The dad-test answer in three lines
- The dosing reference is real. The most-shared peptide cheat sheet PDF is genuinely useful as a dosing and reconstitution reference. The math is right, the reconstitution tables work, the timing windows are reasonable. We have used it. We recommend it as a dosing reference. None of that is in question.
- The cheat sheet is not an evidence audit. It lists semaglutide (FDA-approved, $30B drug, Phase 3 data, 14.9% mean body weight reduction in STEP-1) on the same page as FOXO4-DRI (one 2017 mouse paper, zero human RCT, sold as anti-aging on the back of a hype cycle). It treats every peptide as equally worth your time and money. They are not.
- The honest move is bloodwork first, then Tier 1, then maybe Tier 2. Get a baseline panel before any peptide protocol. We recommend Rhythm Health for direct-to-consumer panels - the panel quality matches what we would order ourselves. Once you have a baseline, start with Tier 1 peptides that have FDA approval or Phase 3 data and a legal US pharmacy route. Only move to Tier 2 research peptides if the molecule you want has no Rx equivalent.
How we built the tiers
The cheat sheet covers 60 peptides organized by purpose (fat loss, longevity, healing, immunity, sexual health, cognition, hormonal support) plus 16 bioregulators. We re-sorted by evidence quality. Five axes:
- Regulatory status. FDA-approved drug, FDA-approved drug compounded under 503A, research peptide post-FDA-2023-ban, or unapproved with no legal US human-use path.
- Human data quality. Phase 3 RCT, Phase 2 RCT, observational, case series, anecdote-only, or animal-only.
- Mechanism plausibility. Does the molecule do what people claim it does in the body? Well-characterized vs speculative.
- Sourcing path. Legal US pharmacy, telehealth-screened compounded, research-only vendor, or no legitimate path.
- Safety profile. Known risk profile, theoretical risk, unknown long-term safety, or active safety concerns.
A peptide with FDA approval, Phase 3 data, a US pharmacy route, and a clean safety profile goes in Tier 1 regardless of how trendy or untrendy it is. A peptide with one mouse paper and a viral Twitter thread goes in Tier 4 regardless of how often it gets asked about.
Before any peptide: bloodwork
This is the one universally-correct step before any peptide protocol. Without a baseline, you cannot tell whether the peptide is doing anything, whether something else is doing it, or whether you are heading into a problem.
Why this matters more than vendor selection: every peptide on the list either modulates an endocrine signal, alters body composition, or changes some downstream metabolic marker. Without a baseline you cannot tell whether the peptide is doing anything, whether something else is doing it, or whether you are heading into a problem. The 4-week post-baseline panel tells you what changed. The baseline alone is worth more than the first 8-week cycle of most peptides on this list.
The panel we recommend (works for most goals - fat loss, GH stack, healing, longevity, hormonal):
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
- Lipid panel
- HbA1c + fasting insulin (you want both - HOMA-IR is more informative than either alone)
- Full thyroid: TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, thyroid antibodies
- Total testosterone + free testosterone + SHBG (men)
- Estradiol (sensitive assay for men; standard for women)
- IGF-1 (baseline before any GH-axis peptide - ipamorelin, sermorelin, tesamorelin, CJC-1295)
- CBC with differential
- hsCRP (inflammation marker, often missed)
- Ferritin + iron panel
- Vitamin D 25-OH
Where to order. Direct-to-consumer panels are now ~$200-$400 depending on inclusions. The honest list:
- Rhythm Health. Direct-to-consumer panels, well-regarded in the peptide community. No insurance routing required. We have no affiliate relationship with Rhythm as of May 2026 - we are linking because the panel quality matches what we would order ourselves.
- Marek Health. Popular in the men's-health / TRT world. Higher-touch consult option layered on top of panels. No P1 affiliate.
- Life Extension. Long-running, broad panel catalog, often the cheapest per-marker option. No P1 affiliate.
- Function Health. Subscription model with longitudinal tracking. No P1 affiliate.
Tier 1 - The 12 entries with real evidence
FDA-approved drugs, molecules with Phase 3 RCT data, or molecules with decades of 503A compounded clinical use and strong PK / safety data. All have a legal US pharmacy route. If you are new to peptides and want the highest-evidence shortest list, this is it.
