For Research Purposes Only — Not for Human Use
PEPTIVAP H A R M A
Research Education

Understanding Peptides

An in-depth reference guide to the research peptides available through Peptiva Pharma. For research purposes only.

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids (typically 2–50) linked by peptide bonds. They occupy the biological middle ground between single amino acids and full proteins — small enough to penetrate cell membranes and interact with specific receptors, yet large enough to carry highly selective biological information.

Over 7,000 naturally occurring peptides have been identified in the human body, performing roles from hormone signalling to tissue repair, immune regulation, and neurotransmission.

How they work

Synthetic research peptides replicate or modify natural sequences to study receptor-specific pathways. Each peptide has a unique affinity for particular receptors — unlocking precise mechanisms without the broad-spectrum effects seen in small-molecule drugs.

In the laboratory setting, peptides are used to investigate metabolic pathways, tissue regeneration, neuroendocrine function, and receptor-level drug discovery.

Receptor-Specific

Each peptide targets precise receptor subtypes, enabling highly selective pathway research.

Laboratory Verified

Every Peptiva batch undergoes third-party identity & purity analysis — COA available on request.

Extensively Studied

Our catalogue focuses on peptides with substantial peer-reviewed research behind them.

Expert Insights

Peptide Science Explained

Leading researchers and physicians discussing the mechanisms, benefits and frontiers of peptide therapeutics.

Peptides — The Regenerative Revolution in Healing, Longevity & Brain Health

Dr. Sara Siavoshi, Neurologist16 min

Peptides, Sleep Tech, and the End of Obesity

Andrew Huberman · a16z Podcast48 min

The Peptide That "Changes Everything"

Dr. Andrew Huberman18 min

Protein Myths, Peptides, and the Science of Emerging Therapies

Andrew Huberman w/ Gwyneth Paltrow42 min

The Science Behind the Peptide Craze

Medical Expert Panel15 min

The Emerging Science of Peptide Therapy

Research Panel52 min

Videos embedded from YouTube for educational reference. Peptiva Pharma is not affiliated with the featured presenters.

Our Research Peptide Catalogue

In-depth breakdown of each peptide we supply, including mechanism of action and research background.

Metabolic Research

Tirzepatide

Dual GIP / GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

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Structure
39 amino acids
Molecular Weight
~4,813 Da

Tirzepatide is a synthetic 39-amino acid peptide that simultaneously activates both the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor. This dual agonism produces greater metabolic effects in preclinical research than single-pathway agonists.

Mechanism of Action

  • •GIP receptor activation enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion
  • •GLP-1 receptor activation slows gastric emptying and promotes satiety in research models
  • •Synergistic effect on adipose tissue lipolysis and energy expenditure

Research Background

  • •Published SURPASS series studies on metabolic endpoints (New England Journal of Medicine, 2021)
  • •Dose-dependent effects on body composition in rodent models
Metabolic Research

Retatrutide

Triple GIP / GLP-1 / Glucagon Agonist

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Structure
39 amino acids
Molecular Weight
~4,731 Da

Retatrutide is a novel single-molecule triple agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. The glucagon receptor component provides an additional layer of metabolic research signalling beyond dual agonists.

Mechanism of Action

  • •GIP + GLP-1 activity as seen in dual agonists
  • •Glucagon receptor engagement increases basal metabolic rate in research models
  • •Modulates hepatic glucose output and lipid oxidation pathways

Research Background

  • •Phase 2 clinical data published in NEJM (2023) — advanced metabolic research compound
  • •Extensive preclinical receptor-binding studies
Tissue Repair

Recovery Pen (BPC-157 + TB-500)

Dual-Peptide Regeneration Formula

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Structure
BPC-157: 15 aa | TB-500: 43 aa
Molecular Weight
—

A co-formulated pen containing BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) and TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment). BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a partial sequence found in gastric juice. TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of the naturally occurring Thymosin Beta-4.

