Peptides are small proteins, made up of amino acid chains. Research shows that you have more than 7,000 naturally occurring peptides in your body. Peptides function as signaling molecules that bind to receptors on your cell surfaces. They then give your cells and molecules instructions as to how to function.  Peptides are naturally occurring bio-regulatory chemicals in the body that act as master controls of many functions, including hormone production, cell signaling, and cell to cell communication. To date, over 7000 naturally occurring peptides have been identified in our bodies. Peptides serve as natural bio-regulators, able to up- or down-regulate processes dependent on the status of the cell.

Peptides are defined as amino acid molecules smaller than 50 amino acids, polypeptides between 50 and 100 amino acids in length, while proteins are greater than 100 amino acids in length. All three can be either natural, synthetic, or bio-identical.

Peptides have been categorized according to their sources and function. According to the Handbook of Biologically Active Peptides, some groups of peptides include antibiotic peptides, immune/inflammatory peptides, brain peptides, endocrine peptides, gastrointestinal peptides, cardiovascular peptides, and neurotrophic peptides.

Hormones act on nuclear receptors with resultant gene activation and protein synthesis. Peptides act on membrane receptors to activate an intracellular signaling cascade. As a result, peptide signaling molecules produce a more rapid response with fewer “side-effects” when compared to hormones.

Peptide therapy uses the patient’s own genetically designed peptide molecules for healing in a safe, and effective manner by modulating immune function, production of inflammatory mediators, DNA replication, apoptosis, cell division and renewal, tissue healing, circadian rhythm regulation, hormone production, etc. Therefore, peptides can address immune dysregulation, inflammation, and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) all of which underlie chronic illness and age-related decline. Peptides are more available in the past 5 years due to technological advances in creating them, with the associated lowering of production costs, increased duration of the biological effects, and improved stability (via PEGylation). As of today, there are approximately 7000 known peptides, 140 in phase 1 trials and 60 FDA-approved.  Many peptides are found in FDA-approved medications.