Dimitar Marinov, Ph.D.
Dimitar Marinov, Ph.D.Are peptides safe when used for research?
This is a common question among scientists when considering whether to incorporate research peptides into their experiments.
For researchers wondering about the potential risks and side effects of peptides, the clinical trials data required is found below.
Researchers will discover a comprehensive review of the latest research on peptide safety in scientific experiments. We will delve into the potential risks, side effects, and precautions researchers should be aware of before working with these compounds.
We will also share information on our most trusted vendors of high-quality peptides to help guarantee the safety and success of a research experiments!
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What Are Peptides?
Research peptides are molecules composed of amino acids and can be found in all living organisms. Their building blocks, the amino acids, are organic compounds that join together in a specific sequence to form peptides and proteins.
Thus, both peptides and proteins are chains of amino acids bonded together via peptide bonds.
The sequence and arrangement of amino acids within the chain is what determines the peptide's unique characteristics and functions. Some peptides are also bound to non-peptide molecules such as fatty acids, which further modify the peptide’s properties.
The main difference between peptides and proteins is in the length of their amino acid chains. Peptides are often viewed as miniaturized versions of proteins, as they contain fewer amino acids.
More specifically, peptides are made of 2-50 amino acids, while proteins are considerably longer, with hundreds or thousands of amino acids that form complex three-dimensional structures. Further, the majority of peptides have a linear structure, although some may also have non-linear or cyclic configurations [1, 2].
What Do Peptides Do?
Peptides have diverse functions within the human body. Some act as messengers, relaying signals between cells and organs, while others function as hormones, regulating various physiological processes such as growth, metabolism, and recovery [3].
Additionally, some peptides can have antimicrobial properties, helping the immune system fight off harmful microorganisms.
Scientists have discovered numerous peptides with potential therapeutic applications. These include naturally-occurring peptides, as well as synthetic analogs that can be designed to target specific receptors or molecules in the body.
To exert their therapeutic applications, the majority of peptides must be administered via injections. This is because most peptides degrade very easily in the digestive system if taken orally. Transdermal delivery is also not feasible since peptides cannot pass through the skin's barrier function due to their size and polarity [4, 5].
As a result of their diverse functions and huge potential for modifications, peptides are promising candidates for drug development. Their wide range of potential applications makes them a captivating area of scientific research with exciting implications for human health [6].
Top Peptides by Research Interest
Due to their diverse biological activities, peptides have gained significant attention in various fields of study, including medicine, biotechnology, and pharmacology.
However, it is crucial to understand the safety considerations associated with their use to ensure responsible experimentation.
Below researchers will discover the most popular injectable peptides grouped according to the respective field of research. Keep reading to learn about the benefits and most common side effects of peptides according to clinical data.
Peptides for Weight Loss
Some of the most potent weight loss peptides available for research are mimetics of the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
GLP-1 and GIP are peptide hormones that the digestive tract releases to stimulate insulin secretion in response to food intake. They play a role in blood sugar and appetite regulation [7].
Scientists have developed several analogs of GLP-1, with the two most notable ones being semaglutide and liraglutide, which share 94-97% homology with the active form of the GLP-1 hormone [8, 9].
These peptides have been shown to cause 15.8% and 6.4% weight loss, respectively, after 68 weeks of administration in overweight and obese individuals [10].
Their safety and effectiveness for weight loss have led to their approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for several indications, including chronic weight management in both adults and adolescents [10].
In 2022, the FDA also approved tirzepatide, a novel dual-incretin agonist for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. This peptide mimics the function of both GLP-1 and GIP [11]. According to clinical data, tirzepatide can also induce up to a 21% weight reduction in non-diabetics [12].
Apart from their potent weight loss effects, tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide each also have favorable safety profiles with similar side effects. The most commonly reported side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain [13, 14, 15].
These side effects are mild-to-moderate in severity, transient, and resolve with discontinuation of therapy. Serious side effects include cholestasis, cholelithiasis, and pancreatitis. They tend to affect around 1% of subjects and are usually self-limiting, meaning that the patients make a full recovery [13, 14, 15].
Peptides for Healing
Several peptides have gained attention for their tissue healing potential, with the two most notable ones being TB-500 (thymosin beta-4) and BPC-157 (body protection compound-157).
Both TB-500 and BPC-157 have been reported to speed up wound healing, reduce inflammation, and promote the formation of new blood vessels [16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21].
Further, BPC-157 has been shown to enhance collagen synthesis and speed up the healing of the gastrointestinal tract. It may promote recovery and regeneration in muscle, tendon, ligament, and bone injuries [22].