Mechanism of Action

  • •BPC-157: upregulates VEGF and angiogenesis, supports tendon-to-bone healing, modulates nitric oxide pathways
  • •TB-500: actin sequestration promoting cellular migration, proliferation of endothelial cells and keratinocytes
  • •Synergy addresses both vascularisation (BPC-157) and cellular migration (TB-500)

Research Background

  • •100+ preclinical studies on BPC-157 tissue protection
  • •TB-500 research in cardiac and musculoskeletal repair models
Regenerative Research

GHK-Cu

Copper Tripeptide

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Structure
3 amino acids (Gly-His-Lys) + Cu²⁺
Molecular Weight
~340 Da

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex first isolated from human plasma. Research shows it modulates expression of thousands of human genes in preclinical skin, hair and connective-tissue models.

Mechanism of Action

  • •Activates metalloproteinase and antioxidant gene expression
  • •Supports collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in dermal fibroblast models
  • •Downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1)

Research Background

  • •Pickart et al. — gene modulation profile (BioMed Research International, 2014)
  • •Extensive research on wound healing and fibroblast activity
Neuropeptide Research

Selank

Synthetic Heptapeptide Analog of Tuftsin

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Structure
7 amino acids
Molecular Weight
~751 Da

Selank is a synthetic analog of the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin, extended with a Pro-Gly-Pro stabilising sequence. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics (Russia) and studied in anxiolytic and nootropic research.

Mechanism of Action

  • •Modulates expression of monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine)
  • •Influences BDNF and NGF expression in rodent brain tissue
  • •Interacts with GABAergic pathways without sedative effects seen in classical anxiolytics

Research Background

  • •Extensive Russian clinical research on generalised anxiety endpoints
  • •Animal studies on cognitive performance and stress resilience
Neuropeptide Research

Semax

ACTH(4-10) Analog — Neuropeptide

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Structure
7 amino acids
Molecular Weight
~813 Da

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide based on fragment 4-10 of the natural hormone ACTH, modified with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail for protease resistance. Listed on the Russian Vital & Essential Drugs List.

Mechanism of Action

  • •Increases BDNF and TrkB expression in hippocampal tissue
  • •Modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission
  • •Demonstrated neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke models

Research Background

  • •Cerebroprotective activity in stroke research (Journal of Neurological Sciences)
  • •Cognitive performance studies in rodent aging models
Pigmentation & Melanocortin Research

Melanotan II (MT2)

Synthetic α-MSH Analog

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Structure
7 amino acids (cyclic)
Molecular Weight
~1,024 Da

MT2 is a synthetic, cyclic lactam analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Originally synthesised at the University of Arizona, it is researched for melanocortin receptor (MC1R–MC5R) activity.

Mechanism of Action

  • •Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist
  • •Stimulates melanogenesis via MC1R in cultured melanocytes
  • •Research on MC3R/MC4R-mediated appetite and energy pathways

Research Background

  • •Hadley et al. — original MT2 synthesis and melanogenic activity (1987)
  • •Ongoing research on melanocortin receptor biology
Neuropeptide Research

DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)

Nonapeptide — Sleep Research

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Structure
9 amino acids
Molecular Weight
~850 Da

DSIP is a naturally occurring nonapeptide first isolated from the cerebral venous blood of rabbits during electrically-induced slow-wave sleep. It has been researched for its effects on sleep architecture and stress response.

Mechanism of Action

  • •Modulation of slow-wave (delta) sleep patterns in EEG studies
  • •Interacts with opioid and GABA receptor systems
  • •Demonstrated effects on ACTH and cortisol regulation in research

Research Background

  • •Schoenenberger & Monnier — isolation and early characterisation (1977)
  • •Clinical research on chronic insomnia and alcohol withdrawal models
Important Notice

The products and information provided on this page are strictly for research use only. They are not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, prevention or cure of any disease. Peptiva Pharma research compounds are supplied to qualified researchers and institutions only.

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