA-approved: Gattex (NDA 203441) for short bowel syndrome | Source |
| BPC-157 | Gut | Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved. | Source |
| KPV | Gut | Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved. | Source |
| Larazotide | Gut | Investigational; Phase 3 discontinued (not approved) | Source |
| TB-500 | Recovery & Joints | Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved. | Source |
| BPC-157 | Recovery & Joints | Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved. | Source |
| Thymosin Beta-4 | Recovery & Joints | In human trials. Not approved. | Source |
| Collagen peptides | Recovery & Joints | Dietary supplement (not an FDA-approved drug) | Source |
| Tesamorelin | Strength | FDA-approved: Egrifta (BLA 022505, formerly NDA) for excess abdominal fat in HIV lipodystrophy | Source |
| Ipamorelin | Strength | Lab research only. Not approved for people. | Source |
| CJC-1295 | Strength | Lab research only. Not approved for people. | Source |
| Follistatin | Strength | Lab research only. Not approved for people. | Source |
| Epitalon | Sleep | Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved. | Source |
| DSIP | Sleep | Lab research only. Not approved for people. | Source |
| KPV | Immunity | Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved. | Source |
| Thymosin Alpha-1 | Immunity | Not FDA-approved; research use only in the US; formerly in FDA 503A Category 2 (nomination withdrawn); approved outside the US | Source |
| LL-37 | Immunity | Lab research only. Not approved for people. | Source |
| Thymulin | Immunity | Lab research only. Not approved for people. | Source |
| SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Longevity | FDA accelerated approval: Forzinity (NDA 215244) for Barth syndrome | Source |
| Epitalon | Longevity | Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved. | Source |
| MOTS-c | Longevity | Proposed, not final: HHS may let pharmacies custom-mix this. Not FDA-approved. | Source |
| Glutathione | Longevity | Sold as a dietary supplement; we found no FDA approval for wellness use | Source |
| Humanin | Longevity | Lab research only. Not approved for people. | Source |
| PT-141 (Bremelanotide) | Sexual health | FDA-approved: Vyleesi (NDA 210557) for HSDD in premenopausal women | Source |
| Oxytocin | Sexual health | FDA-approved: Pitocin (NDA 018261) for labor induction/postpartum use only | Source |
| Kisspeptin | Sexual health | Research-only (not FDA-approved); FDA 503A Category 2 safety-risk list | Source |
| Abaloparatide | Bone | FDA-approved: Tymlos (NDA 208743) for osteoporosis | Source |
| Teriparatide | Bone | FDA approved Nov 26, 2002 (Forteo, NDA 021318) for osteoporosis at high fracture risk | Source |
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