Synthetic Peptides
35 compounds in this family, each with its recorded mechanism, routes of administration, safety notes and references to published literature.
- Aeruginosin 98-BAeruginosin 98‑B is a non‑ribosomal cyanopeptide isolated from cyanobacteria. It has been used as a structural lead for the design of low‑molecular‑weight inhibitors of thrombin and related serine proteases. The compound itself is not an approved drug; research focuses on synthesising analogues that display in‑vitro enzyme inhibition.
- ApelinApelin is an endogenous neuropeptide that binds the apelin (APJ) receptor and influences cardiovascular, renal and metabolic physiology. It is released from endothelial cells, heart, kidney and skeletal muscle, especially during exercise. Research highlights its vasodilatory, inotropic, anti‑inflammatory, anti‑fibrotic and muscle‑protective actions, positioning it as a candidate therapeutic target for heart failure, hypertension, kidney disease, obesity, type‑2 diabetes and age‑related sarcopenia.
- BalixafortideBalixafortide (POL6326) is a synthetic peptide that antagonizes the chemokine receptor CXCR4. It is being investigated for two main applications: mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells for transplantation and as an adjunct in cancer therapy, where CXCR4 blockade may reduce tumor growth, metastasis and improve response to chemotherapy or immunotherapy. The compound remains investigational and is administered intravenously or subcutaneously.
- BombesinBombesin is a 14‑amino‑acid peptide originally isolated from the skin of the European frog Bombina bombina. It is a natural analogue of human gastrin‑releasing peptide (GRP) and binds with high affinity to the GRP receptor (GRPR) and related bombesin receptors. In research, bombesin‑derived ligands are explored primarily for cancer imaging and as vectors to deliver therapeutic agents to tumors that over‑express GRPR.
- BPC-157BPC‑157 (Body Protection Compound‑157) is a synthetic, 15‑amino‑acid peptide originally isolated from human gastric juice. It is investigated primarily for its potential to accelerate wound healing and repair of musculoskeletal tissues such as tendons, ligaments, muscle and bone. The compound remains a research‑only agent; it has not received regulatory approval for medical use.
- C-peptideC‑peptide is a 31‑amino‑acid fragment cleaved from proinsulin during insulin biosynthesis. Although it has no insulin‑like glucose‑lowering activity, it circulates in proportion to endogenous insulin secretion and is used as a biomarker of residual beta‑cell function. In research settings it is administered intravenously or subcutaneously to explore potential renoprotective actions in early diabetic kidney disease.
- CBP-501CBP-501 (also known as CanBas‑501) is an investigational synthetic peptide being explored as a cancer‑sensitizing agent. Classified as a cell‑penetrating peptide, it is intended to enhance the response of tumor cells to anticancer therapies. The compound is currently in research use only and has been mentioned in several conference reports, but no peer‑reviewed clinical trial results have been published.
- CHF5633CHF5633 is a fully synthetic pulmonary surfactant that combines phospholipids with peptide analogues of human surfactant proteins SP‑B and SP‑C. It is being investigated for replacement therapy in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and has been studied in animal models, early human cohort studies, and a multicenter randomized trial.
- CTCE-0214CTCE-0214 is a synthetic peptide analogue of stromal cell‑derived factor‑1α (SDF‑1α) that activates the CXCR4 chemokine receptor. In pre‑clinical studies it has been investigated primarily for its ability to modulate immune and vascular responses in models of sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and hematopoietic cell mobilization.
- DanegaptideDanegaptide is a synthetic dipeptide that modulates connexin‑43 (Cx43) gap‑junction channels and hemichannels. It is being investigated for conditions where Cx43 dysfunction contributes to tissue injury, including acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, cardiac fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic disorders affecting adipose tissue.
- DusquetideDusquetide is an investigational synthetic peptide classified as an innate defense regulator. It is being studied for its ability to modulate the host innate immune response, reduce inflammation and enhance bacterial clearance, with clinical focus on chemotherapy‑induced oral mucositis and aphthous ulcers in Behçet's syndrome.
