Short chains of amino acids
Peptides are chains of amino acids linked together. Many act as signals in the body, while others have structural or antimicrobial roles. The boundary between a peptide and a small protein is partly conventional rather than a guarantee about how a substance behaves.
Peptide medicines can be very different
Insulin, some fertility medicines and GLP-1 receptor agonists illustrate that peptide-based medicines can have powerful and highly specific effects. Their clinical use depends on the exact molecule, formulation, evidence, manufacturing controls and authorised indication.
The label is not evidence
Calling a product a peptide says nothing by itself about purity, dose accuracy, sterility, effectiveness or long-term safety. Each claim needs molecule-specific human evidence and a clear regulatory status.
Useful information to track
- Exact molecule rather than a marketing category
- Regulatory status and intended use
- Formulation, source and lot information
- Human evidence rather than animal-only claims
Sources
Reviewed against the following official guidance and primary evidence. Product information and clinical guidance can change.