GLP-1 · FDA-approved · Phase 3 RCT
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)
What it is. GLP-1 receptor agonist. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (2017) and weight loss (Wegovy, 2021). STEP-1 trial: 14.9% mean body weight reduction at 68 weeks vs 2.4% placebo. Compounded versions widely available through US telehealth during the FDA shortage status.
Where to source. Brand-name Ozempic or Wegovy through any prescriber. Compounded semaglutide through telehealth: Sesame Care is our current primary recommendation per the doctor-ethical framework (real video consult, transparent pricing, brand-name + insurance pathway surfaced). See the full GLP-1 telehealth matrix for the side-by-side. The cheat sheet dose (250mcg, AM, once weekly) is the standard titration starting point.
Verdict. Tier 1. Highest evidence on the list. If weight loss is the goal, start here. Full Protocol One semaglutide dosing protocol ->
Book a real-doctor Semaglutide consult on Sesame ->GLP-1 / GIP · FDA-approved · Phase 3 RCT
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)
What it is. Dual GLP-1 / GIP receptor agonist. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (2022) and weight loss (Zepbound, 2023). SURMOUNT-1 trial: 22.5% mean body weight reduction at 72 weeks on 15mg dose vs 2.4% placebo. The strongest weight loss drug on the market until retatrutide ships.
Where to source. Brand-name through any prescriber, or compounded through US telehealth. Sesame Care is our current primary recommendation per the doctor-ethical framework - real video consult, brand-name and insurance pathway surfaced alongside compounded. Gala GLP-1 is the B-tier alternative with caveats. See the full GLP-1 telehealth matrix for the comparison. Our tirzepatide dosing protocol page covers titration, side-effect management, and the standard 2.5mg → 15mg ramp.
Verdict. Tier 1. If you have insurance coverage for Zepbound use it; if not, compounded is the practical path.
Book a real-doctor Tirzepatide consult on Sesame ->GLP-1 / GIP / Glucagon · Phase 3 positive (TRIUMPH-1, May 2026) · NDA filing imminent
Retatrutide
What it is. Eli Lilly's triple agonist (GLP-1, GIP, glucagon receptors). The pivotal Phase 3 obesity trial - TRIUMPH-1 - read out positive in May 2026: 28.3% mean body weight loss at 80 weeks on the 12mg dose (70.3 lbs average). TRIUMPH-4 (obesity with knee osteoarthritis) also read out December 2025 with 28.7% weight loss at 12mg. Lilly has the two anchor obesity trials needed; NDA filing is the next milestone. FDA approval likely 2027.
Where to source - read this carefully. Lilly has not licensed retatrutide to any compounding pharmacy, research vendor, or telehealth provider. Anything sold as "retatrutide" outside a Lilly clinical trial in 2026 is almost certainly not the trial molecule. We do not link any vendor for this. Our retatrutide directory page explains the wait and covers the full TRIUMPH-1 readout.
Verdict. Tier 1 for the molecule itself (the strongest weight-loss drug ever read out), Tier 5 for current sourcing. Wait for the FDA approval and the legitimate compounded supply that will follow.
See the retatrutide directory page ->GH-axis · 503A compounded · Decades of clinical use
Sermorelin
What it is. Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, 29 amino acids. Originally FDA-approved (Geref) for pediatric GH deficiency, voluntarily withdrawn 2008, still widely available through 503A compounding pharmacies. Stimulates pituitary GH release within the body's own feedback loop, which is a safer profile than exogenous HGH.
Where to source. US telehealth providers using 503A pharmacies dispense sermorelin against an Rx. Our sermorelin telehealth matrix compares vendors. The cheat sheet dose (250mcg, PM, Mon-Fri) is the standard pre-bed protocol.
Verdict. Tier 1. The GH-axis peptide with the cleanest regulatory and safety story.
See the sermorelin telehealth matrix -> Or open a free Ageless account directly ->GH-axis · FDA-approved · Egrifta brand
Tesamorelin
What it is. GHRH analog. FDA-approved 2010 (Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy - specifically reduces visceral adipose tissue. Has real Phase 3 RCT data for visceral fat reduction. Used off-label by bodybuilders and biohackers for the same reason.
Where to source. Brand-name Egrifta through any prescriber (insurance often required given price). Compounded tesamorelin through US 503A pharmacies. Research-grade tesamorelin through peptide vendors at lower cost - same regulatory caveats as the rest of the research category.
Verdict. Tier 1 for the molecule. Real evidence, real FDA approval, real visceral-fat data.
