Hormonal Peptides
Growth hormone secretagogues and hormonal regulators. Evidence-based dossiers on ipamorelin, CJC-1295, and related peptides.
Hormonal peptides include growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs), growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analogs, and other compounds that influence the endocrine system. Some have FDA approval for specific conditions while others remain investigational.
CJC-1295
DAC:GRF, Modified GRF 1-29, Tetrasubstituted GRF
A synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with extended half-life. Limited clinical development; not approved for any indication.
Follistatin
FST, FS-344, FS-315 +1 more
An endogenous glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin and activin signaling, potentially allowing muscle growth beyond genetic limits. Gene therapy trials for muscular dystrophy show promise, but injectable peptide forms remain unapproved and understudied in humans.
GHRP-2
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2, Pralmorelin, KP-102
A synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue with the strongest GH-releasing potency in its class. More potent than GHRP-6 with different side effect profile: less appetite stimulation but greater cortisol and prolactin elevation. Approved in Japan as Pralmorelin for GH deficiency diagnosis. Extensively studied in human pharmacology with robust clinical data.
GHRP-6
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6, SKF-110679, Growth Hormone-Releasing Hexapeptide
A first-generation growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release through the ghrelin receptor. Less selective than newer alternatives with effects on cortisol and prolactin. Historically significant as the peptide that led to ghrelin discovery. Cuban CIGB leads global cytoprotective research. Not approved for any indication.
Hexarelin
Examorelin, HEX, Growth Hormone Releasing Hexapeptide +2 more
The most potent synthetic GHRP (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide), a hexapeptide that strongly stimulates GH release via the ghrelin receptor. Notable for cardioprotective effects independent of GH release. Development discontinued due to rapid desensitization with repeated dosing. Italian research leads global investigation.
HMG
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin, Menotropins, hMG +4 more
A urinary-derived glycoprotein hormone preparation containing both FSH and LH in approximately 1:1 ratio, FDA-approved for female infertility (ovulation induction, ART) and male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. First used clinically in 1961 by Bruno Lunenfeld, HMG enabled the birth of the first American IVF baby in 1981 and remains a cornerstone of fertility medicine with over 60 years of clinical experience. Highly purified preparations (HP-hMG) demonstrate comparable or slightly superior live birth rates compared to recombinant FSH in IVF.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
hCG, Choriogonadotropin, Pregnyl +5 more
A glycoprotein hormone FDA-approved for ovulation induction, cryptorchidism, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Functions as an LH receptor agonist with over 50 years of clinical use in reproductive medicine. Gold standard trigger for assisted reproductive technology.
IGF-1 LR3
Long R3 IGF-1, LR3-IGF-1, Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Long R3
A modified form of IGF-1 with an extended half-life due to reduced binding protein affinity. Used primarily in research for muscle growth and metabolic effects. Not approved for human use; significant safety concerns exist.
Ipamorelin
NNC 26-0161, NNC-26-0161
A growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release without significant effects on cortisol or prolactin. Developed by Novo Nordisk (Denmark); limited clinical development despite promising early data.
Kisspeptin
KISS1, Metastin, Kisspeptin-54 +3 more
An endogenous neuropeptide that serves as the master regulator of reproductive function. Acts upstream of GnRH to control puberty, fertility, and the menstrual cycle. Under clinical investigation as a safer IVF trigger and treatment for hypothalamic amenorrhea. Pioneering research led by Imperial College London.
MK-677
Ibutamoren, Ibutamoren Mesylate, L-163,191 +1 more
An orally-active, non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin's effects on GHS-R1a. While not technically a peptide, it is frequently researched alongside peptides for its sustained IGF-1 elevation. Completed Phase 2 trials for muscle wasting, sleep, and bone density. Not FDA approved; WADA prohibited.
Pasireotide
SOM230, Signifor, Signifor LAR
A multi-receptor somatostatin analog FDA-approved for Cushing's disease and acromegaly. Features unique binding profile with 30-40 fold higher affinity for SSTR1 and SSTR5 compared to octreotide, enabling efficacy in patients resistant to first-generation somatostatin analogs.
Prostatilen
Prostate peptide extract, Samprost, Vitaprost +1 more
A peptide complex extracted from bovine prostate glands, developed in Russia and registered as a pharmaceutical for prostatitis treatment. Available as suppositories and injections in Russia and CIS countries. Has more clinical documentation than most bioregulators but lacks Western validation.
PT-141
Bremelanotide, Vyleesi
An FDA-approved melanocortin receptor agonist for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Acts centrally rather than on vascular mechanisms. Phase 3 RECONNECT trials demonstrated efficacy.
Sermorelin
Geref, GRF 1-29, GHRH(1-29)NH2
A GHRH analog that was FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency. Now discontinued commercially but established safety and efficacy profile exists.
Tesamorelin
Egrifta, Egrifta SV, Egrifta WR +1 more
An FDA-approved GHRH analog for reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. One of few GH-releasing peptides with regulatory approval and Phase 3 data.
Testagen
Testicular peptide, Gonad peptide, Testis bioregulator
A synthetic tripeptide developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson, claimed to support testicular tissue and modulate Leydig cell function. Proposed to influence testosterone synthesis pathways through bioregulatory mechanisms. Very limited Western validation; NOT a testosterone replacement therapy.
About This Category
Growth hormone secretagogues work by stimulating the body's natural production of growth hormone rather than directly administering exogenous GH. Research investigates their effects on body composition, recovery, sleep quality, and aging-related changes. Some peptides in this category (like tesamorelin) have FDA approval for specific indications, while others remain in various stages of clinical investigation.