BPC-157 may also exert neuroprotective and gastroprotective effects. On the other hand, TB-500 has been reported to also exert antifibrotic properties and stimulate the healing of muscle tissue, particularly cardiac muscle [23].
Both TB-500 and BPC-157 have demonstrated a favorable safety profile in preclinical studies and limited clinical trials. The available research suggests that they are exceptionally well tolerated, without any notable side effects or dose-limiting toxicity [24, 25].
However, it's important to note that further research is still needed to establish their long-term safety and potential side effects in humans. TB-500 and BPC-157 are not currently FDA-approved for therapeutic use in humans.
Peptides for Skin Care and Anti-Aging
GHK-Cu (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-copper) is among the most notable peptides for skin care and healing, having been reported to stimulate the synthesis and breakdown of collagen and glycosaminoglycans [26].
Research suggests GHK-Cu may help rejuvenate the skin by replacing old skin cells with healthier new ones.
As a result, the copper peptide may promote skin elasticity, tightening, and firmness, reduce wrinkles, and prevent the photoaging effects of sunlight exposure, such as sun spots [26].
Preliminary studies suggest that GHK-Cu may also have other anti-aging effects, such as reducing oxidative stress and protection against neurodegenerative diseases [27].
Further, the peptide appears to have an excellent safety profile, with researchers reporting that any side effects related to toxicity may occur only at extremely high doses that exceed the therapeutic dose 300-fold [27].
Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, AEDG peptide) is another peptide worth mentioning. It derives from bovine pineal gland extract and has also demonstrated significant anti-aging and geroprotective properties [28].
One clinical trial reported that six epithalon courses in elderly volunteers over a three-year period significantly reduced the aging of various organs and resulted in metabolic benefits compared to placebo. After an extensive follow-up, the participants exhibited lower mortality versus the control group [28].
The peptide was well-tolerated, demonstrated a favorable safety profile, and did not cause any major side effects [28].
Peptides for Muscle Growth and Body Composition
Several peptides have shown potential for increasing lean body mass and improving body composition, and some are even approved for use in muscle-wasting disorders.
A notable example is tesamorelin, approved since 2010 for treating HIV-associated lipodystrophy (abnormal body fat distribution) [29]. HIV/AIDS is a chronic infection associated with loss of lean body mass.
Tesamorelin works by mimicking growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) to stimulate the endogenous release of growth hormone (GH).
The peptide can also increase levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is the main anabolic mediator of human growth hormone [30].
According to the research, these effects can also stimulate muscle growth and prevent muscle wasting. Tesamorelin has been reported to significantly increase muscle density and size in HIV patients [31].
Tesamorelin appears to be well-tolerated, as research does not report a higher risk of adverse reactions compared to placebo. The most common side effect reported in clinical trials was joint pain, likely due to water retention [32].
Other peptides with potential benefits for muscle growth include the GHRH analog sermorelin and the ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin, which also work by increasing GH production [33].
However, these peptides are not currently approved for human use by the FDA. They are available to researchers who seek to delve deeper into potential for improving body composition in select subjects.
Are Peptides Safe? | Clinical Data and Experience
Peptides are research chemicals, and the majority of them are yet to be approved for human use.
Thus, scientists must exercise utmost caution and adhere to stringent protocols when handling and administering these compounds to ensure safety and success in experimentation.
Researchers are encouraged to prioritize meticulous study designs, rigorous testing, and thorough monitoring of potential side effects to ensure the safe exploration of these compounds.
Nevertheless, promising preliminary findings from animal and human studies have demonstrated considerable safety and tolerance associated with peptides [24, 25, 27, 28].
Further, while the majority of peptides are currently restricted to research purposes, certain peptides have obtained regulatory approval for human use. As mentioned, several GHRH analogs and GLP-1 receptor agonists have undergone extensive study and rigorous testing, leading to their approval as prescription medications [10, 11, 29].
These peptides, commonly prescribed for conditions such as muscle-wasting disorders, type 2 diabetes, and chronic weight management, have demonstrated an excellent safety profile. Potential serious adverse effects have been reported as rare and self-limiting [13, 14, 15, 32].
The approval and availability of certain peptides as prescription drugs further emphasize their established safety and tolerability in human subjects.
Researchers should note that the aforementioned peptides, including the FDA-approved GHRH analogs and GLP-1 receptor agonists, are also generally available as reference materials in controlled research settings.
Are Peptides Safe During Pregnancy?
Although most peptides appear to be well-tolerated and produce minimum side effects in clinical trials, none of these research chemicals, to our knowledge, have been tested in pregnant and lactating women.
Moreover, even peptides that are FDA-approved for human use are still contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to their unknown safety and potential risks for the offspring.