See the peptide vendor matrix ->Hormonal support · FDA-approved · Decades of clinical use
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
What it is. Pituitary-stimulating peptide that mimics LH (luteinizing hormone). FDA-approved for fertility (Pregnyl, Novarel, Ovidrel). Used in men's health for endogenous testosterone preservation during or after TRT. Real clinical use over decades.
Where to source. Any TRT-knowledgeable prescriber can dispense HCG against an Rx. Our TRT telehealth matrix covers vendors who routinely prescribe HCG alongside testosterone protocols.
Verdict. Tier 1. Standard of care in men's hormonal optimization.
Open a free Ageless account (TRT + HCG plan) ->Sexual health · FDA-approved · Vyleesi brand
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
What it is. Melanocortin receptor agonist. FDA-approved 2019 (Vyleesi) for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Off-label use in men for arousal and erectile function. Acts through a central nervous system pathway distinct from the PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis).
Where to source. Brand-name Vyleesi through a prescriber - Sesame Care's marketplace model routes you to a US-licensed provider who can prescribe Vyleesi (the FDA-approved 1.75mg auto-injector) or evaluate compounded PT-141 off-label. Our PT-141 dosing page covers the standard protocol.
Verdict. Tier 1. Real FDA approval, real Phase 3 data, used by both men and women.
Book a PT-141 / Vyleesi consult on Sesame ->GH-axis · 503A compounded · Strong PK data
Ipamorelin
What it is. GH secretagogue, ghrelin receptor agonist. Pentapeptide. Stimulates a clean pulse of endogenous GH without the cortisol and prolactin bumps that older secretagogues caused. Real human pharmacokinetic data. Commonly stacked with CJC-1295 No DAC for synergistic effect.
Where to source. US 503A compounding pharmacies dispense ipamorelin against an Rx, often as ipamorelin / CJC-1295 No DAC blend. Research-grade through peptide vendors at lower cost. Our ipamorelin dosing page covers the protocol.
Verdict. Tier 1 for evidence and PK; the compounded route is the cleanest path. The standard biohacker stack (Ipamorelin / CJC-1295 No DAC, 250mcg each, AM/PM) is the cleanest GH-axis protocol.
See the ipamorelin dosing page ->Sexual health · FDA-approved · Compounded
Oxytocin (compounded for sexual health)
What it is. Endogenous nonapeptide. FDA-approved (Pitocin) for labor induction. Off-label compounded use for bonding, mood, and sexual function. Real human data in the labor indication; emerging but limited data in the biohacker use cases.
Where to source. US 503A compounding pharmacies will dispense oxytocin troches or nasal spray against an Rx for off-label use. Research-grade oxytocin from peptide vendors at lower cost.
Verdict. Tier 1 for the molecule (FDA-approved). The off-label biohacker use cases sit on weaker evidence than the labor indication, but the safety profile is well-characterized.
Hormonal support · FDA-approved · Menopur
HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin)
What it is. Combination of FSH and LH activity from postmenopausal urine. FDA-approved (Menopur) for fertility treatment. Used in some men's-health protocols for testicular volume and fertility preservation when HCG alone is insufficient.
Where to source. Brand-name Menopur through a fertility or men's-health prescriber. Standard fertility-clinic supply chain.
Verdict. Tier 1 for the molecule and indication. Niche use case outside fertility.
Note: Not technically peptides
L-Carnitine + NAD+ (included in the source cheat sheet)
What they are. L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative, not a peptide. NAD+ is a coenzyme (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), also not a peptide. Both are included in the cheat sheet because they are commonly injected alongside peptide protocols, but the classification matters for evidence framing.
What the evidence says. L-Carnitine has solid evidence for athletic recovery and fat oxidation support. NAD+ has growing evidence for cellular energy and longevity markers; injection vs oral bioavailability is debated. Both are widely available through US compounding pharmacies and IV clinics.
Verdict. Tier 1 evidence quality for their actual indications. Not peptides; we are noting them for completeness against the cheat sheet.
Open a free Ageless account (NAD+ plan) ->Tier 2 - Strong mechanism plus meaningful human data (the legit research-only stack)
Peptides where the human data is real but the regulatory category is research-only after the FDA's 2023 compounding ban. The July 23, 2026 PCAC docket may shrink this category further. Source from vetted research vendors only.
