Not medical advice. Talk to your provider before using any peptide.
Full disclaimerFDA-Approved Peptides
35 peptides on this site have an FDA approval in the US, and 13 more are approved only in other countries. At each maker's request, FDA withdrew the approvals of enfuvirtide (Fuzeon), nesiritide (Natrecor) and sermorelin (Geref), so their cards are marked. Filter by goal, see what the research and users say about each one, and open any card for the full profile.
Peptide Schedule Research TeamReviewed Oct 10, 2026
Which Peptides Are FDA-Approved?
Filter by goal, region or whether a product is still sold. Each card links to the full profile.
Showing 38 peptides, including 3 whose FDA approval was withdrawn
ACTH (Cosyntropin/Cortrosyn)
ImmuneFDA approved 1950 · Acthar Gel, Purified Cortrophin Gel, Cortrosyn
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: Cosyntropin is one of the most validated diagnostic tools in endocrinology, with over 400 PubMed-indexed papers spanning decades. Key study: Kazlauskaite et al. 2023.
Users say: There is effectively no community use of cosyntropin as a research peptide.
Few user reportsFull profileBivalirudin (Angiomax)
ImmuneFDA approved 2000 · Angiomax
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved direct thrombin inhibitor with strong RCT evidence for PCI anticoagulation. Key study: BRIGHT-4.
Users say: Hospital-only IV drug: no self-administration community exists.
Few user reportsFull profileCalcitonin (Miacalcin)
HealingFDA approved 1978 or earlier · Miacalcin
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved for postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget disease of bone, and hypercalcemia. Key study: PROOF Study.
Users say: Niche use only. Community primarily reaches for calcitonin when bisphosphonates are contraindicated or cause intolerable side effects, or specifically for bone pain relief from acute vertebral…
Studies and users partly agreeFull profileCholecystokinin (CCK-8)
MetabolicFDA approved 1976 · Kinevac, diagnostic use only
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: CCK-8 is a validated endogenous satiety hormone with strong IV human evidence for meal termination, gallbladder contraction, and gastric emptying delay.
Users say: No community use exists. Zero Reddit threads on r/peptides or r/Nootropics, zero biohacker protocols, zero self-administration reports found.
Few user reportsFull profileDesmopressin (DDAVP)
MetabolicFDA approved 1978 · DDAVP, Desmoda
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved since 1978; first-line for central diabetes insipidus (AVP-D), primary nocturnal enuresis (≥6 yr), and hemostatic management of mild hemophilia A / type 1 VWD. ~6,688 PubMed papers. Key study: Mannucci PM. Desmopressin.
Users say: Considered life-changing by central DI patients. Highly effective for nocturnal enuresis in children.
Studies and users agreeFull profileDulaglutide (Trulicity)
Weight lossFDA approved 2014 · Trulicity
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved once-weekly GLP-1 RA for T2D. Strong evidence for HbA1c reduction (1.0-1.87% across AWARD program) and cardiovascular risk reduction (REWIND: HR 0.88 vs placebo over 5.4 years). Key study: REWIND trial.
Users say: Well-regarded for T2D management with the convenience of a no-reconstitution pen.
Studies and users agreeFull profileEnfuvirtide (Fuzeon)
ImmuneFDA approved 2003, withdrawn 2026 (91 FR 41045) · Fuzeon
US (FDA) · Approval withdrawn by FDA
Research says: Fixed 90 mg SC twice-daily dosing is validated by Phase III TORO-1 and TORO-2 trials (NEJM 2003) and confirmed through 96-week extension data. Key study: TORO-1 and TORO-2 Phase III trials.
Users say: Historically characterized by near-universal frustration with injection site reactions and twice-daily SC burden.
Studies and users agreeFull profileEptifibatide (Integrilin)
ImmuneFDA approved 1998 · Integrilin, now generic only
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved cyclic heptapeptide GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor with strong RCT evidence for ACS and PCI. Key study: PURSUIT.
Users say: Hospital-administered IV drug: no self-administration community exists.
Few user reportsFull profileExenatide (Byetta / Bydureon)
Weight lossFDA approved 2005 · Byetta, Bydureon, now generic only
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved GLP-1 RA for type 2 diabetes. Reduces HbA1c 0.8-1.0% and produces modest weight loss (~2-3 kg over 30 weeks). Key study: EXSCEL.
Users say: Historically positive for A1C reduction and weight loss in T2D patients.
