Pillar Guide · Updated 2026

The Peptide Library: BPC-157, TB-500, Semaglutide & Beyond.

A structured, research-driven reference on the peptides reshaping recovery, metabolism, cognition and longevity — mechanisms, dosing, side effects and protocols, written for clinicians and serious users by Dr. Beau.

Primer

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — typically between 2 and 50 — that act as precise biological signals inside the body. Unlike most pharmaceuticals, peptides bind selectively to receptors that regulate hormones, inflammation, tissue repair, sleep and metabolism. That selectivity is why peptide therapy has become the fastest-growing frontier in regenerative, longevity and performance medicine.

Below is a structured guide to the most clinically relevant molecules — from BPC-157 and TB-500 for recovery, to semaglutide for metabolic restoration, to epitalon for longevity.

Browse by molecule

The peptides

Peptide

BPC-157

Gut, tendon and soft-tissue repair

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound) is a pentadecapeptide derived from human gastric juice. Studied for accelerated tendon and ligament healing, gut lining repair, vascular formation (angiogenesis) and neuroprotection.

Common uses

— Tendon & ligament injuries
— Leaky gut / IBD support
— Post-surgical recovery
— Joint pain

Typical dosing

Typical research range: 250–500 mcg subcutaneously, 1–2x daily for 4–6 weeks.

For educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed clinician.

Read BPC-157 essays →

Peptide

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)

Systemic repair and inflammation control

TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring peptide involved in cell migration, blood vessel formation and wound healing. Often stacked with BPC-157 for synergistic recovery.

Common uses

— Muscle & connective tissue repair
— Chronic inflammation
— Hair regrowth research
— Cardiovascular protection

Typical dosing

Typical research range: 2–2.5 mg subcutaneously, 2x weekly for 4–6 weeks.

For educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed clinician.

Read TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) essays →

Peptide

Semaglutide

GLP-1 metabolic restoration & fat loss

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist clinically approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Mechanism: delayed gastric emptying, appetite suppression, improved insulin sensitivity.

Common uses

— Sustained fat loss
— Glycemic control
— Cardiovascular risk reduction
— Appetite regulation

Typical dosing

Standard titration: 0.25 mg → 2.4 mg subcutaneously, weekly. Always physician-supervised.

For educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed clinician.

Read Semaglutide essays →

Peptide

Ipamorelin

GH pulse, sleep and recovery

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue. Unlike older GHRPs, it does not spike cortisol or prolactin. Frequently combined with CJC-1295 to amplify natural GH pulses during sleep.

Common uses

— Deeper sleep
— Lean mass & recovery
— Skin and collagen
— Fat oxidation

Typical dosing

Typical research range: 200–300 mcg subcutaneously, before bed.

For educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed clinician.

Read Ipamorelin essays →

Peptide

Tesamorelin

Visceral fat, cognition, vitality

Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH analog clinically validated for reducing visceral adipose tissue. Emerging research supports cognitive benefits in mild cognitive impairment.

Common uses

— Visceral fat reduction
— IGF-1 optimization
— Cognitive support
— Lipid profile improvement

Typical dosing

Standard research dose: 1–2 mg subcutaneously, daily.

For educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed clinician.

Read Tesamorelin essays →

Peptide

Epitalon

Circadian rhythm and longevity

Epitalon is a tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) studied for telomerase activation, melatonin restoration and circadian regulation. One of the most discussed longevity peptides in modern research.

Common uses

— Sleep architecture
— Antioxidant defense
— Cellular longevity research
— Endocrine rhythm

Typical dosing

Common research protocol: 5–10 mg subcutaneously, daily for 10–20 day cycles, 2x per year.

For educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed clinician.

Read Epitalon essays →

Frequently asked

Peptide therapy FAQ

What are peptides and how do they work?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids (typically 2–50) that act as biological signaling molecules. They bind to specific receptors to modulate hormones, inflammation, tissue repair and metabolism — giving them more precision than most small-molecule drugs.

Are peptides legal?

Legality depends on the molecule and jurisdiction. Some peptides (semaglutide, tesamorelin) are FDA-approved prescription drugs. Others are sold strictly for research use. Always work with a licensed clinician.

What are the most popular peptides for recovery?

BPC-157 and TB-500 are the most widely used recovery peptides, frequently stacked together to accelerate tendon, ligament, gut and soft-tissue healing.

Which peptide is best for weight loss?

GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide currently lead clinical outcomes for sustained fat loss, paired with resistance training and adequate protein intake.

Do peptides have side effects?

Yes — water retention, injection site reactions, headaches, nausea and (with GH-axis peptides) insulin sensitivity changes are common. Use under medical supervision and labwork.

How long until peptides start working?

Recovery peptides (BPC-157, TB-500) often show effects within 1–2 weeks. GH-axis peptides typically show body composition and sleep changes by week 4–6. GLP-1s show appetite suppression in days.

From the Journal

Latest peptide essays

New peptide essays publish weekly. Add articles to the Peptides category in the CMS and they'll surface here automatically.