Erythropoietin (EPO)
Peptide
Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, epoetin alfa/beta) is a glycoprotein hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in bone marrow. Developed for renal anaemia and chemotherapy-induced anaemia, it became the archetypal endurance-doping agent from the 1990s onward, raising haematocrit and aerobic capacity. It is prohibited by WADA at all times.
Half-life~4-11 h (IV/SC epoetin alfa), erythropoietic effect lasts weeks
ResearchWell established
Exenatide
Peptide
Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon) was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes, derived from exendin-4 in Gila monster saliva. Available as twice-daily and once-weekly formulations, it lowers glucose and weight modestly, with a long track record in humans.
Half-life~2.4 hours (immediate-release); extended-release depot lasts weeks
ResearchWell established
Darbepoetin Alfa
Peptide
Darbepoetin alfa is a hyperglycosylated, longer-acting analogue of erythropoietin with two extra N-linked carbohydrate chains, extending its half-life so it can be dosed less frequently. Licensed for anaemia, it has been detected in high-profile doping cases (notably at the 2002 Winter Olympics). Prohibited by WADA at all times.
Half-life~25 h (IV) to ~48-70 h (SC)
ResearchWell established
Somatropin (recombinant HGH)
Peptide
Somatropin is recombinant human growth hormone (191-amino-acid), biosynthetically identical to pituitary GH. It is an approved drug for GH deficiency, Turner syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency, short stature and HIV wasting, and is the most thoroughly studied compound of the GH axis. It drives IGF-1 production, lipolysis and nitrogen retention; misuse for body composition and anti-ageing is widespread but off-label.
Half-life~3-5 h (subcutaneous); biological effect via IGF-1 lasts much longer
ResearchWell established
Leuprolide (GnRH agonist)
Peptide
A synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist that, after an initial flare, desensitises the pituitary to suppress LH, FSH and sex-steroid production. Licensed depot drug for prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, central precocious puberty and as part of gender-affirming and fertility protocols.
Half-life~3 hours (drug); depot releases over weeks to months
ResearchWell established
Desmopressin (DDAVP)
Peptide
A synthetic analogue of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin, selective for the V2 receptor. Widely licensed for central diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, nocturia, and certain bleeding disorders (mild haemophilia A, von Willebrand disease). Available as tablet, nasal spray and injection.
Half-life~3 hours
ResearchStudied
Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol-Epoetin Beta (Mircera)
Peptide
Mircera is a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA): epoetin beta conjugated to a large methoxy-PEG polymer, giving a very long half-life and monthly dosing for renal anaemia. Its stability made it a doping target, and it featured in cycling positives at the 2008 Tour de France. Prohibited by WADA at all times.
Half-life~130 h (~5-6 days)
ResearchStudied
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)
Peptide
A synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that binds the melanocortin-1 receptor to stimulate eumelanin production. Licensed as afamelanotide (Scenesse) via a slow-release implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare light-sensitivity disorder. Distinct from the more androgenic, appetite/erection-affecting Melanotan II.
Half-life~1 hour (peptide); afamelanotide implant releases over ~2 days
ResearchStudied
Triptorelin
Peptide
Triptorelin is a long-acting GnRH agonist and an approved pharmaceutical used for prostate cancer, endometriosis, precocious puberty and other conditions. After an initial flare, continuous receptor stimulation profoundly suppresses LH, FSH and sex-hormone production (medical castration). In bodybuilding it is sometimes used off-label as a single-dose attempt to restart the axis after a cycle, a use with far less evidence than its licensed indications.
ResearchStudied
Afamelanotide (Melanotan-1)
Peptide
A synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and the [Nle4, D-Phe7] linear form of what is loosely called Melanotan-1. Unlike the grey-market injectable, afamelanotide is an approved prescription drug (Scenesse), delivered as a subcutaneous slow-release implant to increase eumelanin and reduce phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).
Half-lifeImplant releases over ~5 days; free peptide half-life is minutes to ~1 hour
ResearchStudied
Taldefgrobep Alfa (BMS-986089)
Peptide
Taldefgrobep alfa (BMS-986089) is an engineered anti-myostatin adnectin-Fc fusion protein — not a conventional antibody — that binds and neutralises myostatin. It was studied in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and later in spinal muscular atrophy and obesity, but a large SMA trial failed its primary endpoint.