Healing · Research-only · 30+ years of research
BPC-157 (Body Protective Compound 157)
What it is. 15-amino-acid peptide originally derived from human gastric juice. Studied since the early 1990s by Sikiric and colleagues at the University of Zagreb. Overwhelming animal data on tendon, ligament, muscle, nerve, and gut healing. Emerging human anecdote across the biohacker and athletic communities. AJAC's #1 connective-tissue pick. The standard biohacker dose (500mcg, AM/PM, every day, 8 wks on, 8 wks off); injection at the injury site is the higher-evidence form.
Where to source. Research-only post the FDA's 2023 compounding ban on BPC-157. Apollo Peptide Sciences and Limitless Biotech (our affiliate vendors) carry it. Same regulatory caveats as the rest of the category: for research only, PCAC July 2026 exposure.
Verdict. Tier 2 - the strongest research-only peptide on the list. AJAC's #1 connective-tissue pick. The evidence base in animals is overwhelming; the human anecdote across the biohacker and athletic communities is consistent; the safety profile is clean across decades of self-experimentation. Our BPC-157 dosing page goes deeper.
See the BPC-157 dosing page ->Healing · Research-only · Tissue repair
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
What it is. Synthetic analog of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring 43-amino-acid peptide. Real research on tissue repair, anti-inflammatory action, and cardiovascular healing. Commonly stacked with BPC-157 for connective tissue protocols (the "Wolverine blend"). The standard dose (500mcg, AM, every day, 8 wks on, 8 wks off) is well-established.
Where to source. Research-only category. Apollo or Limitless via our affiliate links.
Verdict. Tier 2. Real research, plausible mechanism, clean safety profile in self-experimentation. The BPC-157 + TB-500 stack is the most-validated research-only protocol on the list.
See the TB-500 dosing page ->Healing / skin · Research-only · Cosmeceutical-grade evidence
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide)
What it is. Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to copper. Naturally occurring tripeptide that declines with age. Strong evidence in skin regeneration, hair follicle stimulation, and wound healing. Pickart and Margolina (2018) reviewed 30+ years of literature. Topical cosmeceutical use is well-established; injectable use is the biohacker variant.
Where to source. Injectable GHK-Cu through research peptide vendors (Apollo or Limitless). Topical GHK-Cu serums available retail; Parabolic Peptides is the commonly-named transdermal vendor. The standard injectable dose (1.7mg, AM, every day, 8 wks on, 8 wks off) is well-established.
Verdict. Tier 2 for the injectable form. Cosmeceutical-grade evidence on the topical form. Solid mechanism, real research, niche but legitimate use case.
See the GHK-Cu dosing page ->Immunity · FDA-approved abroad · Real Phase 3 data
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Zadaxin)
What it is. 28-amino-acid peptide derived from thymus tissue. FDA-approved abroad as Zadaxin for hepatitis B and adjunct cancer therapy. Not FDA-approved in the US. Used by biohackers for broad immune modulation. Real Phase 3 RCT data in the hepatitis indication, well-characterized mechanism via T-cell modulation.
Where to source. Research-only in the US. Apollo or Limitless carry it.
Verdict. Tier 2. Real evidence, real foreign approval, clean safety. The strongest immunity peptide on the list. Our Thymosin Alpha-1 dosing page goes deeper.
See the Thymosin Alpha-1 dosing page ->Mitochondrial / longevity · Research-only · USC research
MOTS-c
What it is. 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA gene. Identified by Cohen and colleagues at USC in 2015. Real research on insulin sensitivity, exercise mimetics, and metabolic regulation. One of the better-researched "longevity" peptides on the list.
Where to source. Research-only. Apollo or Limitless via our affiliate links. Our MOTS-c dosing page covers the protocol.
Verdict. Tier 2. Real academic research, plausible mechanism, emerging human data. Promising for metabolic and longevity use cases.
See the MOTS-c dosing page ->GH-axis · Research-only · Stacks with ipamorelin
CJC-1295 No DAC
What it is. Modified GHRH analog without the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) - which means shorter half-life and pulsatile GH release that more closely mimics natural physiology. Standard pair-partner for ipamorelin in a GH-stack protocol. Real PK data, well-characterized mechanism. The "with DAC" variant (CJC-1295 DAC) has more bodybuilder-style continuous-GH-flood risk and is less recommended.