Studies and users agreeFull profileGlucagon (GlucaGen)
MetabolicFDA approved 1960 · Baqsimi, Gvoke
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved for severe hypoglycemia rescue in diabetics; 29-aa peptide hormone with well-characterized glycogenolysis mechanism; three approved formulations (traditional kit, Gvoke autoinjector, Baqsimi intranasal)
Users say: Universally considered an essential emergency medication for insulin-dependent diabetics; strong consensus to always have a kit on hand; Gvoke preferred by injectors; Baqsimi preferred for…
Studies and users agreeFull profileGonadorelin
Sexual healthFDA approved 1982 · Factrel, Lutrepulse
US (FDA) · Discontinued in the US
Research says: Pulsatile GnRH stimulates LH/FSH release from anterior pituitary. No RCTs exist for bolus SC injection TRT co-administration. Key study: PMID 40119359.
Users say: Widely adopted as post-2020 HCG compounding ban substitute.
Studies and users partly agreeFull profileHCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
Sexual healthFDA approved 1973 or earlier · Pregnyl, Novarel
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: Strong evidence that HCG maintains intratesticular testosterone (ITT) during exogenous testosterone use and preserves spermatogenesis. Key study: Coviello et al. 2005.
Users say: Widely regarded as the gold standard for testicular preservation and fertility maintenance on TRT.
Studies and users agreeFull profileHGH (Somatropin)
Muscle & growthFDA approved 1986 or earlier · Humatrope, Genotropin, Norditropin and others
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: Strong evidence for body composition improvements (lean mass, fat loss) and bone density in GH-deficient adults. Key study: Rudman et al. NEJM 1990.
Users say: Widely trusted as the gold standard for body recomposition and anti-aging.
Studies and users partly agreeFull profileIcatibant (Firazyr)
ImmuneFDA approved 2011 · Firazyr
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved (2011) on-demand treatment for acute HAE attacks in adults ≥18. Key study: FAST-3 trial.
Users say: HAE patients report reliable, rapid attack relief.
Studies and users agreeFull profileLanreotide (Somatuline Depot)
MetabolicFDA approved 2007 · Somatuline Depot
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved for acromegaly and GEP-NETs with strong Phase III evidence. Key study: CLARINET.
Users say: Exclusively used in clinical settings for acromegaly and GEP-NETs.
Few user reportsFull profileLeuprolide (Lupron)
Sexual healthFDA approved 1985 · Lupron Depot, Eligard, Camcevi
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: Leuprolide produces reliable chemical castration (testosterone <50 ng/dL in males, postmenopausal estradiol in females) via GnRH receptor downregulation. Key study: HERO Phase 3.
Users say: Highly effective hormone suppression acknowledged, but quality-of-life burden substantial.
Studies and users agreeFull profileLinaclotide (Linzess)
HealingFDA approved 2012 · Linzess
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved first-in-class GC-C agonist with strong Phase 3 RCT evidence for IBS-C and CIC. ~34% composite responder rate for IBS-C (290 mcg) vs. 14-21% placebo; NNT 5-8. Key study: Chey et al.
Users say: Works rapidly for constipation relief but explosive diarrhea is the dominant complaint.
Studies and users partly agreeFull profileLiraglutide
Weight lossFDA approved 2010 · Victoza, Saxenda
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved for chronic weight management (Saxenda, 3 mg/day) and type 2 diabetes (Victoza, up to 1.8 mg/day). Key study: SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes.
Users say: Regarded as the "old reliable" GLP-1: effective, well-understood, and now accessible via generic and compounding.
Studies and users agreeFull profileLixisenatide
Weight lossFDA approved 2016 · Adlyxin; Soliqua 100/33, with insulin glargine
US (FDA) · Prescription, in a combination product only
Research says: Effective short-acting GLP-1 agonist for postprandial glucose reduction in T2DM; confirmed cardiovascular-neutral in ELIXA; Phase 2 signal for slowing Parkinson's motor progression (LIXIPARK 2024) warrants Phase 3… Key study: ELIXA cardiovascular outcomes trial.
Users say: Minimal community discussion post-US discontinuation.
Few user reportsFull profileMelanotan I
Sexual healthFDA approved 2019 · Scenesse
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: Afamelanotide is the only FDA-approved synthetic alpha-MSH analog. Evidence base for EPP indication is strong; evidence for cosmetic tanning is extrapolated from mechanism, not clinical trials. Key study: Langendonk et al. NEJM 2015.
Users say: Community uses injectable research-grade MT-I primarily for cosmetic tanning, often as a "clean" alternative to Melanotan II due to absence of sexual arousal and appetite suppression.
Studies and users partly agreeFull profileNesiritide (Natrecor)
HealingFDA approved 2001, withdrawn 2020 (85 FR 28950) · Natrecor
US (FDA) · Approval withdrawn by FDA
Research says: Nesiritide reduces PCWP and improves dyspnea in ADHF (VMAC, 2002). Key study: ASCEND-HF.
Users say: No community or self-administration use exists. Nesiritide is a hospital-only IV drug discontinued from the US market.
