Peptides

Abaloparatide is an FDA-approved PTHrP analog injection for osteoporosis. Learn how it builds bone, what the ACTIVE trial found, and its two-year limit.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

PTHrP analog

Afamelanotide is a synthetic form of a skin hormone, FDA-approved in 2019 as the Scenesse implant for adults with EPP. See how it works and what trials show.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

MC1R agonist

Albiglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 drug approved in 2014 as Tanzeum for type 2 diabetes. Learn how it works, what trials found, and why it was withdrawn.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Angiotensin II is a natural hormone that raises blood pressure. A synthetic form, Giapreza, is FDA-approved for shock. See how it works and what trials show.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Vasopressor peptide

Bacitracin is an FDA-approved peptide antibiotic used on the skin for minor wounds. Learn how it works, how it is used, and why it can cause allergies.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Polypeptide antibiotic

Bivalirudin (Angiomax) is an FDA-approved peptide anticoagulant used during heart procedures. Learn how it works, when it is used, and what trials found.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Direct thrombin inhibitor

Bremelanotide is an FDA-approved melanocortin agonist sold as Vyleesi for HSDD in premenopausal women. See how it works, side effects, and the PT-141 caveat.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

MC4R agonist

Calcitonin-salmon is an FDA-approved hormone copy used for osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and high blood calcium. Learn how it works and where it fits.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Calcitonin receptor agonist

Cetrorelix is an FDA-approved GnRH antagonist sold as Cetrotide. Learn how it prevents early ovulation during IVF stimulation and where it fits.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GnRH antagonist

Corticotropin (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal glands and acts on immune cells. Learn what it is, how it works, and its FDA-approved status since 1952.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Melanocortin / ACTH

Cosyntropin is a synthetic ACTH fragment used to test adrenal function. Learn how the cortisol response is read and what FDA-approved means here.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

ACTH(1-24) analog

Cyclosporine is a cyclic peptide that suppresses T cells. Learn how it works, its FDA-approved forms, and why systemic versions carry boxed warnings.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Cyclic peptide immunosuppressant

Dalbavancin, oritavancin, and telavancin are FDA-approved lipoglycopeptide antibiotics for Gram-positive infections. See how they work and differ.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Lipoglycopeptide antibiotics

Daptomycin is an FDA-approved intravenous antibiotic for serious skin infections and Staph aureus bloodstream infections. Learn how it works and its uses.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic

Dasiglucagon is an FDA-approved, ready-to-use glucagon analog for severe low blood sugar. Learn how it works, what it is used for, and its side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Glucagon analog

Degarelix is an FDA-approved GnRH antagonist for advanced prostate cancer that lowers testosterone quickly. Learn how it works and its side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GnRH antagonist

Desirudin is a recombinant hirudin once used to prevent clots after hip surgery. Learn how it blocks thrombin and why it is no longer sold in the U.S.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Direct thrombin inhibitor

Desmopressin is a synthetic vasopressin analog approved by the FDA since 1978. Learn how it concentrates urine, its approved uses, and its main safety risk.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Vasopressin V2 analog

Difelikefalin (Korsuva) is an FDA-approved peptide for itch in adults on hemodialysis. Learn how it works, what the trials showed, and its side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Kappa-opioid agonist peptide

Dulaglutide is an FDA-approved once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes. Learn how it works, what trials showed, and its cardiovascular role.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Ecallantide is an FDA-approved plasma kallikrein inhibitor for acute hereditary angioedema attacks. Learn how it works, who gives it, and its boxed warning.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Plasma kallikrein inhibitor

Echinocandins are FDA-approved antifungal lipopeptides that block the fungal cell wall. Learn how caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin work and are used.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Lipopeptide antifungals

Enfuvirtide (Fuzeon) blocks HIV from entering CD4 cells. See how this fusion inhibitor works, who used it, its 2003 FDA approval, and its 2025 discontinuation.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

HIV fusion inhibitor peptide

Eptifibatide (Integrilin) is an intravenous peptide that blocks platelet clumping during heart attacks and stenting. Learn how it works and its bleeding risk.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor

