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The UK Peptide Reference

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Featured Profiles

The most-read compound profiles this month.

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Limited evidenceLegal

5-Amino-1MQ

An NNMT inhibitor peptide researched for fat loss and metabolic function

5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule peptide derivative that inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme implicated in fat cell metabolism and energy regulation. Research is primarily preclinical — cell and animal models show promising effects on fat loss and metabolic markers, but no human clinical trials have been published as of 2025. Researchers discuss it in the context of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and body composition, though the evidence base remains early-stage.

Updated 30 Jun 20266 min read
Moderate evidenceGrey area

ACE-031

A recombinant ActRIIB-Fc decoy receptor developed as a myostatin inhibitor, discontinued after Phase 2 safety concerns

ACE-031 is a recombinant fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of the activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB) linked to a human IgG1 Fc domain. It functions as a soluble decoy receptor that binds and neutralises myostatin and other TGF-β superfamily ligands to promote skeletal muscle growth. ACE-031 reached Phase 2 clinical trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy but was discontinued in 2011 due to safety concerns including epistaxis and telangiectasia. It is not a licensed medicine and is sold for research purposes only.

Updated 1 Jul 20267 min read
Limited evidenceGrey area

AHK-Cu

Copper-binding tripeptide with in vitro evidence for hair growth stimulation and wound healing

AHK-Cu (alanyl-histidyl-lysine-copper, also known as copper tripeptide-2) is a copper-binding tripeptide complex studied for its effects on hair follicle growth, skin repair, and wound healing. It has demonstrated stimulatory effects on dermal papilla cells and hair shaft elongation in vitro. Evidence is primarily preclinical, with no large-scale human clinical trials published.

Updated 30 Jun 20265 min read
Limited evidenceGrey area

Amycretin

A first-in-class dual GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist in early clinical development for obesity

Amycretin is a novel unimolecular peptide that acts as a dual agonist of the GLP-1 and amylin receptors, developed by Novo Nordisk for obesity and weight management. Phase 1b/2a clinical trial results have been published in a peer-reviewed journal, representing early-stage evidence of weight loss. Research use only — not a licensed medicine.

Updated 30 Jun 20266 min read
Moderate evidenceLegal

AOD-9604

Modified hGH fragment peptide researched for targeted fat metabolism

AOD-9604 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide based on the C-terminal fragment (residues 177–191) of human growth hormone. Developed in the late 1990s by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, it was designed to replicate the fat-burning (lipolytic) effects of hGH without its effects on blood glucose, tissue growth, or IGF-1. It reached Phase II human clinical trials, making it one of the more clinically researched peptides in the fat-loss category.

Updated 29 Jun 20267 min read
Strong evidencePOM

Apraglutide

A long-acting GLP-2 receptor agonist for short bowel syndrome with intestinal rehabilitation potential

Apraglutide (formerly FE 203799) is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogue engineered for once-weekly subcutaneous dosing. It is being developed for the treatment of short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF), a rare condition in which patients depend on parenteral nutrition due to insufficient intestinal absorption. Phase 3 results from the STARS trial demonstrated significant reductions in parenteral nutrition volume requirements. Research use only — not licensed as a medicine in the UK.

Updated 1 Jul 20266 min read
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