For example, animal studies suggest that GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide may reduce embryo size and cause developmental abnormalities [34]. Tesamorelin is also contraindicated during pregnancy [35].
Therefore, research peptides are contraindicated in, and should not be administered to, pregnant or breastfeeding test subjects.
Common Side Effects of Injectable Peptides
Injectable peptides may have side effects related to their route of administration. To minimize the risk of side effects, reduce pain, and minimize discomfort, subcutaneous injections tend to be the preferred method for administering peptides in research settings.
Research reveals that subcutaneous injections have a lower risk of pain, infection, or complications compared to other methods [36]. They are typically administered in the following areas:
- Into the fatty tissue of the abdominal area, about 2 inches to side of the navel
- Outer upper arms
- Front outer thighs
Usually, the abdominal area is the most preferred zone as it is associated with the least amount of pain compared to other regions, even when injecting relatively large volumes.
In this regard, studies suggest that the maximum volume generally accepted is 1.5mL, but up to 3mL may be tolerated when injected subcutaneously in the abdomen [36]. The most common reactions linked to subcutaneous injection include:
- Pain and discomfort
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Swelling
Pain and discomfort can also be minimized by ensuring the solution is not too cold and applying ice before the injection. Ensuring an appropriate technique is also essential for minimizing side effects. This includes:
- Turning the bevel of the needle up when piercing the skin to prevent skin tearing
- Piercing through the skin with a single swift motion
- Avoiding direction changes of the needle while going in or out
- Pushing the plunger of the syringe slowly when administering the peptide
Using inappropriate technique during injections may also lead to injecting the medication within the layers of the skin or in a blood vessel instead of subcutaneously. Such cases diminish the effectiveness of the peptide but do not increase the risk of side effects.
Rarely, infections may also occur, but these tend to be local and self-limiting. They can be prevented by following safety procedures such as always using sterile needles and syringes and disinfecting both the vial's stopper and the subject's skin with an alcohol prep pad before injection.
Are Peptides Legal?
Research peptides are generally legally available for purchase, sale, and handling as reference materials by qualified researchers and laboratory professionals.
Researchers should note that the use of peptides outside laboratory environments is prohibited in the United States and most other countries. Both vendors and buyers of illegally marketed products can face sanctions.
Research peptides cannot be sold as dietary supplements and are not available over the counter. To ensure compliance with the law, researchers in the United States need to safeguard against buying peptides that are mislabeled as supplements or falsely presented as active ingredients.
Legitimate peptide vendors should clearly state that their products are intended strictly for research and qualified buyers. Further, marketing materials should not make direct claims about the benefits of peptide therapy.
Scientists should also note that the legality of research peptides may change as clinical studies progress and regulatory bodies grant approval. Therefore, it is crucial for researchers to stay abreast of clinical developments.
Are Peptides Like Steroids?
Research peptides are not the same as steroids, as the two classes have wholly distinct structures and mechanisms of action.
As mentioned, peptides are short chains of amino acids that play various roles in the body, including hormone regulation, tissue repair, and cell signaling.
By contrast, steroids are a class of organic compounds with a typical steroid structure made of four rings of carbon atoms. Notable examples include anti-inflammatory, catabolic hormones such as cortisol and anabolic compounds such as testosterone and synthetic androgens.
Testosterone and anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) work by activating the androgen receptors, which mediate most of their effects on the human body. On the other hand, peptides do not interact with the androgen receptor and work via a wide variety of other signaling pathways.
The only similarity between AAS and certain peptides is that they can have similar effects, such as reducing inflammation, improving body composition, increasing muscle, and supporting weight loss.
Where to Buy Research Peptides Online? | 2024 Edition
Scientists seeking research peptides for educational purposes must exercise caution to avoid purchasing low-quality compounds that can be potentially harmful, contaminated, or simply ineffective.
Instead, researchers should look for reputable retailers that rely on third-party testing to verify the purity of their products. Other decisive factors also include pricing, customer reviews, and levels of customer service.
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Limitless Life
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Peptides and Safety | Verdict
While most therapeutic peptides still lack approval for human use, preclinical studies indicate remarkable levels of safety and tolerance for this class of compounds.
As research in the field progresses, more peptides are set to gain regulatory approval. Compounds like the GHRH analog tesamorelin and the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide are already on the market as prescription medications, thanks to their excellent safety profiles.
Since peptide research is still largely nascent, it is imperative to maintain a cautious approach and prioritize safety in experimentation to maximize the benefits of peptides while mitigating any potential risks.
For researchers planning to study peptides, we highly recommend sourcing high-quality compounds from a trusted source like Limitless Life.
David Warmflash, M.D.