ION BLUE RESEARCH DIRECTORY
Emerging Research
Peptides with preclinical or early-stage evidence — many sold as research chemicals — that are not established for the uses people commonly seek them for. Grouped here for honest documentation and evidence-grading, not endorsement.
Category-level context for navigating related peptides and scientific evidence.
Overview
Peptides with preclinical or early-stage evidence — many sold as research chemicals — that are not established for the uses people commonly seek them for. Grouped here for honest documentation and evidence-grading, not endorsement.
Peptides in this category
AOD-9604
AOD-9604 is a synthetic fragment of human growth hormone (residues 176-191) studied mainly in preclinical models of fat metabolism and, later, joint tissue.
BPC-157
BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide based on a sequence reported in human gastric juice. Published research is largely preclinical (in vitro and animal models); studies indicate possible roles in soft-tissue and gastrointestinal repair. It is a research chemical and is not approved for human use. As of June 2026 it sits in a regulatory gray zone: it was removed from the FDA 503A Category 2 bulk-substances list in April 2026 but not added to Category 1, and it remains not FDA-approved.
CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) examined in a small number of human and animal studies. It is a research chemical and is not an approved therapeutic. As of June 2026 it sits in a regulatory gray zone: CJC-1295 was removed from the FDA 503A Category 2 bulk-substances list in April 2026 but not added to Category 1, and it remains not FDA-approved.
Carnosine
Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) found in muscle and brain tissue and available as a dietary supplement. Human trials to date are mixed and limited: a randomized trial reported a null result for musculoskeletal and body-composition outcomes, and a cognitive signal came only from a post-hoc secondary analysis in younger participants; broader benefit is not established.
Epithalon
Epithalon (Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) studied mainly in Russian preclinical research on aging, telomerase, and gene expression.
GHRP-6
GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue (a growth-hormone-secretagogue/ghrelin receptor agonist) studied in preclinical models and early human pharmacology. It is a research peptide and is not an approved therapeutic.
GLP-1 (native)
GLP-1 is a native incretin hormone that regulates insulin secretion and appetite; its analogs (not native GLP-1) are the approved GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs.
Hexarelin
Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue studied in human pharmacology research; it is not an approved medicine.
Humanin
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived 24-amino-acid peptide studied in preclinical models for cytoprotective and metabolic effects.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue (a ghrelin-receptor agonist) studied in preclinical models and early human pharmacology research. It is not an approved therapeutic. As of June 2026 it sits in a regulatory gray zone: ipamorelin was removed from the FDA 503A Category 2 bulk-substances list in April 2026 but not added to Category 1, and it remains not FDA-approved.
Larazotide
Larazotide is an investigational 8-amino-acid tight-junction-regulating peptide studied in randomized trials for celiac disease.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived 16-amino-acid peptide studied in preclinical models for effects on metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist studied in animal models and a small number of early human reports. It is an unlicensed research chemical not approved for human use, and its unregulated use has been associated with adverse effects, including changes in pigmented skin lesions.
PT-141
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a melanocortin-receptor agonist peptide, FDA-approved as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.
Retatrutide
Retatrutide (LY3437943) is an investigational GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple-receptor agonist studied in phase 2 trials for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Selank
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin studied mainly in Russian research for anxiety-related and immunomodulatory effects.
Semax
Semax is a synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog heptapeptide studied mainly in Russian research for neuroprotective and nootropic effects.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a synthetic fragment corresponding to the first 29 amino acids of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29). It was formerly approved (as Geref) for diagnostic and pediatric growth-hormone-deficiency contexts and is now generally available through compounding pharmacies. Clinical evidence relates mainly to growth-hormone-deficiency settings; popular wellness and anti-aging applications are not well established.
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
TB-500 refers to a synthetic peptide related to thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring regenerative peptide. Most published evidence concerns Tβ4 in preclinical (cell and animal) models of tissue repair. TB-500 is sold as a research chemical and is not approved for human use. As of June 2026 it sits in a regulatory gray zone: thymosin beta-4 / TB-500 was removed from the FDA 503A Category 2 bulk-substances list in April 2026 but not added to Category 1, and it remains not FDA-approved; it is under FDA PCAC review (July 2026).
Thymosin Alpha-1
Thymosin Alpha-1 (thymalfasin) is a 28-amino-acid immunomodulatory peptide, approved in some countries and studied in trials for sepsis and hepatitis.