Where to source. US 503A compounding pharmacies dispense ipamorelin / CJC-1295 No DAC blend against an Rx. Research-grade through peptide vendors at lower cost. Our CJC-1295 dosing page covers the protocol.
Verdict. Tier 2 for No DAC; the compounded route is the cleanest path.
See the CJC-1295 dosing page ->Appetite suppression · Phase 3 in trial · CagriSema
Cagrilintide
What it is. Amylin analog from Novo Nordisk. Phase 3 trial as CagriSema (cagrilintide + semaglutide combination) for weight loss; Phase 2 data showed 15.6% body weight reduction at 32 weeks for the combo. Solo cagrilintide data more limited. Mechanism distinct from GLP-1s (acts on amylin receptors for satiety).
Where to source. Not FDA-approved as of May 2026. Research-grade cagrilintide available through peptide vendors with the standard research-only caveats.
Verdict. Tier 2 for the molecule and mechanism. The Novo Phase 3 program is the legitimate path; research-grade now is plausible but limited solo human data.
Mitochondrial · Research-only · Phase 3 failed primary
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
What it is. Mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide. Stealth BioTherapeutics ran a Phase 3 program (MMPOWER-3) for primary mitochondrial myopathy. The trial failed its primary endpoint but secondary endpoints were positive. Real research, defined mechanism, niche indication. Biohacker use focuses on energy and recovery markers.
Where to source. Research-only via peptide vendors. Bulk Research Supply is commonly named for SS-31 inventory depth; we have not vetted that vendor independently.
Verdict. Tier 2 for the research base. The failed Phase 3 primary endpoint is honest information, not a disqualification - the secondary signal was real and the molecule has plausible use cases.
Endocrine · Niche research · Fertility
Kisspeptin
What it is. 10-amino-acid peptide that signals upstream of GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), regulating the entire reproductive axis. Strong endocrine signal, real research on fertility, puberty, and HPG axis function. Niche biohacker use for libido and HPG modulation.
Where to source. Research-only via peptide vendors.
Verdict. Tier 2 for the mechanism and the academic research base. Biohacker use case is more speculative than the academic research.
Tier 3 - Plausible mechanism, underpowered human data
Peptides where the mechanism is well-characterized but the human RCT data is thin. Use case has to justify the unknowns.
| Peptide | Source category | Our take | Sourcing |
|---|---|---|---|
| AOD-9604 | Fat loss | Older GH fragment. Banned in Australia for human use. Weak human evidence. Cheap, but evidence doesn't justify cycle. | Research-only |
| LL-37 | Immunity | Antimicrobial peptide. Real research in chronic infection (Lyme, biofilms). Niche use case; not a general-immunity peptide. | Research-only |
| KPV | Immunity | Anti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from alpha-MSH C-terminus. Real research on gut inflammation. PCAC July 2026 docket includes KPV - may not be available much longer. | Research-only · PCAC-flagged |
| Selank | Cognition | Russian nootropic, originally Tuftsin analog. Real research in Russia (anxiolytic, immune modulation). Limited Western replication. Niche use. | Research-only |
| Semax | Cognition | Russian nootropic, ACTH fragment analog. Used in Russia for stroke recovery. AJAC's nootropic pick from the BowTied Bull article. Limited Western replication. PCAC July 2026 docket includes Semax. | Research-only · PCAC-flagged |
| ARA-290 (Cibinetide) | Healing / neuropathy | EPO-related peptide without erythropoietic activity. Real Phase 2 research on diabetic neuropathy and sarcoidosis. Specific use case; not a generalist. | Research-only |
| VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) | Immunity | Real endogenous peptide, real research in CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) per Shoemaker protocol. Niche indication, not a general use case. | Research-only |
| IGF-1 LR3 | Muscle building | Long-acting IGF-1 analog. Real anabolic signal. WADA-banned for athletes. Theoretical cancer-risk concern for long-term use. Bodybuilder use case is the dominant one; we would not run this without a specific indication. | Research-only · WADA-banned |
Tier 4 - Marketing constructs, blends, and hype
Where the cheat sheet treated something as equivalent to BPC-157 or semaglutide. The evidence does not support that framing.