Etelcalcetide (Parsabiv) is an intravenous peptide that lowers parathyroid hormone in people on dialysis. Learn how it works and what it is approved for.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Calcimimetic peptide

Exenatide is a GLP-1 agonist FDA-approved in 2005 for type 2 diabetes. Learn how it works, its history, and why the U.S. brands were discontinued.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Gallium Ga-68 dotatate (NETSPOT) is an FDA-approved PET tracer that locates neuroendocrine tumors. Learn how it works, what it is used for, and side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

SSTR imaging radiopeptide

Ganirelix is an FDA-approved GnRH antagonist peptide that prevents early ovulation during IVF. Learn how it works, what it is used for, and its side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GnRH antagonist

Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone that raises blood sugar fast. Learn its role in severe hypoglycemia, how nasal and injectable forms compare, and its status.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Glucagon receptor agonist

Goserelin (Zoladex) is an FDA-approved GnRH agonist implant. Learn how it lowers sex hormones and what it is used for in cancer and endometriosis.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GnRH agonist

Histrelin is an FDA-approved GnRH agonist implant for central precocious puberty. Learn how it works, its side effects, and the evidence behind it.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GnRH agonist

hCG is an FDA-approved hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone. Learn its approved uses, how it works, its risks, and why it is not approved for weight loss.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Glycoprotein gonadotropin

Icatibant is an FDA-approved peptide that blocks the bradykinin B2 receptor in hereditary angioedema attacks. Learn how it works and its side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Bradykinin B2 antagonist

Insulin analogs are engineered insulins that act faster or last longer. Learn how they work, their uses, their FDA status, and side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Insulin receptor agonist

Lanreotide is a long-acting somatostatin analog FDA-approved since 2007 for acromegaly and certain neuroendocrine tumors. Learn how it works and its risks.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Somatostatin analog

Leuprolide is a GnRH agonist FDA-approved since 1985. It suppresses testosterone and estrogen for prostate cancer, endometriosis, and precocious puberty.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GnRH agonist

Linaclotide (Linzess) is an FDA-approved peptide that acts inside the gut to ease IBS-C and chronic constipation. Learn how it works and its risks.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Guanylate cyclase-C agonist

Liraglutide, sold as Victoza and Saxenda, is a once-daily GLP-1 agonist for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Learn how it works and its evidence.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Lixisenatide is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved in 2016 for type 2 diabetes. See how it works, its status, and side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Lutetium Lu-177 dotatate (Lutathera) is an FDA-approved radiation therapy for neuroendocrine tumors. See how it works, uses, and side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

SSTR-targeted radiopeptide

Lu-177 vipivotide tetraxetan (Pluvicto) is an FDA-approved radiation therapy for PSMA-positive prostate cancer. See how it works and side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

PSMA-targeted radioligand

Mecasermin is recombinant IGF-1, FDA-approved since 2005 for children with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency. Learn how it works and who it is for.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

IGF-1 (recombinant)

Motixafortide is an FDA-approved CXCR4-blocking peptide that moves stem cells into the blood for collection in multiple myeloma. Learn how it works.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

CXCR4 antagonist peptide

Nafarelin is an FDA-approved GnRH agonist nasal spray for endometriosis and central precocious puberty. See how it works and what trials show.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GnRH agonist

Nesiritide is a lab-made copy of the heart hormone BNP, approved for acute heart failure. See how it works, what trials found, and its side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Natriuretic peptide

Octreotide is an FDA-approved somatostatin analog used for acromegaly and hormone-secreting tumors. Learn how it works, its forms, and side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Somatostatin analog

Oxytocin is a nine-amino-acid pituitary hormone. Learn how it makes the uterus contract, why it is FDA-approved for labor, and its side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Oxytocin receptor agonist

Palopegteriparatide (Yorvipath) is an FDA-approved, long-acting parathyroid hormone for adults with hypoparathyroidism. Learn how it works and what trials show.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Long-acting PTH prodrug

Parathyroid hormone (Natpara) is an FDA-approved replacement for hypoparathyroidism. Learn how it works, trial results, and the boxed warning.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

