Introduction to Research Peptides
Peptide research compounds represent one of the most rapidly advancing areas of preclinical science. From tissue repair peptides like BPC-157 to neuroprotective compounds like Selank, these molecules offer researchers powerful tools for investigating biological mechanisms at the molecular level. This guide covers the key compound categories available for research purposes.
Tissue Repair Peptides: BPC-157 & TB-500
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157) is a 15-amino acid synthetic peptide (MW 1419.5 Da) derived from a protective gastric protein. It is among the most extensively studied tissue-repair peptides in preclinical research, with documented mechanisms including:
- Angiogenesis via VEGF upregulation
- Tendon-to-bone attachment healing in animal models
- Gastrointestinal mucosal protection and gut healing
- Neurological neuroprotection in rodent models
- Nitric oxide system modulation
TB-500 is the synthetic actin-binding domain fragment (LKKTETQ, MW 4963.4 Da) of Thymosin Beta-4. Research areas include endothelial cell migration, actin dynamics regulation, and angiogenesis in tissue repair models.
GH Secretagogue Peptides: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin & Sermorelin
Growth hormone secretagogue peptides stimulate GH release from the anterior pituitary through two primary pathways: the GHRH receptor and the ghrelin receptor (GHSR).
| Compound | MW | Mechanism | Half-life |
|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 (with DAC) | 3647.3 Da | GHRH receptor agonist | 6–8 days |
| Ipamorelin | 711.9 Da | GHSR agonist | ~2 hours |
| Sermorelin | 3357.9 Da | GHRH(1-29) analogue | ~10–20 min |
| GHRP-6 | 873.0 Da | GHSR agonist | ~15–60 min |
Ipamorelin is notable for its selectivity — it stimulates GH release with minimal cortisol and prolactin co-stimulation, providing the cleanest GH secretagogue profile among GHSR agonists in research models.
Cognitive & Neuropeptides: Selank, Semax, Noopept
Selank (TKPRPGP, MW 863.0 Da) is an anxiolytic heptapeptide derived from tuftsin. Mechanisms include GABAergic modulation and BDNF upregulation without sedation or motor impairment — a profile distinct from benzodiazepines.
Semax (MEHFPGP) is an ACTH(4-7) derived heptapeptide. Its primary studied mechanisms are BDNF and NGF upregulation and neuroprotection in ischemia models. While Selank emphasizes anxiolytic activity, Semax emphasizes nootropic and neuroprotective effects.
Noopept (GVS-111, MW 318.37 Da) is a glycine-proline dipeptide. Research in rodent hippocampus demonstrates BDNF and NGF upregulation, making it one of the most studied cognitive research dipeptides.
Anti-Aging Research: Epithalon, FOXO4-DRI, SS-31
Longevity and anti-aging peptide research has expanded considerably over the past decade. Key compounds in this category include:
- Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, MW 390.34 Da): Synthetic tetrapeptide from bovine pineal extract. Studied for telomerase activation in vitro and lifespan extension in animal models.
- FOXO4-DRI (MW ~2.3 kDa): D-retro-inverso senolytic peptide disrupting FOXO4-p53 interaction in senescent cells. Studied in mouse models for selective senescent cell clearance.
- SS-31 (Elamipretide): Szeto-Schiller tetrapeptide targeting mitochondrial cardiolipin for bioenergetics and oxidative stress research.
- MOTS-c: 12 AA mitochondrial-derived peptide. AMPK activation and insulin sensitization in mouse models.
SARMs: Tissue-Selective Androgen Research
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators bind the androgen receptor with tissue selectivity, producing anabolic effects in muscle and bone with reduced androgenic effects in other tissues compared to testosterone. Research-studied SARMs include:
- RAD-140 (Testolone) — MW 393.83 Da: High anabolic-to-androgenic ratio in animal models
- LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) — MW 338.25 Da: High oral bioavailability, Phase I clinical trials completed
- Ostarine (MK-2866): Phase II trials completed, muscle preservation in wasting models
- YK-11 — MW 430.54 Da: Partial AR agonist and myostatin inhibitor
Research Standards & Purity
All research compounds at EdgeChems are manufactured to research-grade standards with 99%+ HPLC purity verification. Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documenting purity, mass spectrometry confirmation, and identification testing. Research compounds are supplied for laboratory and in vitro/in vivo research purposes only.
Browse the full catalog at EdgeChems.com, including GH secretagogues, cognitive & neuro compounds, and 86+ research-grade peptides and small molecules.
All compounds are for laboratory and research use only. Not for human consumption. EdgeChems does not provide medical advice.