- EA-230EA-230 is an investigational synthetic tetrapeptide (AQGV) derived from the beta‑chain of human chorionic gonadotropin. It is being studied for its ability to modulate systemic inflammation and protect renal function, particularly in settings such as experimental endotoxemia and cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.
- FOXO4-DRISynthetic peptide designed to selectively eliminate senescent cells by interfering with the FOXO4-p53 axis, promoting p53-mediated apoptosis in aged/damaged cells while sparing healthy cells
- GoralatideGoralatide, also known as Ac‑SDKP, is a synthetic tetrapeptide that mimics the natural regulator acetyl‑Ser‑Asp‑Lys‑Pro. It selectively inhibits the proliferation of primitive haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Investigated mainly in pre‑clinical models, it has been used to protect normal bone‑marrow cells during hyperthermic purging and chemotherapy, and to explore antileukaemic activity of more stable analogues. The compound remains investigational and is not approved for therapeutic use.
- Insulin humanHuman insulin is a recombinant form of the pancreatic hormone used to replace deficient insulin in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is approved for subcutaneous, intramuscular and intravenous injection and, as the Technosphere® inhaled powder (Afrezza®), for rapid‑acting prandial therapy delivered via a breath‑powered inhaler. The product lowers blood glucose by providing the hormone that the body can no longer produce adequately.
- LarazotideLarazotide (also known as AT‑1001 or larazotide acetate) is an investigational oral drug that blocks the action of zonulin, a protein that regulates tight‑junction permeability in the intestinal lining. By limiting zonulin‑mediated opening of tight junctions, larazotide aims to reduce the passage of gluten‑derived peptides that trigger immune activation in celiac disease. The compound is currently being studied mainly as an adjunct to a gluten‑free diet, with most clinical data derived from randomized trials in adults with celiac disease undergoing controlled gluten exposure.
- LucinactantLucinactant is a synthetic pulmonary surfactant that contains the peptide sinapultide, a designed mimic of human surfactant protein B. It is administered directly into the airways of newborns and infants to prevent or treat respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and has been explored for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, meconium aspiration syndrome, and aerosol delivery.
- MotixafortideMotixafortide is a cyclic peptide that antagonises the chemokine receptor CXCR4. It is approved in the United States, in combination with filgrastim, to mobilise peripheral blood haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells for autologous transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma. Ongoing studies are evaluating its use in acute myeloid leukaemia, pancreatic cancer and gene‑therapy approaches for sickle‑cell disease.
- MOTS-cMitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-c) is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Acts as a mitochondrial-nuclear signaling factor regulating metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and exercise capacity.
- NangibotideNangibotide is an investigational synthetic peptide that antagonises the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‑1 (TREM‑1). Developed for acute inflammatory disorders, it is being evaluated chiefly in septic shock. By inhibiting TREM‑1‑driven amplification of the innate immune response, the drug aims to curb excessive inflammation, preserve vascular tone and improve organ function. Clinical development has progressed from first‑in‑human safety studies in healthy volunteers to phase 2 trials in septic‑shock patients, with ongoing work on biomarker‑guided patient selection.
- Nona-arginineNona‑arginine (R9, also called Poly‑arginine‑9) is a nine‑amino‑acid, positively charged cell‑penetrating peptide employed in research as a non‑viral carrier for proteins, DNA, RNA and other macromolecules. Its cationic nature enables rapid entry into many cell types, and it has been explored for topical skin delivery, intravenous administration, and intracellular vectoring, but it has no approved therapeutic use.
- Pancreatic PolypeptidePancreatic polypeptide (PP) is a 36‑amino‑acid hormone of the neuropeptide Y family secreted by PP‑producing cells in the pancreas. It circulates in the bloodstream after meals and acts as a physiological satiety signal, helping to terminate food intake. In research settings PP is also examined as a biomarker for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, particularly PP‑omas, and for its role in the hormonal adaptations that follow weight loss.
- Parathyroid hormoneParathyroid hormone (PTH) is a synthetic peptide hormone administered by subcutaneous injection. It is approved for the treatment of osteoporosis and is being investigated as hormone replacement for hypoparathyroidism. By activating the PTH1 receptor, it stimulates bone formation and regulates calcium and phosphate balance.
