KATHORSPeptides
← Kathors

Compound reference

Definitions, with links to the published research.

Neutral, plain-language descriptions of compounds discussed in peptide research, each with its current U.S. regulatory status and links to the primary scientific literature. This is educational reference material, not product information.

Regulatory note — updated July 2026

On July 23–24, 2026, the FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee recommended several peptides (including BPC-157, TB-500, and MOTS-c) for the 503A compounding bulks list. These votes are advisory only — they are not FDA approvals, the FDA is not bound by them, and any change requires a formal rulemaking process that typically takes many months. Status lines below reflect this.

How to use this page: descriptions are brief summaries only. Follow the source links for peer-reviewed literature, registered clinical trials, and chemical records, and treat those primary sources as authoritative.

A–Z reference

This reference is educational and not a catalog — it isn't a complete list of what we supply. For the current list of available materials, please contact us.

BPC-157

Peptide · 15 aa

A synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) derived from a partial sequence identified in gastric juice, often referred to in the literature as a "body protection compound." Most published work is preclinical, in animal models of tissue repair and gastrointestinal research.

Compounding — recommendedNot FDA-approved. PCAC voted 8–6 (one abstention) on July 23, 2026 to recommend inclusion on the 503A bulks list; advisory only, pending FDA rulemaking.

TB-500

Peptide fragment

A synthetic peptide corresponding to an active region of the naturally occurring protein thymosin beta-4. Studied in preclinical research on cell migration and tissue repair.

Compounding — recommendedNot FDA-approved. PCAC voted 8–6 (one abstention) on July 23, 2026 to recommend inclusion on the 503A bulks list; advisory only.

CJC-1295

GHRH analog

A synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), studied in research on the growth-hormone axis. Some versions include a "DAC" (drug affinity complex) modification intended to extend its half-life.

Not approvedNot an FDA-approved drug. Sometimes prepared by compounding pharmacies where permitted.

MOTS-c

Mitochondrial peptide

A mitochondrial-derived peptide (encoded within a region of mitochondrial DNA) studied in research on metabolic regulation and exercise physiology.

Compounding — recommendedNot FDA-approved. PCAC voted 7–5 (two abstentions) on July 23, 2026 to recommend inclusion on the 503A bulks list; advisory only.

GHK-Cu

Copper tripeptide

The copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a naturally occurring peptide. Studied in wound-healing and skin research, and used as an ingredient in some topical cosmetic formulations.

Cosmetic ingredientUsed topically in cosmetics; not an FDA-approved drug for therapeutic use.

NAD+

Coenzyme (not a peptide)

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme found in all living cells that is central to cellular energy metabolism and redox reactions. It is not a peptide. Studied broadly in metabolism and aging research.

Varies by formSome precursor forms are sold as dietary-supplement ingredients; injectable NAD+ is not an FDA-approved drug.

Tesamorelin

GHRH analog

A synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). One of the few compounds on this list that is an approved drug.

Approved drugFDA-approved (marketed as Egrifta) to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Prescription only.

Ipamorelin

Peptide · 5 aa

A synthetic pentapeptide that acts as a selective growth-hormone secretagogue (a ghrelin-receptor agonist). Studied in research settings.

Not approvedNot an FDA-approved drug. Sometimes prepared by compounding pharmacies where permitted.

Sermorelin

GHRH (1–29) analog

A synthetic peptide corresponding to the first 29 amino acids of growth-hormone-releasing hormone. Previously marketed as an approved drug (Geref, since discontinued) and now typically prepared through compounding pharmacies.

CompoundedThe original branded product is discontinued; available via compounding where permitted. Prescription only.

Glutathione

Tripeptide

A tripeptide (glutamate–cysteine–glycine) that functions as a major intracellular antioxidant and is present naturally in cells. Studied broadly across many research areas.

Varies by formAvailable as an oral supplement; injectable forms are not FDA-approved for the uses they are often marketed for.

Thymosin Alpha-1

Peptide · 28 aa

A synthetic peptide identical to one produced naturally by the thymus gland, studied in immunology research. Approved as a medicine (Zadaxin) in a number of countries outside the U.S.

Not U.S.-approvedNot FDA-approved in the United States; approved in some other countries.

Epithalon

Tetrapeptide

A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) studied in preclinical research on aging and telomerase activity, largely in animal and cell models.

Not approvedNot an FDA-approved drug; used in research settings only.

Semax

Peptide · nootropic research

A synthetic peptide derived from a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), studied in research on cognition and neuroprotection. Registered as a medicine in Russia.

Not U.S.-approvedNot FDA-approved in the United States; registered as a medicine in Russia.

Selank

Peptide · anxiolytic research

A synthetic peptide based on the naturally occurring immune peptide tuftsin, studied in research on anxiety and immune modulation. Registered as a medicine in Russia.

Not U.S.-approvedNot FDA-approved in the United States; registered as a medicine in Russia.

Bacteriostatic water

Diluent

Sterile water containing a bacteriostatic preservative (commonly 0.9% benzyl alcohol), used in laboratory and pharmaceutical settings as a diluent for reconstituting lyophilized (freeze-dried) material. Not a peptide.

Excipient / diluentA general-purpose diluent, not an active compound.

Research only — not for human consumption