What Is a Peptide?
A peptide is a short chain of amino acids — the same building blocks that make up proteins. Your body makes thousands of peptides naturally, using them as signaling molecules that regulate virtually every biological process: hormone release, tissue repair, immune function, metabolism, and more.
The peptides used in therapy are either identical to naturally occurring peptides or synthetic analogs designed to mimic them. They work by binding to specific receptors and triggering specific biological responses — a targeted approach compared to many pharmaceutical drugs.
How Peptide Therapy Works
Physician-prescribed peptide therapy involves administering specific peptides — usually by subcutaneous injection — to achieve a targeted clinical goal. A physician prescribes a specific peptide or combination of peptides based on your health goals, medical history, and lab work. A licensed compounding pharmacy prepares the medication to your prescription.
What Conditions Are Peptides Used For
Physician-prescribed peptides in 2026 are primarily used for recovery and tissue repair (BPC-157, TB-500), growth hormone optimization (Sermorelin, CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin), skin health and collagen support (GHK-Cu), longevity and cellular health (Epitalon, NAD+), and metabolic optimization (MOTS-c). Each application has a different evidence base and different appropriateness criteria.
Is Peptide Therapy Safe?
Safety depends heavily on the specific peptide, dose, individual patient factors, and quality of the compound used. Physician oversight exists precisely to navigate these variables. The reclassification of BPC-157 and other peptides to Category 1 in February 2026 reflects regulatory acknowledgment that these compounds have sufficient safety profiles for physician-supervised use. They are not risk-free — no medical intervention is — but with proper clinical oversight the risk profile is manageable.