Gut Healing Research Peptides

7 research peptides demonstrate gut healing 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 | 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 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.

FDA Approved | Gastrointestinal / GLP-2 Analog

Teduglutide is a 33-amino-acid recombinant analog of human glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) (MW ~3752 g/mol) with a single amino acid substitution (Ala2 to Gly) that confers resistance to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) degradation.

Mechanism: Teduglutide binds to the GLP-2 receptor expressed on intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts, enteric neurons, and enteroendocrine cells.

FDA Approved | Gastrointestinal / GC-C Agonist

Plecanatide is a 16-amino-acid synthetic peptide (MW ~1681.9 g/mol) that is a structural analog of uroguanylin, an endogenous intestinal peptide.

Mechanism: Plecanatide binds to and activates guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) receptors on the luminal surface of intestinal epithelial cells, primarily in the proximal small intestine.

FDA Approved | Gastrointestinal / GC-C Agonist

Linaclotide is a 14-amino-acid synthetic peptide (MW ~1526.8 g/mol) structurally related to the endogenous guanylin and uroguanylin peptides, containing three intramolecular disulfide bonds.

Mechanism: Linaclotide binds to and activates GC-C on the luminal surface of intestinal epithelial cells, stimulating intracellular cGMP production.

Preclinical (for uroguanylin itself) / A for GC-C pathway | GI / Metabolic

Uroguanylin is a 16-amino-acid intestinal peptide hormone that activates guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) receptors on intestinal epithelial cells.

Mechanism: Uroguanylin binds to GC-C receptors on the luminal surface of intestinal epithelial cells, stimulating intracellular cGMP production.