Few user reportsFull profileOctreotide (Sandostatin)
MetabolicFDA approved 1988 · Sandostatin, Mycapssa, Bynfezia
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: Strong evidence for three FDA-approved indications: acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome (diarrhea/flushing), and VIPomas. Key study: PROMID.
Users say: Used as prescribed for diagnosed medical conditions. r/neuroendocrine and r/acromegaly patients report octreotide as effective for symptom control but commonly cite GI side effects, injection burden…
Studies and users agreeFull profileOxytocin
Sexual healthFDA approved 1980 or earlier · Pitocin
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: Intranasal oxytocin has replicated evidence for reducing amygdala threat reactivity and acute trust/prosocial behavior enhancement. Evidence for autism, PTSD, and sexual dysfunction is weak or null. Key study: Kosfeld et al. 2005.
Users say: Widely used in nootropics/biohacking communities for social anxiety and relationship enhancement.
Studies and users partly agreeFull profilePasireotide (Signifor)
MetabolicFDA approved 2012 · Signifor
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved for Cushing's disease (SC, 600-900 mcg BID) and acromegaly (LAR, 40-60 mg monthly IM). Key study: Phase III Cushing's trial.
Users say: No off-label, self-directed, or bodybuilding community use exists: pasireotide is a prescription specialty drug used exclusively under endocrinology supervision.
Few user reportsFull profilePlecanatide (Trulance)
HealingFDA approved 2017 · Trulance
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved GC-C agonist with strong trial evidence for CIC and IBS-C. Single fixed dose (3 mg PO daily). Key study: PMID 28169285.
Users say: Mixed. Most users are switchers from linaclotide (Linzess) seeking lower diarrhea rates.
Studies and users agreeFull profilePramlintide (Symlin)
Weight lossFDA approved 2005 · Symlin
US (FDA) · Discontinued in the US
Research says: FDA-approved amylin analog with strong evidence for postprandial glucose reduction in T1D and T2D as insulin adjunct. Key study: Symlin FDA Prescribing Information.
Users say: Community confirms glycemic benefit but adherence is poor.
Studies and users partly agreeFull profilePT-141
Sexual healthFDA approved 2019 · Vyleesi
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved 1.75 mg SC on-demand for HSDD in premenopausal women. Key study: RECONNECT Phase 3 trials.
Users say: Widely used off-label by both sexes. Effective for central desire and arousal.
Studies and users partly agreeFull profileRomiplostim (Nplate)
ImmuneFDA approved 2008 · Nplate
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: Romiplostim is an FDA-approved thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA) for chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Key study: Kuter DJ et al. Lancet 2008.
Users say: Considered reliable and effective by ITP patients for platelet stabilization.
Studies and users agreeFull profileSemaglutide
Weight lossFDA approved 2017 · Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: Unambiguous efficacy across three FDA indications (obesity, T2D, CV risk reduction). Key study: STEP 1.
Users say: Highest-discussed weight-loss intervention on Reddit by a wide margin (350k+ combined members across r/Ozempic and r/semaglutide).
Studies and users agreeFull profileSermorelin
Muscle & growthFDA approved 1990, withdrawn 2009 (74 FR 23407) · Geref
US (FDA) · Approval withdrawn by FDA
Research says: Mechanism well-established: sermorelin is the 1-29 N-terminal fragment of endogenous GHRH, fully retaining GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) binding activity and stimulating pulsatile GH release from the pituitary somatotrophs. Key study: Vittone et al. 1997.
Users say: Widely regarded as the most conservative, beginner-appropriate GH secretagogue. "Start here before CJC/Ipa" is the dominant consensus.
Studies and users agreeFull profileSetmelanotide
Weight lossFDA approved 2020 · Imcivree
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved for POMC/PCSK1/LEPR deficiency obesity, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and (March 2026) acquired hypothalamic obesity. Key study: Clement et al. 2020.
Users say: Extremely small online community (ultra-rare patient population: <30 Reddit threads).
Studies and users agreeFull profileSS-31 (Elamipretide)
Anti-agingFDA approved 2025 · Forzinity
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA accelerated approval granted September 19, 2025 (NDA 215244, FORZINITY) for Barth syndrome: based on open-label extension knee extensor strength improvement, NOT the randomized phase endpoints. Key study: PMID 38602181.
Users say: Niche but growing. Primarily used by longevity/biohacking community for energy, fatigue, and exercise recovery.
Studies and users partly agreeFull profileTeduglutide (Gattex/Revestive)
HealingFDA approved 2012 · Gattex
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved GLP-2 receptor agonist for SBS-associated intestinal failure with strong RCT evidence. Key study: Jeppesen et al.
Users say: Highly positive among the small SBS patient community.
