Anti Inflammatory Research Peptides

27 research peptides demonstrate anti inflammatory properties. This collection covers their mechanisms, evidence base, and research applications.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.