Peptides, explained
A plain-language guide to the peptides people ask us about: what they are, what the research shows, and what is still unknown.
Start here
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the same building blocks as proteins. Your body makes many of them. Insulin is one. Some peptide medicines are FDA-approved. Many peptides sold today are not.
Three different things get called peptide therapy
An approved drug has been tested in people for safety and benefit. A dietary supplement is sold without that approval and may not claim to treat disease. A compounded drug is made by a pharmacy for one patient, and FDA limits which ingredients may be used.
Animal results come first
Most research on the peptides below was done in cells and animals. Those studies suggest where to look. They cannot tell us whether a treatment works, or is safe, in a person.
The rules are changing
Federal rules on several of these peptides changed during 2026, and an FDA decision was still pending when we wrote this. Every page shows the date we last checked it.
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Regulatory status for these substances has been changing, so we re-check this page and update the date.
The peptides we get asked about
Quicksilver Scientific sells four oral liposomal products related to these peptides: BPC, BPC + KPV, BPC + TB-500 and Copper GHK. Each page explains what the label lists and what is known about it.
Explore the Ēnel Health Peptide Atlas
Ēnel Health publishes a free library of peptides, with each compound graded on the human evidence that exists and every entry cited to its sources.
Explore the Peptide AtlasNot sure what makes sense for you?
Start with a free 15-minute consult. A KOI clinician will review your history, your medications and your labs before anything else.
Book a Free ConsultThis page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace care from a licensed clinician.