- Pegylated synthetic human c-peptidePegylated synthetic human C‑peptide is an investigational, long‑acting analogue of the endogenous peptide co‑secreted with insulin. It is being explored as a therapeutic agent for diabetic microvascular complications, particularly peripheral neuropathy, by providing sustained C‑peptide exposure after subcutaneous or intravenous administration.
- PentigetidePentigetide is a synthetic IgE‑derived pentapeptide investigated for allergic eye and nasal inflammation. Clinical trials evaluated a 0.5% ophthalmic solution for allergic conjunctivitis and a nasal solution (1 mg per nostril four times daily) for seasonal allergic rhinitis. Both studies reported statistically significant symptom relief compared with active or placebo controls, and noted a favorable safety profile. The compound is classified as a research‑only agent and is no longer marketed.
- PolygelinePolygeline is a synthetic, degraded gelatin polypeptide administered intravenously as a plasma volume expander. It is used in peri‑operative and critical‑care settings to restore intravascular volume after hemorrhage, surgery, or large‑volume paracentesis. Approval status is prescription‑only in several jurisdictions.
- RapastinelRapastinel (GLYX‑13, NRX‑1074) is a synthetic tetrapeptide under investigation as a rapid‑acting antidepressant. It belongs to the class of NMDA‑receptor modulators and is being studied for use in major depressive disorder, especially treatment‑resistant forms. The compound is administered intravenously or subcutaneously in clinical trials, but it is not yet approved for any indication.
- SelankSynthetic peptide derived from tuftsin with anxiolytic, nootropic, and immunomodulatory properties; primarily studied in Russia with limited Western clinical validation
- SemaxSynthetic peptide analog of ACTH(4-10) with nootropic, neuroprotective, and cerebrovascular effects; used in Russia and some CIS countries for cognitive impairment, stroke recovery, and optic nerve atrophy
- SoblidotinSoblidotin (also known as auristatin PE, TZT‑1027) is a synthetic peptide derived from the marine natural product dolastatin‑10. It belongs to the auristatin/dolastatin family of microtubule‑destabilising agents and has been evaluated in early‑phase clinical trials as an investigational anticancer drug, administered intravenously. The compound is being explored for its ability to halt tumour cell division and to overcome resistance to conventional chemotherapy.
- SomatotropinSomatotropin, also known as human growth hormone (HGH), is a peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that promotes growth and metabolic activity. It is available by prescription in injectable forms and is used in clinical settings under regulated conditions. In agriculture, recombinant bovine somatotropin has been employed to increase milk production in dairy cows.
- TrofinetideTrofinetide is a synthetic tripeptide analogue of the glycine‑proline‑glutamate segment of insulin‑like growth factor‑1. It is approved in the United States for the treatment of Rett syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, and is administered orally twice daily to address core behavioural and communication deficits.
- TRV-120027TRV-120027 (also called TRV‑027) is an investigational synthetic peptide that acts as a β‑arrestin‑biased ligand at the angiotensin II type‑1 receptor (AT1R). It has been tested intravenously in adults hospitalized with severe COVID‑19 to see if modulating the renin‑angiotensin system could improve respiratory outcomes.
- ValspodarValspodar (PSC‑833) is a synthetic cyclic peptide derived from cyclosporin D that acts as a multidrug‑resistance (MDR) modulator. It was investigated in research settings as a P‑glycoprotein (P‑gp/ABCB1) inhibitor intended to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukaemia, multiple myeloma, ovarian cancer and solid tumours. The compound was never approved for clinical use and its development was discontinued after mixed trial results and notable toxicity.
- ZilucoplanZilucoplan is a prescription‑only macrocyclic peptide that inhibits complement component C5. It is administered by subcutaneous injection and is approved for the treatment of acetylcholine‑receptor‑positive generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). By blocking the terminal complement pathway, it reduces complement‑mediated damage at the neuromuscular junction, improving muscle strength and daily functioning.