Studies and users agreeFull profileTesamorelin
Muscle & growthFDA approved 2010 · Egrifta
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved GHRH analog with strong Phase 3 RCT data (n=816, TRIM trials). ~18% VAT reduction at 26 weeks confirmed. Key study: Falutz et al. 2010.
Users say: Regarded as the most targeted visceral fat peptide available.
Studies and users agreeFull profileTirzepatide
Weight lossFDA approved 2022 · Mounjaro, Zepbound
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with the strongest weight-loss efficacy of any approved drug class. Key study: SURMOUNT-1.
Users say: Strongest community enthusiasm of any GLP-1. r/Zepbound users consistently report superior appetite suppression and weight loss vs their prior semaglutide experience.
Studies and users agreeFull profileTriptorelin
Sexual healthFDA approved 2000 · Trelstar, Triptodur
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: Mechanism anchored to FDA depot pharmacodynamics (Trelstar label) and one case report: Pirola et al. 2010 (PMID 20416868), n=1. Key study: Pirola et al. 2010.
Users say: Single-shot PCT protocol used by AAS community. Triptorelin 100 mcg triggers LH/FSH restart.
Studies and users partly agreeFull profileVasopressin (Vasostrict)
MetabolicFDA approved 2014 or earlier · Vasostrict
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved (Vasostrict, 2014) vasopressor for vasodilatory shock. Key study: VASST.
Users say: No consumer or self-administration community exists.
Few user reportsFull profileZiconotide (Prialt)
HealingFDA approved 2004 · Prialt
US (FDA) · Prescription
Research says: FDA-approved (2004) for severe refractory chronic pain via continuous intrathecal infusion. Key study: Gater et al. Pain Rep 2025.
Users say: Mixed-to-negative overall sentiment (Drugs.com 4.3/10, 27% positive, 45% negative).
Studies and users partly agreeFull profile
Which Peptides Are Approved Only Outside the US?
13 peptides on this site have an approval from another country's regulator but none from the FDA. Approvals abroad only inside a combination product, such as VIP in Invicorp, are not counted.
- Atosiban (Tractocile): EU approved (Tractocile, 2000) to delay preterm labor.
- Carbetocin (Duratocin/Pabal): Approved in Canada (1997), the EU and many other countries to prevent bleeding after childbirth.
- Cerebrolysin: Authorized in Austria, Russia and other countries, not in the US.
- Cortexin: Registered in Russia (Geropharm) for stroke and brain injury.
- DSIP: Registered in Russia as Deltaran nasal spray for stress and alcohol withdrawal.
- GHRP-2: Approved in Japan (2004) only as a one-dose diagnostic test for growth hormone deficiency, not as a treatment.
- Glutathione: Approved in Japan as Tathion injection for drug poisoning, liver disease and skin pigmentation.
- Mazdutide: Approved in China (June 2025) for weight management.
- Selank: Registered in Russia since 2009 as 0.15% nasal drops for anxiety.
- Semax: Registered in Russia as 0.1% nasal drops for stroke recovery and cognitive problems (renewed 2025).
- Somatostatin (SST-14 and SST-28): Native somatostatin infusion is approved in Spain, Belgium, Germany and Italy for GI bleeding and pancreatic surgery.
- Thymalin: Registered in Russia (Samson-Med) as an immune drug.
- Thymosin Alpha 1: Approved in China (Zadaxin, 1996) and about 30 other countries.
How This List Is Built
US approvals come from FDA's Drugs@FDA records and, for biologics, FDA's Purple Book. Every application number and FDA record is in the peptide regulatory tracker. Non-US approvals come from the peptide evidence gap study, checked against each country's regulator.
The list follows this site's catalog, which includes some protein hormones and fusion proteins that FDA licenses as biologics (BLAs).
Drugs@FDA calls a product "Discontinued" both when it is still approved but no longer sold and when FDA has withdrawn its approval. Withdrawals come from the Federal Register: enfuvirtide (Fuzeon; 91 FR 41045, effective ), nesiritide (Natrecor; 85 FR 28950, effective ) and sermorelin (Geref; 74 FR 23407, effective ). In each case the maker asked FDA to withdraw the approval because the product was no longer sold. They stay on this list, marked, and are not counted as approved.
"Research says" and "Users say" come from each peptide's own summary of published studies and community reports: the opening lines, plus any key caveat. User reports are not trials. Open a card for the sources, doses, side effects and the full picture.
FDA-approved but not peptides, so not listed: TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy), L-Carnitine, Orforglipron. Approved outside the US but not peptides: Bromantane (Ladasten), NAD+, Omberacetam (Noopept). Approval means a regulator cleared a specific product for a specific use. It is not a reason to use any peptide, and this page is not medical advice.