Half-life~1-2 weeks (Fc-fusion adnectin)
ResearchEmerging
Domagrozumab (PF-06252616)
Peptide
Domagrozumab (PF-06252616) is a humanised anti-myostatin monoclonal antibody developed for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Despite increasing muscle volume on MRI in a Phase 2 trial, it failed to meet its primary functional endpoint (4-stair climb time), and the programme was discontinued.
Half-life~3 weeks (humanised IgG1)
ResearchEmerging
Landogrozumab (LY2495655)
Peptide
Landogrozumab (LY2495655) is a humanised anti-myostatin monoclonal antibody studied by Eli Lilly for sarcopenia, post-surgical muscle loss and cancer cachexia. Trials showed increases in lean mass and some functional measures in older adults, but overall benefits were modest and development did not continue to approval.
Half-life~2-4 weeks (humanised IgG4)
ResearchEmerging
ACE-031
Peptide
ACE-031 (ramatercept) is a soluble activin receptor type IIB fused to an antibody Fc fragment, designed to act as a decoy trap for myostatin and related ligands. It was tested clinically for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where it increased muscle volume but trials were halted over safety signals including nosebleeds and gum bleeding (telangiectasias). It is a large biologic, not a peptide suited to casual subcutaneous dosing.
Half-lifeLong for an Fc-fusion biologic (days to weeks); not a short peptide
ResearchLimited
CJC-1295 (no DAC / mod GRF 1-29)
Peptide
CJC-1295 without DAC, commonly sold as modified GRF(1-29), is a short-acting growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue. Four amino-acid substitutions on the GHRH(1-29) fragment resist enzymatic degradation, giving a brief but potent GH pulse. It is frequently paired with a GHRP (e.g. ipamorelin) for synergistic release. Human evidence is limited; use is largely anecdotal.
Half-life~30 min (without DAC)
ResearchLimited
LL-37 (Cathelicidin)
Peptide
The active fragment of the human cathelicidin antimicrobial protein hCAP18, a 37-residue host-defence peptide with broad antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and wound-healing roles. Widely studied as an endogenous molecule, but as an injected or topical therapeutic it is early-stage and mostly preclinical.
Half-lifeShort in circulation; not well defined for exogenous use
ResearchLimited
Melanotan II
Peptide
A synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) used to darken skin (tanning) and, as a side effect, increase libido and cause spontaneous erections. It has some early human study data but was never brought to market, and is sold illegally as an unlicensed injectable. Notable for nausea, facial flushing, and darkening or proliferation of moles.
Half-life~33 hours (reported for the cyclic analogue; longer than native α-MSH)
ResearchLimited
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Peptide
VIP is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide with real physiology (vasodilation, immune modulation) that is used off-label as an intranasal spray, notably in the CIRS/mold-illness community following Shoemaker protocols. Human evidence outside its natural role is limited to small case series and open-label reports.
Half-life~1-2 minutes (very short in circulation)
ResearchLimited
IGF-1 Ec (Mechano Growth Factor)
Peptide
The IGF-1 Ec splice variant, whose E-domain-derived peptide is marketed as Mechano Growth Factor. It is proposed to activate satellite cells after muscle damage. Human evidence is minimal; use is largely preclinical and anecdotal.
Half-lifeNot characterised (minutes for unmodified peptide)
ResearchLimited
IGF-1 (Long R3, receptor-grade)
Peptide
A broadly marketed analytical/receptor-grade recombinant IGF-1 preparation (distinct from the approved mecasermin product) used in research settings and diverted for physique use. Human safety and efficacy for the marketed use are essentially uncharacterised.
Half-lifeNot characterised for these preparations (native IGF-1 ~minutes free)
ResearchLimited
IGF-1 DES
Peptide
IGF-1 DES (DES(1-3)IGF-1) is a truncated IGF-1 lacking the first three N-terminal amino acids. This removal further lowers IGFBP binding and, in some tissues, makes it more potent than native IGF-1 while giving a very short half-life. It is a laboratory reagent; physique use is anecdotal with no controlled human data.
Half-lifeVery short, ~20-30 min
ResearchLimited
Selank
Peptide
A synthetic heptapeptide developed in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic, based on the immunopeptide tuftsin. It is used in Russia clinically for anxiety, but the supporting human trials are small, mostly Russian, and not widely replicated internationally. Often taken intranasally; marketed for anxiety relief and focus without the sedation or dependence of benzodiazepines.
Half-lifeShort (minutes systemically; the peptide is enzymatically stabilised relative to tuftsin)
ResearchLimited
Semax
Peptide
A synthetic peptide derived from a fragment of ACTH (4-10) developed in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent. It is used clinically in Russia for stroke, cognitive disorders and attention, but the supporting trials are largely Russian and not widely replicated internationally. Typically taken intranasally; claimed to improve focus, memory and recovery from neurological insults.
