GLP-1 Advisor | One Day MD

By Dr. Frank Yap, MD  |  Originally published April 2026  |  Fully updated August 26, 2026 for the FDA's July 2026 compounding committee vote Quick Answer As of August 2026, GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) remain the only peptides in this guide with full FDA approval. On July 23–24, 2026, an FDA advisory committee (PCAC) recommended adding BPC-157, KPV, TB-500, MOTS-c, Semax, and Epitalon to the list of substances compounding pharmacies may use — but that vote is non-binding, and none of the six is lawful to compound yet; formal rulemaking is expected to take 12–24 months. Separately, AOD-9604 failed its pivotal human obesity trial back in 2007. The best human evidence among the non-GLP-1 peptides here belongs to topical GHK-Cu (skin) and Selank (anxiety); the weakest belongs to BPC-157 and TB-500 (mostly animal data). Any protocol should run through a licensed physician — not a gray-market vendor. Medical & regu...

Updated: October 2026 | Editorial team: OneDayMD | Purpose: Evidence and safety education Peptides are increasingly promoted for faster injury recovery, muscle growth, fat loss, better skin, improved sexual function, sleep and “anti-aging.” Some peptide medicines have transformed modern care. Others are experimental compounds with promising laboratory findings but little reliable evidence in people. The word peptide describes a type of molecule. It is not a guarantee of safety, effectiveness, purity or regulatory approval. Insulin and semaglutide are peptides; so are unapproved compounds sold online as “research chemicals.” Their evidence, manufacturing standards and medical uses are not interchangeable. Key takeaways Approved peptide medicines are not the same as research peptides. Approved medicines have been evaluated for specific uses, doses and risks. BPC-157, TB-500, MOTS-c, KPV, Semax and Epitalon remain investigat...