Peptides are short-chain amino acids that act as biological signals — instructing your body to repair, regenerate, and optimise. This is the frontier of longevity science, and it's available now.
Peptides are sequences of 2–50 amino acids — smaller than proteins, highly targeted in function. Unlike synthetic hormones, they work by mimicking or amplifying signals your body already produces. Many are bioidentical to compounds your body makes in youth but declines with age.
As we age, key biological signals — growth hormone pulses, repair cascades, anti-inflammatory responses — diminish. Therapeutic peptides can restore these signals with precision. They offer targeted action, short half-lives, and a far cleaner side-effect profile than traditional hormone replacement when used correctly.
Most therapeutic peptides are administered subcutaneously (small insulin-needle injections into abdominal fat). Some are available as nasal sprays, oral formulations, or topical preparations — though bioavailability varies significantly by delivery route. Injectable remains gold standard for most.
Peptide status varies by jurisdiction. In the UK/EU, most are research compounds not licensed for general sale. Many are available via licensed compounding pharmacies with a prescription. Always source from verified, pharmaceutical-grade suppliers. Research grade ≠ pharmaceutical grade.
One of the most researched repair peptides. Derived from a protein found in gastric juice, BPC-157 accelerates healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and gut tissue. Exceptional for sports injury recovery and joint health — and uniquely, it works systemically even when injected away from the injury site.
TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4, found in virtually every cell in the body. Exceptional for accelerating healing, reducing inflammation, and promoting muscle fibre flexibility. Widely used by elite athletes. Systemically powerful — promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth) and stem cell migration to injury sites.
The most popular growth hormone optimisation stack. Ipamorelin mimics ghrelin to stimulate GH release; CJC-1295 (DAC) extends the GH pulse. Together they restore the youthful pulsatile GH pattern lost with age — improving body composition, sleep quality, recovery, skin quality, and bone density without suppressing natural production.
Perhaps the most compelling longevity peptide. Epithalon (Epithalamin) activates telomerase — the enzyme that extends telomeres, the biological clock at the end of chromosomes. Developed by the St Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation, it has 40+ years of Russian research behind it. Also restores pineal function and melatonin production.
A synthetic analogue of Tuftsin — a naturally occurring immune-regulatory peptide. Selank modulates GABA and serotonin systems, producing anxiolytic effects without sedation or dependency. Also enhances BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), improving focus, memory consolidation, and stress resilience. Russian-developed, licensed medicine.
Glycine-Histidine-Lysine bound to copper — a naturally occurring plasma peptide that declines dramatically with age (from 200ng/mL at 20 to 80ng/mL at 60). Activates over 4,000 genes, promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and reverses many gene expression patterns associated with ageing.
Encoded by mitochondrial DNA, MOTS-c is a metabolic regulator that mimics the effects of exercise at the cellular level. It activates AMPK, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces adiposity, and enhances mitochondrial biogenesis. Levels decline with age. One of the most exciting emerging longevity compounds — sometimes called the "exercise peptide."
An ACTH analogue developed in Russia and used as a licensed nootropic. Semax increases BDNF and NGF (nerve growth factor), enhances dopamine and serotonin activity, and provides potent neuroprotective effects. Clinically used for stroke recovery and cognitive decline. Off-label: sharply focused mental performance, reduced mental fatigue, mood elevation.
| Peptide | Primary Goal | Dose Range | Frequency | Method | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | Repair / Gut / Tendon | 250–500mcg | 1–2x daily | SubQ / Oral | Strong |
| TB-500 | Systemic Healing | 2–2.5mg | 2x weekly | SubQ | Strong |
| Ipamorelin/CJC | GH Optimisation | 200–300mcg / 1–2mg | Pre-sleep | SubQ | Strong |
| Epithalon | Telomere / Longevity | 5–10mg | Daily x 10–20d | SubQ | Moderate |
| Selank | Anxiety / Cognitive | 250–500mcg | As needed | Nasal | Moderate |
| GHK-Cu | Skin / Gene Expression | 1–3mg | Daily | SubQ / Topical | Strong |
| MOTS-c | Mitochondria / Metabolic | 5–10mg | 3–5x/week | SubQ | Emerging |
| Semax | Cognitive / Neuroprotection | 200–600mcg | 1–2x daily | Nasal | Moderate |
BPC-157 + TB-500 — run together for 4–6 weeks. Ideal post-injury, pre-season, or as annual maintenance. Best bang-for-buck for any active 50+ individual.
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 — pre-sleep, 5 nights per week. Run 12 weeks on, 4 off. Restores the GH pulse pattern of your 30s. Stack with quality sleep protocol for compounded effect.
Epithalon 10–20 day course, 1–2x per year. Stack with GHK-Cu for a combined telomere + gene expression protocol. Consider alongside comprehensive bloodwork to track biological age markers.
Semax + Selank — complementary nootropic/anxiolytic pair. Semax for performance days; Selank for high-stress periods. Nasal delivery makes both highly practical.
Pharmaceutical-grade or licensed compounding pharmacy only. Research-grade peptides vary wildly in purity. Always request COA (Certificate of Analysis) from an independent lab. Contaminated peptides cause real harm.
Always work with a physician — ideally one experienced in functional or longevity medicine. Baseline and follow-up bloodwork is non-negotiable. GH-related peptides require IGF-1 monitoring.
Use insulin syringes (29–31G). Rotate injection sites across the abdomen. Bacteriostatic water for reconstitution. Proper cold-chain storage (2–8°C). Discard if discoloured or particulate.
Disclose all peptides to your prescribing physician. GH secretagogues may affect insulin sensitivity — monitor carefully if diabetic or pre-diabetic. Review interactions with any TRT or hormone protocols.
In the UK, most therapeutic peptides are not licensed medicines and exist in a grey area. Possession for personal use is generally not prosecuted but supply is restricted. Always check current MHRA guidance.
Log every cycle — dose, timing, subjective response, side effects. Track relevant biomarkers before and after. The plural of anecdote is data. Build your own evidence base over time.