The Complete
Peptide Guide 2026.

Semaglutide mimics the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone released after eating. It slows gastric emptying, suppresses appetite signals in the brain, and stimulates insulin secretion while inhibiting glucagon. The net result is significantly reduced caloric intake and improved blood sugar regulation.

Typically started at 0.25mg weekly and titrated over 16-20 weeks to the target maintenance dose (0.5mg to 2.4mg weekly for weight loss). Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Your provider determines your titration schedule based on tolerance and response.

STEP trials demonstrated 14.9% average body weight reduction over 68 weeks at the 2.4mg dose (branded semaglutide, Wegovy). SELECT trial showed 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events in patients with obesity and established cardiovascular disease (branded semaglutide). Compounded formulations dispensed via ThriveAxis have not been separately tested in RCTs; individual results may vary.

Tirzepatide activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors simultaneously — a dual-agonist mechanism no other approved drug achieves. GIP activation enhances the insulin sensitization effects and appears to reduce GI side effects compared to GLP-1 agonism alone. This dual action produces superior weight loss outcomes.

Starting dose 2.5mg weekly, titrated every 4 weeks to a target of 5mg to 15mg weekly. Subcutaneous injection once weekly. The 2026 FDA enforcement environment has tightened compounding availability — your ThriveAxis provider will confirm current options.

SURMOUNT-1 trial showed 20.9% average weight reduction at the 15mg dose over 72 weeks (branded tirzepatide, Zepbound) — the highest average weight loss recorded in a GLP-1 class trial to date. SURPASS trials demonstrated superior A1C reduction vs branded semaglutide in type 2 diabetes. Compounded tirzepatide has not been separately tested in RCTs; individual results may vary. See trial disclosures.

Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of the first 29 amino acids of endogenous growth hormone releasing hormone. It binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, stimulating the natural pulsatile release of growth hormone. Unlike direct HGH injection, sermorelin works with the body's natural feedback loop — preventing suppression of endogenous GH production.

Typically administered subcutaneously before sleep at doses of 100-300mcg per night, 5 days per week. Often combined with Ipamorelin for synergistic effect. Cycles of 3-6 months are common. Compounded with bacteriostatic water — your ThriveAxis dosing calculator handles all mixing math.

CJC-1295 modifies the GHRH sequence with substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 that prevent enzymatic degradation. The DAC form adds a lysine-maleimide group that binds covalently to albumin in the bloodstream, creating a sustained-release depot. The result is a dramatically longer half-life — hours vs days — vs native GHRH.

Non-DAC form: 100mcg subcutaneously once daily. DAC form: 2mg subcutaneously 1-2 times per week. Almost always combined with Ipamorelin in clinical practice to maximize the GH pulse. Your provider determines which form is appropriate for your protocol.

Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide GHRP that binds to ghrelin receptors (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary and hypothalamus. Unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, Ipamorelin does not significantly raise cortisol or prolactin, making it exceptionally clean. It produces a strong, selective GH pulse within 30-45 minutes of administration. Combined with CJC-1295 or Sermorelin, it creates synergistic amplification of GH release.

100-300mcg subcutaneously before sleep. Most effective when combined with CJC-1295 (non-DAC) in the same injection. The combination creates the "CJC/Ipamorelin stack" — the most commonly prescribed peptide combination in anti-aging and performance medicine. Your ThriveAxis dosing calculator shows exact reconstitution math.

Tesamorelin is a synthetic form of GHRH with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group attached to the N-terminus, increasing stability. It stimulates pulsatile GH release from the pituitary with high potency and selectivity. Its primary documented effect is significant reduction in visceral adipose tissue — the dangerous fat surrounding internal organs.

FDA-approved dose: 2mg subcutaneously once daily. Effects on visceral fat are typically seen within 26 weeks. As an FDA-approved agent, Egrifta has the strongest regulatory standing of all GHRH analogs. Off-label use requires provider clinical judgment and is only available after evaluation.

BPC-157 upregulates growth factor receptors (including VEGFR2), promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), and modulates the nitric oxide system. It appears to accelerate the formation of granulation tissue and tendon-to-bone healing. It also demonstrates gut-protective effects by stabilizing the gastric mucosa and accelerating healing of intestinal damage. Acts on multiple pathways simultaneously — anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and neuroprotective.

Typically 250-500mcg subcutaneously once or twice daily, or orally for gut-specific applications (250mcg-1mg in capsule form). Cycles of 4-12 weeks depending on the indication. Note: BPC-157 does not have human clinical trial data — existing evidence is from animal models. Your provider will discuss the evidence base and determine if it is appropriate for you.

Thymosin Beta-4 sequesters actin monomers and promotes actin polymerization, which is essential for cell migration and tissue repair. It upregulates genes involved in angiogenesis, reduces inflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha and IL-6, and stimulates progenitor cell differentiation. Often described as a master regulator of cell and organ protection and regeneration.

Loading phase: 4-8mg per week for 4-6 weeks (split into 2 injections). Maintenance: 2-6mg per week. Often stacked with BPC-157 for injury recovery — the combination is frequently called the "healing stack." Most useful for chronic or stubborn injuries not responding to conventional treatment.

