Anti Inflammatory Research Peptides
Overview
27 research peptides demonstrate anti inflammatory properties. This collection covers their mechanisms, evidence base, and research applications.
BPC-157
Phase I–II Clinical Trials | Healing & Recovery
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide (sequence: Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val, MW ~1419.5 g/mol) derived from a protein found in human gastric juice.
Mechanism: BPC-157 acts through multiple overlapping pathways. It promotes angiogenesis by upregulating VEGFR2 and VEGF expression, and activates nitric oxide synthesis via the Src kinase-caveolin-1 pathway and...
TB-500
Preclinical | Healing & Recovery
TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring 43-amino-acid peptide found throughout human tissues.
Mechanism: TB-500 works primarily through actin sequestration — it binds to G-actin monomers, preventing premature polymerization, which allows repair cells to migrate rapidly to injured areas.
GHK-Cu
No Regulatory Activity | Skin & Tissue Repair
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. First discovered by Dr.
Mechanism: GHK-Cu chelates copper(II) ions via its histidine residue and delivers bioavailable copper directly to cells, preventing free copper oxidative damage.
LL-37
Preclinical | Antimicrobial / Immune
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a 37-amino-acid cationic peptide (sequence: LLGDFFRKSKEKIGKEFKRIVQRIKDFLRNLVPRTES) with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi,...
Mechanism: LL-37 (C120H232N42O38) carries a net positive charge (+6) that binds negatively charged bacterial membranes, creating transmembrane pores causing cell lysis. It also has anti-biofilm activity.
Thymosin Alpha-1
Phase I–II Clinical Trials | Immune Modulator
Thymosin alpha-1 (Ta1) is a clinically proven, 28-amino-acid peptide (MW ~3,108 g/mol, Ac-Ser-Asp-Ala-Ala-Val-Asp-Thr-Ser-Ser-Glu-Ile-Thr-Thr-Lys-Asp-Leu-Lys-Glu-Lys-Lys-Glu-Val-Val-Glu-Glu-Ala-Glu-Asn-OH) naturally produced by the thymus gland.
Mechanism: Ta1 (C129H215N33O55) activates Toll-like Receptors TLR2 and TLR9 on immune cells, triggering the MyD88 and NF-kB signaling pathways to put the immune system on alert without destructive inflammation.
Semax
Preclinical | Nootropic / Neuroprotective
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment 4-10, with an added Pro-Gly-Pro sequence for metabolic stability. Molecular weight is approximately 813.
Mechanism: Semax is a brain-selective heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, MW ~813.88 g/mol) that crosses the blood-brain barrier via intranasal absorption.
KPV
Preclinical | Anti-Inflammatory / Immune
KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val, MW ~342.4 g/mol) derived from the C-terminal region (positions 11–13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH).
Mechanism: KPV exerts anti-inflammatory effects through a mechanism distinct from the parent α-MSH hormone. Rather than acting through melanocortin receptors (which would trigger pigmentation), KPV is...
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Phase I–II Clinical Trials | Tissue Repair / Neuropathic Pain
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino-acid peptide (MW ~1257 g/mol) derived from the helix B surface of erythropoietin (EPO).
Mechanism: ARA-290 selectively binds the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heteromeric complex of the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) and β-common receptor (CD131/βcR).
Thymosin Beta-4
Phase III / NDA Filed | Healing & Recovery
Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is a naturally occurring 43-amino acid protein found in virtually all human and animal cells. It is the most abundant member of the beta-thymosin family and plays fundamental roles in cell migration, wound healing, and tissue...
Mechanism: Thymosin beta-4 is the primary intracellular G-actin sequestering protein, maintaining actin monomer pools and regulating cytoskeletal dynamics essential for cell migration.
Larazotide
Phase III / NDA Filed | Healing & Recovery
Larazotide (AT-1001) is a synthetic 8-amino acid peptide that acts as a tight junction regulator. It is being developed as an oral adjunct therapy for celiac disease, designed to reduce intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") triggered by gluten...
Mechanism: Larazotide acts as a zonulin antagonist, blocking the zonulin pathway that opens tight junctions in the intestinal epithelium.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
No Regulatory Activity | Cosmetic Peptide
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (Pal-GQPR) is a lipopeptide used in cosmetic anti-aging formulations. It is designed to reduce skin inflammation by inhibiting IL-6 secretion, targeting "inflammaging" — the chronic low-grade inflammation that contributes to...
Mechanism: Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 reduces the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) from keratinocytes and other skin cells.
Thymulin
Early Clinical / Preclinical | Immune Modulator
Thymulin (FTS) is a 9-amino-acid zinc metallopeptide (sequence: pyroGlu-Ala-Lys-Ser-Gln-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn, MW ~858 g/mol) secreted exclusively by thymic epithelial cells.
Mechanism: Thymulin binds zinc in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio, which is required for its active conformation and receptor binding.
Omiganan
Phase III (Not Approved) | Antimicrobial / Immune
Omiganan (MBI 226) is a 12-amino-acid synthetic cationic antimicrobial peptide (sequence: ILRWPWWPWRRK-NH2, MW ~1779 g/mol) derived from indolicidin, a natural antimicrobial peptide from bovine neutrophils.
Mechanism: Omiganan is a tryptophan- and arginine-rich cationic peptide that disrupts microbial cell membranes through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.
Brilacidin
Phase II Clinical Trials | Antimicrobial / Immune
Brilacidin (PMX-30063) is a synthetic small-molecule defensin-mimetic (MW ~564 g/mol) developed by Innovation Pharmaceuticals (formerly Cellceutix).
Mechanism: Brilacidin is an arylamide foldamer that mimics the cationic amphipathic structure of natural defensins.
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Phase II/III Clinical Trials | Neuropeptide / Reference
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide (MW ~3326.8 g/mol) widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract.
Mechanism: VIP binds with high affinity to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors (Gs-coupled GPCRs), activating adenylyl cyclase and increasing intracellular cAMP.
Related Products
Related Research News
BPC-157 Gut Health: Gastric Cytoprotection Studies
Research on BPC-157 began with gastric cytoprotection in the early 1990s, led by Sikiric and colleagues at the University of Zagreb. Studies show it protects against ethanol-induced lesions and NSAID damage in rat models, with effects linked to angiogenesis, prostaglandins, nitric oxide, and gut-brain signaling. This body of work highlights its stability for oral use and broad preclinical applications in GI models.
TB-500: Thymosin Beta-4's Role in Healing and Repair
TB-500, known as thymosin β4, is a 43-amino-acid peptide first isolated from calf thymus in 1966 by Goldstein et al. It regulates actin in the body, supporting processes like wound healing, angiogenesis, and inflammation control. Research highlights its potential in treating conditions such as myocardial infarction, corneal injuries, and lung damage.
BPC-157 Shelf Life: Lyophilized vs Reconstituted Stability Guide
BPC-157 has a finite shelf life that varies by form and storage. Lyophilized powder lasts 12-18 months refrigerated or 24+ months frozen, while reconstituted solution holds for about 28 days under refrigeration. Factors like temperature, light, and handling influence stability, and researchers should watch for signs of degradation to ensure reliable results.