PTH (recombinant)

Pasireotide (Signifor) is an FDA-approved somatostatin analog for Cushing's disease and acromegaly. Learn how it works and why it raises blood sugar.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Somatostatin analog

Pegcetacoplan is an FDA-approved peptide that blocks complement C3. Learn how Empaveli and Syfovre work, what each is approved for, and key safety points.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Complement C3 inhibitor (PEG peptide)

Pegvisomant (Somavert) is an FDA-approved growth hormone receptor blocker for acromegaly. Learn how it lowers IGF-1, how it is given, and the research.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GH receptor antagonist

Plecanatide is an FDA-approved oral peptide for chronic constipation and IBS-C. Learn how it works, what trials showed, and its boxed dehydration warning.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Guanylate cyclase-C agonist

Polymyxin B and colistin are FDA-approved last-resort antibiotics for resistant Gram-negative infections. Learn how they work and why their use is limited.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Polymyxin antibiotic

Pramlintide is an FDA-approved amylin analog used with mealtime insulin. Learn how it lowers after-meal glucose and how it differs from GLP-1 drugs.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Amylin analog

Secretin is the first hormone ever discovered and an FDA-approved diagnostic agent. Learn how it tests pancreatic function and what the evidence shows.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Secretin hormone

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist sold as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Learn how it works, what it is approved for, and its side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Setmelanotide, sold as Imcivree, is an FDA-approved peptide for certain rare genetic obesity. Learn how it works, who it is for, and its side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

MC4R agonist

Sincalide, sold as Kinevac, is an FDA-approved diagnostic peptide that triggers gallbladder contraction. Learn how it works, its uses, and side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Cholecystokinin analog

Somapacitan is a long-acting growth hormone, FDA-approved since 2020, given once weekly. Learn how it works, who it is for, and how it differs from daily doses.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Long-acting GH analog

Somatropin is lab-made human growth hormone, FDA-approved since the late 1980s. Learn its approved uses, how it works, and the safety considerations involved.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Growth hormone

Teduglutide is a GLP-2 analog, FDA-approved since 2012, for short bowel syndrome. Learn how it helps the gut absorb nutrients, who uses it, and key risks.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GLP-2 analog

Teriparatide (Forteo) is an FDA-approved parathyroid hormone fragment that builds new bone in people at high fracture risk from osteoporosis.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

PTH analog

Terlipressin (Terlivaz) is an FDA-approved vasopressin analog that improves kidney function in hepatorenal syndrome. Learn how it works and its boxed warning.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Vasopressin analog

Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is an FDA-approved growth hormone-releasing hormone analog that reduces excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GHRH analog

Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved once-weekly peptide that activates GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Learn its approved uses, how it works, and trial results.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonist

Triptorelin is an FDA-approved GnRH agonist given as a depot injection. Learn its approved uses, how it lowers testosterone, and what trials show.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

GnRH agonist

Trofinetide (DAYBUE) is an FDA-approved drug for Rett syndrome. Learn how it works, what it is prescribed for, its side effects, and the evidence.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

IGF-1-derived tripeptide analog

Vancomycin is an FDA-approved antibiotic for serious Gram-positive infections, including MRSA and C. difficile. Learn how it works, its uses, and side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Glycopeptide antibiotic

Vasopressin (Vasostrict) is an FDA-approved hormone used in intensive care to raise blood pressure. Learn how it works, its uses, and side effects.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

V1/V2 receptor agonist

Vosoritide (Voxzogo) is an FDA-approved peptide that increases growth in children with achondroplasia. Learn how it works, its side effects, and the evidence.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

CNP analog

Ziconotide (Prialt) is an FDA-approved non-opioid peptide for severe chronic pain, given by spinal pump. Learn how it works and its boxed warning.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

N-type Ca-channel blocker (conotoxin)

Zilucoplan (Zilbrysq) is an FDA-approved peptide that blocks complement C5 in antibody-positive myasthenia gravis. Learn how it works and its risks.

Evidence

FDA approved

Class

Complement C5 inhibitor peptide