Peptide Therapy

From sports medicine to novel treatments for Metabolic Syndrome and all its co-morbid facets, the use of peptide therapy in medicine is growing. Positive outcomes for many health conditions, from sleep problems, sexual dysfunction to weight issues and improved performance, are being seen in patients seeking healing and rejuvenation. Peptides can help the body recover from injury or illness faster, lose weight more efficiently, decrease inflammation and pain and improve results in the gym.

Currently, there are more than 60 US FDA approved peptide medications on the market. Increased interest by pharmaceutical R&D, has led to approximately 140 peptide therapeutics being evaluated in clinical trials in the US and 500-600 in pre-clinical trials. In some cases, the peptides were developed by pharmaceutical companies but have had the patent expire or dropped from development.

What exactly is a peptide?

A peptide is a small chain of 2 or more amino acids. Usually, a peptide is an amino acid structure with less than 50 amino acids and a protein has more than 50, but this is not a hard and fast rule. Peptides are used in your body as chemical messengers to send signals, communicate and turn on/off biological processes. When we talk about peptide therapy we are referring to using peptides that are either the same or very similar to our body’s own natural occurring peptides to achieve a result or improve body function.

Avoid risky sources

THE SOURCE OF THE PEPTIDE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR

Unfortunately, there are many websites selling peptides with the disclaimer that they are “not for human consumption”. That’s a red flag to avoid them. You really don’t know what you may be getting in that vial. The head of Switzerland’s anti-doping organization was quoted in a March 2018 NY Times article saying, “… his agency’s tests have shown that 80 percent of the peptides advertised on the web are adulterated or outright fakes”.

Commonly prescribed peptides include:

Thymosin Alpha 1 – This peptide is an important stimulator of the immune system. As you age your thymus (a major gland in your immune system) shrinks and loses function. TA1 can help restore the immune function, particularly cell-mediated immune function (augmenting T-cell production) and immune regulation.

Repair

Thymosin Beta-4 – is another peptide released from the thymus gland. TB4 assists in the development of B cell and anti-body production. TB4 also has a role in tissue repair providing protection, regeneration and remodeling for damaged tissues. It minimizes scar tissue formation, stimulates hair follicles to promote hair growth.

BPC157 (Pentadecapeptide) – BPC157 is a partial peptide
derived from a natural occurring peptide in your gastric juices
called Body Protection Compound. Studies show increased healing speed in ligament and tendon injuries. These traits are the reason this peptide has the nickname ‘The Wolverine Peptide’ due to rapid healing like the comic book character. It can also be used for digestive issues, including one of the few therapies that are effective for intestinal permeability (leaky gut).

Enhanced sexual arousal and orgasm

PT-141 (Bremlanotide) – works to increase arousal and sexual response in both men (ED and impotence) and women (sexual arousal disorder). PT141 doesn’t act on the vascular system (like most ED meds) but rather stimulates the part of your brain associated with sexual arousal. So the effect feels very natural but intensely heightened.

Growth hormone releasers

CJC-Ipamorelin – This peptide combination stimulates natural growth hormone secretion. CJC is a second generation GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) analog. Main benefits include improved sleep, mental clarity, fat loss and increase protein synthesis. Ipamorelin is a selective GH-Secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist. The combination is especially effective because the benefits come without an increase in appetite, cortisol and other hormones. Because of this, CJC/Ipamorelin, and other GHRH analogs, may be a safer (and cheaper) long term solution to using HGH injections.

Tesamorelin – The most potent GHRH analog. This peptide has the greatest impact on IGF-1 levels which is the simplest indicator of increased Growth Hormone. Studies
also show Tesamorelin has good cardiovascular benefits, improves body composition and nootropic effects (memory enhancement).

Cosmetic

GHK/Argerilline/Leuphasyl – provides a “botox-like” effect, minimizes appearance of wrinkles, dispensed as a topical cream