Research peptides are synthetic compounds used in scientific study. In recent years, they have gained tremendous recognition for their selectivity and effectiveness in therapeutic applications, while also being relatively safe and well-tolerated in subjects and patients. These characteristics have led to a huge increase in demand for pharmaceuticals and therapeutics that can take advantage of this unique class of compounds.
While peptides are similar in nature to steroids (such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, or AAS), they differ greatly in how they act in the body. While AAS interact with androgen receptors, peptides interact with many different cell signaling pathways. As a result, they are able to have far more diverse effects in the body, and may be better suited for specific purposes.
As a result, while many AAS have been FDA approved for medical use, most research peptides have not. However, these compounds remain legal for purchase, sale, and laboratory handling when sold by reputable vendors and correctly handled by qualified researchers. This is unlike pharmaceuticals such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, which are only legally available with a doctor’s prescription and are strictly prohibited for human consumption.
Despite the fact that most therapeutic peptides have not received FDA approval, preclinical studies indicate remarkable levels of safety and tolerance. These findings support the development of more clinical trials, with the eventual goal of achieving regulatory approval for the likes of the GHRH analog tesamorelin and GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide, which are already on the market as prescription drugs thanks to their exceptional safety profiles. As peptides are relatively new, it is imperative to prioritize safety in experimentation and to always work within a controlled research setting.