Half-lifeShort (minutes systemically; enzymatically stabilised relative to native ACTH fragment)
ResearchLimited
Thymogen
Peptide
Thymogen (Glu-Trp, glutamyl-tryptophan) is a synthetic dipeptide immunomodulator derived from thymic peptides, used clinically in Russia as an immunostimulant. Some Russian clinical data exist, but Western independent trials are lacking, keeping the evidence base thin.
Half-lifeMinutes (short peptide)
ResearchLimited
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide)
Peptide
A copper-binding tripeptide (alanine-histidine-lysine) complexed with copper, marketed in topical cosmetic serums for hair growth and skin conditioning. Related to the better-known GHK-Cu but with far thinner published evidence; most claims rest on in-vitro work and manufacturer data.
Half-lifeNot characterised (topical)
ResearchLimited
Follistatin-315 (FS-315)
Peptide
Follistatin-315 is the shorter, circulating isoform of the endogenous glycoprotein follistatin, produced by alternative splicing. It binds and neutralises members of the TGF-beta superfamily — most notably myostatin (GDF-8) and activin A — and is marketed in the grey research-peptide market on the promise of muscle growth. Human data specific to exogenously administered FS-315 is essentially absent; nearly all supporting evidence is animal or in-vitro.
Half-lifeShort — minutes to a few hours for circulating protein; not well characterised for research-grade material
ResearchLimited
BPC-157
Peptide
A synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a sequence in human gastric juice, marketed for accelerated healing of tendon, ligament, muscle and gut tissue. Despite an enormous online following, there are essentially no controlled human trials — the entire evidence base is rodent studies and user anecdote. Sold only as a research chemical; not approved for human use anywhere.
Half-lifeNot characterised in humans (short in rodent plasma, estimated minutes to a few hours)
ResearchLimited
GDF-8 (Myostatin) Inhibitor Peptide
Peptide
Peptides sold as GDF-8 (myostatin) inhibitors are marketed to block myostatin and increase muscle mass. While myostatin blockade is a validated biological target, the specific peptides sold in this space lack any human trial data, and approved biologic myostatin inhibitors have repeatedly failed to improve function in trials.
Half-lifeNot characterised
ResearchLimited
TB-500
Peptide
A synthetic peptide corresponding to the active actin-binding region of Thymosin Beta-4, sold for tissue repair, flexibility and recovery. Marketed heavily to athletes and in veterinary/equine circles, but human efficacy rests on animal models and anecdote. Not approved for human use; note that TB-500 and full-length Thymosin Beta-4 are related but not identical.
Half-lifeNot characterised in humans
ResearchLimited
DSIP
Peptide
Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide, a nine-amino-acid neuropeptide first isolated from the blood of sleeping rabbits and named for its ability to promote delta-wave (deep) sleep. Despite the name, human evidence that it reliably improves sleep is weak and inconsistent, and it is sold only as a research chemical with no modern clinical validation.
Half-lifeVery short (minutes; rapidly degraded)
ResearchLimited
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
Peptide
MGF is the C-terminal peptide of IGF-1Ec, a splice variant of IGF-1 expressed transiently in mechanically loaded or damaged muscle. It is marketed to bodybuilders for local muscle repair. The biology is real in animal models, but the injectable research-chemical peptide has no human trials and an extremely short half-life.
Half-lifeMinutes (rapidly cleared); not formally characterised in humans
ResearchLimited
Prostamax (Prostamed Peptide)
Peptide
Prostamax is a Khavinson-type peptide preparation marketed for prostate support, related to the registered prostate peptide bioregulator prostatilen/Vitaprost. Evidence is limited to Russian clinical use of the parent prostate extract; the marketed synthetic peptide lacks independent trials.
Half-lifeMinutes (short peptide)
ResearchLimited
PEG-MGF
Peptide
PEG-MGF is a pegylated synthetic version of Mechano Growth Factor, a splice variant of IGF-1 (IGF-1Ec) produced by muscle in response to mechanical overload. Pegylation is claimed to extend its otherwise very short half-life, and it is marketed for muscle repair and hypertrophy. Essentially no controlled human data exist; use is preclinical-derived and anecdotal.
Half-lifeNot characterised in humans (native MGF is minutes; pegylation claimed to extend to hours-days)
ResearchMinimal