What does peptide mean?
Amino acids are the basic building blocks that also make up proteins. When several or several dozen form a chain, we call it a peptide. Its structure affects what it can do. The name describes a type of molecule, not its use. [1]
Why are peptides used in medicine?
Some help transmit signals between cells. Insulin is a familiar medical example. Scientists also develop substances that imitate or alter the body's natural signals. [2]
Peptides can differ greatly in their effects. Good results for one substance do not establish the effectiveness of others. The specific product, disease and study results need to be assessed.
Each substance is a separate topic
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are ingredients in approved medicines. Retatrutide is still being studied. Their results, uses and limitations are distinct, so we describe them separately. [16] [25] [6]
The catalogue also includes BPC-157, TB-500, MOTS-c and GHK-Cu. Their profiles place particular importance on distinguishing laboratory experiments from human studies. A category name such as recovery indicates a topic of interest, not a promise of benefit.
Where does this information come from?
Show sources and how they were checked
- NHGRI: Peptide
Scientific glossary · full definition reviewed. Accessed: 2 November 2026.
- Health Canada: Peptides — overview
Public institution · 23 October 2026 · full page. Accessed: 2 November 2026.
- EMA: Wegovy — polska informacja o produkcie
EU regulator · updated 26 October 2026 · selected indication, safety and leaflet sections reviewed, not the whole PDF. Accessed: 2 November 2026.
- EMA: Mounjaro — informacja o produkcie
EU regulator · updated 21.09.2026 · English safety sections and patient leaflet read, not the entire PDF. Accessed: 02.11.2026.
- Lilly: What to know about retatrutide
Manufacturer information · October 2026 · full page. Accessed: 2 November 2026.