GHK-Cu activates over 4,000 genes involved in wound healing, skin remodeling, and antioxidant defense. It stimulates collagen types I, II, III, IV, VII, and XVII, as well as elastin and fibronectin. It resets gene expression to a younger state and has demonstrated anti-metastatic properties in early research. The copper complex acts as a potent antioxidant and superoxide dismutase inducer.

Topical: 1-2% concentration applied daily. Subcutaneous: 1-2mg 2-3x weekly. Topical application is the most common route for skin benefits. Systemic administration for broader anti-aging effects requires provider determination. Notable for having both topical cosmetic and systemic therapeutic applications.

PT-141 activates melanocortin receptors (MC3R and MC4R) in the central nervous system — the hypothalamus specifically. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis) which work peripherally on blood vessels, PT-141 works centrally to activate sexual arousal pathways in the brain. This makes it effective for psychogenic sexual dysfunction and for patients who don't respond to peripheral approaches.

Women (Vyleesi): 1.75mg subcutaneous injection 45 minutes before sexual activity. Men (off-label): 1-2mg subcutaneous injection 1-2 hours before activity. Not for daily use. Notable side effect: transient facial flushing and nausea — usually mild. Contraindicated with certain cardiovascular medications. Provider evaluation required.

Kisspeptin binds to GPR54 receptors on GnRH neurons, stimulating pulsatile GnRH release. GnRH then drives LH and FSH secretion from the pituitary, which in turn stimulates testosterone production in men and estrogen/progesterone in women. It effectively resets the reproductive hormone axis from the top down — useful for patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and those coming off TRT who want to restore natural production.

Investigational in most clinical settings — use is highly protocol-specific and requires comprehensive hormone panel evaluation. Doses vary widely by indication. Most commonly used in post-TRT recovery protocols alongside Clomiphene or HCG. Your provider determines if Kisspeptin is appropriate for your specific hormonal situation.

Oxytocin binds to G protein-coupled oxytocin receptors distributed throughout the brain and body. In the central nervous system it reduces amygdala reactivity (fear and stress response) and increases social approach behavior. Peripherally it modulates pain signaling, gut motility, and has anti-inflammatory effects via suppression of NF-kB pathways. It also appears to reduce food intake and improve insulin sensitivity.

Intranasal: 10-40 IU per nostril as needed. Sublingual troches: 25-100 IU. Routes vary by indication. Compounded intranasal oxytocin is the most practical delivery method for outpatient use. Pitocin (IV oxytocin) is FDA-approved for labor induction only. All compounded forms require provider prescription and evaluation.

Selank modulates GABA-A receptors (similar to benzodiazepines but without the addiction liability), increases BDNF expression in the hippocampus, and regulates enkephalin metabolism — the body's natural opioid-like molecules involved in anxiety and mood. It also modulates IL-6 and other inflammatory cytokines, suggesting an immune-regulatory component to its anxiolytic effects.

Intranasal: 250-1000mcg per nostril, 1-3 times daily. Subcutaneous: 250-3000mcg per injection. Intranasal is most convenient for daily use. Cycles of 10-14 days are common, with 5-7 day breaks. Non-habit forming — no withdrawal syndrome documented. Well-tolerated in published research. Provider evaluation required for US access.

Semax dramatically increases BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. It enhances dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, modulates melanocortin receptors involved in attention and learning, and demonstrates neuroprotective effects in ischemic brain injury models. It crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently via intranasal administration.

Intranasal drops: 200-900mcg daily (1-3 drops per nostril of 1% solution). Effects on focus and mental clarity often noticed within hours. Neuroprotective benefits accumulate over weeks. Frequently combined with Selank for a "cognitive stack." Cycles of 10-14 days are typical. Provider evaluation required for US access as a compounded medication.

Preclinical and small human studies (primarily non-U.S.) have explored Epithalon's effect on telomerase activity, melatonin regulation via the pineal gland, and oxidative-stress markers. Human efficacy, long-term safety, and any oncology-related applications remain unestablished by U.S. regulators. ThriveAxis does not make anti-cancer, mortality-reduction, or lifespan-extension claims for any peptide.

Dosing and frequency are determined individually by a licensed provider after labs and consultation. ThriveAxis does not publish or endorse any specific longevity or mortality-reduction outcome for Epithalon. Patients interested in this peptide should discuss current evidence and limitations directly with their provider.

MOTS-c is encoded in the mitochondrial genome — unusual for a bioactive peptide. It activates AMPK (the master metabolic regulator), promotes glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation, and reduces insulin resistance. Under metabolic stress, it translocates to the nucleus and regulates adaptive nuclear gene expression. In aging models, it restores the adaptive response to exercise stress that declines with age, effectively producing exercise-mimetic effects.

5-10mg subcutaneously 2-5 times weekly. Often administered before exercise to amplify training response. Relatively newer to clinical practice — evidence base is growing rapidly. Most compelling for patients with metabolic syndrome or significant insulin resistance who want to amplify lifestyle interventions. Provider evaluation and monitoring are essential.