| Item | Why it's Tier 4 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Threat Blend (NAD+ / MOTS-c / 5-Amino-1MQ) | Pre-mixed blend means no per-molecule COA verification by definition. The three components have very different evidence bases. The "stack" is a vendor marketing construct, not a research-grade combination. | Skip - buy components separately |
| GLOW Blend (GHK-Cu / BPC-157 / TB-500) | Same per-molecule COA problem as Triple Threat. The three components have legitimate use cases (covered in Tier 2 above); the blend is a marketing wrapper. | Skip - buy components separately |
| KLOW Blend (GHK-Cu / BPC-157 / TB-500 / KPV) | Same problem, four molecules. Adds KPV which is itself PCAC-flagged for July 2026. Skip. | Skip - buy components separately |
| Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin Blend | Pre-mixed GH-stack. Both molecules are individually Tier 1-2. The pre-mix saves an injection but loses dosing precision. Run them separately. | Skip - buy components separately |
| BPC-157 / TB-500 5mg/5mg Blend | Same per-molecule COA problem. Both components are Tier 2. Buy single-molecule vials and stack at the syringe if you want the combination. | Skip - buy components separately |
| 5-Amino-1MQ | NNMT inhibitor. Animal data only. Heavy Twitter hype 2024-2025. No human RCT data. Sold as fat-loss / energy peptide; mechanism plausible but human evidence absent. | Wait for human data |
| Epitalon | Russian Khavinson Institute peptide. Telomere-extension claims. Real Russian research, very limited Western replication. PCAC July 2026 docket includes Epitalon. Hype-to-evidence ratio is high. | Wait for replicated data · PCAC-flagged |
| P21 / PE-22-28 | Cerebrolysin-derived nootropic fragments. Very preliminary human data. Mechanism plausible but specific peptide claims are largely vendor-driven. | Wait for human data |
| DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) | Identified 1977. Mechanism still poorly characterized despite 50 years of research. Inconsistent human data on sleep effects. Cheap, low-risk, but not a strong sleep intervention. | Weak evidence |
| Follistatin 344 | Myostatin inhibitor. Bodybuilder use. Real anabolic mechanism but uncontrolled muscle growth and cardiovascular safety concerns are real risks at biohacker doses. Not recommended without specific indication and monitoring. | Skip - safety |
Tier 5 - What we would skip outright
Editorial firewall. The cases where we will not link a vendor regardless of CPA, and the cases where the source listing is itself the problem.
- FOXO4-DRI. Sold as anti-aging senolytic. One 2017 mouse paper (Baar et al, Cell). Zero human RCT data. The price tag, dosing protocols, and marketing imply far more evidence than actually exists. Skip.
- Melanotan 1 (and Melanotan 2). The source cheat sheet classifies Melanotan-1 as "cognitive enhancement" which is incorrect - it is a melanocortin agonist used for cosmetic tanning and for erythropoietic protoporphyria (Scenesse, FDA-approved 2019 in implant form only). Cognitive use case is not supported. Both Melanotan-1 and Melanotan-2 carry melanoma risk and should not be used for cosmetic tanning. Skip.
- The 15 bioregulators (Bronchogen, Cardiogen, Cartalax, Chonluten, Cortagen, Livagen, Ovagen, Pancragen, Pinealon, Prostamax, Testagen, Thymagen, Vesugen, Vesilute, Vilon). Khavinson Institute peptides from St. Petersburg. The institute's own research is real; the replication outside Russia is poor. Many of these have not been independently characterized. We do not have a strong opinion against any specific bioregulator, but the category as a whole sits on weaker evidence than any Tier 2 molecule on this page. Wait for Western replication.
- Pre-mixed blends (all of them). See Tier 4 above. The blend category is a marketing wrapper that prevents per-molecule COA verification. If you want the stack, buy single-molecule vials and combine at the syringe.
- Anything sold as "retatrutide" in 2026. Eli Lilly molecule, fully patented, not licensed to any compounding pharmacy or research vendor. Anything sold by that name outside a Lilly clinical trial is almost certainly not the trial molecule. Wait for FDA approval and the legitimate compounded supply that follows.
