I am involved with Biohackr Health, where we focus on healthspan and longevity. Doing research into new evolving treatments, peptides are a key component. “Peptide” is a broad term, covering hundreds of different types and uses, and is frequently misused. (NAD is not a peptide.)
But what are peptides? Should you be using them? And how can they be applied to surgery and healing? Should they be?
Peptides are a short chain of amino acids. They can be from 2-50 amino acids long, connected with peptide bonds. Peptides occur naturally in the body, but can also be synthesized in a lab. They do many functions in the body: act as hormones, neurotransmitters, and signals. GLPs are peptides.
Peptide use has exploded recently. There are over 80 peptides already on the market, with 287 in clinical trials, and 500 more in development. What are names you might have heard? The GLPs are peptides- semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide. Sermorelin. Tesamorelin. Some more experimental peptides which are being studied actively are BPC 157, Tb500, the copper peptide.
Peptides are biologically active. For sure you should not be ordering peptides off the internet and taking them without supervision. Multiple studies have shown the poor quality, concentration, and purity of peptides “bought online.”
There are shocking stories of people who are injecting peptides for various reasons ending up with horrible, real medical problems. I saw a doctor report of someone who had been injecting “melanotan” (aka the Barbie peptide) to get more tan and enhance erectile function, and he now is covered in hundreds of moles. He has an almost guaranteed risk for melanoma. There is no way to reverse it.
Again, this is emerging medicine. When doing an intervention, you have to figure out WHY you are doing it, WHAT you are doing, HOW LONG you are doing it for, the SOURCE, and what are SIDE EFFECTS.
This is NOT something you should be advised by an influencer, TikTok, YouTube, or your buddy at the gym. There are real medical ramifications of what you do.
I think there is promise in many peptides. The GLPs are great for weight loss, diabetes management, and may be a staple of healthspan and longevity in the future.
There are many peptides which are promising but not proven. Some are being widely used though not approved. Some have been studied extensively in animals, but not human trials. These are not primetime yet. The FDA is looking at moving some of the more popular studied compounds to Category 1, which would allow legal compounding under physician supervision.
Stay tuned. This is rapidly evolving, and I will try to keep you up to date.
Emerging Use of BPC-157 in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review
Melanoma In-Situ Associated with Melanotan II Use
An unhealthy glow? A review of melanotan use and associated clinical outcomes
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