Where to actually buy - the honest matrix
By tier, by category, with our affiliate relationships disclosed.
| What you need | Where to source | Our relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Bloodwork (do this first) | Rhythm Health, Marek Health, Life Extension, Function Health | No P1 affiliate yet (applications pending) |
| GLP-1 (semaglutide, tirzepatide) | GLP-1 telehealth matrix - Strut Health, Gala, MEDVi; Hims and Ro pending affiliate approval | Affiliate via Katalys (Strut, Gala) |
| Sermorelin (Rx route) | Sermorelin telehealth matrix | Affiliate via Katalys |
| TRT / HCG / HMG / men's hormonal | TRT telehealth matrix | Affiliate via Katalys + Refersion |
| BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu, MOTS-c, Thymosin Alpha-1, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, SS-31 | Peptide vendor matrix - Apollo Peptide Sciences, Limitless Biotech | Affiliate via Refersion (Apollo) and Everflow (Limitless) |
| Transdermal GHK-Cu serums | Parabolic Peptides - commonly named for transdermal/cosmeceutical inventory | No P1 affiliate yet |
| Bulk research orders | Bulk Research Supply - commonly named for bulk-volume orders | No P1 affiliate yet |
| Niche research peptides + bioregulators | BioLongevity Labs and Soma Chems - commonly named for niche/bioregulator inventory and broad-menu research peptides respectively | No P1 affiliate yet (applications pending) |
| Pre-mixed blends | We do not recommend any. Buy single-molecule vials. | Editorial firewall |
| FOXO4-DRI, Melanotan, Follistatin | We do not recommend any vendor. | Editorial firewall |
| Retatrutide (in 2026) | No legitimate source outside Eli Lilly clinical trials. Wait. | Editorial firewall |
A note on the non-affiliate vendors above. Soma Chems, Bulk Research Supply, Parabolic Peptides, and BioLongevity Labs are commonly-named operators in the research-peptide community. We have not personally vetted these four to the same standard we vet Apollo and Limitless. We have applications pending; when we have direct experience we will write a vendor card with the same scoring axes used in our peptide vendor matrix.
The PCAC July 2026 cliff (everyone selling research peptides is affected)
The FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee docketed seven research peptides for review on July 23, 2026: BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, MOTS-c, DSIP, Epitalon, and Semax. The likely outcome is one of three: these molecules get moved off Category 1 compounding status, they get explicit warning labels or restrictions, or the FDA opens a more aggressive enforcement window against research-grade vendors selling them.
Practical read: if you are running a protocol on any of those seven molecules, do not stockpile. Do not sign up for auto-refill subscriptions. Buy the smallest quantity that gets you through one cycle, see how the PCAC vote goes, then reassess. The category may shrink dramatically in Q3 2026.
This includes BPC-157, which is the most-used research peptide on the list. The 2023 FDA compounding ban already removed BPC-157 from US pharmacy compounding. The PCAC docket could further restrict the research-only channel. Read our peptide vendor matrix for vendor-level risk; read this page for molecule-level evidence.
How we make money on this page
We earn commission on Strut Health and Gala (via Katalys), Apollo Peptide Sciences (via Refersion), Limitless Biotech (via Everflow), and several other vendors listed in our trust matrices. We do not earn commission on Rhythm Health, Marek Health, Life Extension, Function Health, Soma Chems, BioLongevity Labs, Parabolic Peptides, or Bulk Research Supply as of May 2026. We are linking those because the recommendation is honest, not because they pay us. Applications are pending where appropriate.
We will not link any vendor for: pre-mixed blends, FOXO4-DRI, Melanotan-1, Melanotan-2, Follistatin 344, or anything sold as retatrutide in 2026. The editorial firewall on those items is non-negotiable regardless of CPA. Full disclosure.
Where to go next
- Take the 11-question peptide quiz - turns this tier list into one recommendation tailored to your goal and history
- Peptide directory - foundations and category overview
- GLP-1 telehealth matrix - vendor comparison for semaglutide and tirzepatide
- Research peptide vendor matrix - Apollo vs Limitless and what to avoid
- Sermorelin telehealth matrix - the cleanest GH-axis Rx route
- TRT telehealth matrix - HCG, HMG, testosterone protocols
- Longevity Rx matrix - the prescription longevity stack
- BPC-157 dosing protocol - the most-used research peptide
- Semaglutide dosing protocol - titration and side-effect management
- Tirzepatide dosing protocol - the 2.5mg to 15mg ramp
- Retatrutide directory - why we wait
Source document audited: Hunter Williams, The Peptide Cheat Sheet, April 2026 (hunterwilliamshealth.com). Additional framing: AJAC, "A Simple Guide to Peptides," BowTied Bull, March 2024. Tier framework, evidence ranking, and editorial verdicts: Protocol One. Last reviewed 2026·05·26. Tier list reviewed quarterly.