GLP-1 and Peptide A–Z Directory (2026)

October 20, 2026

By Dr. Frank Yap, MD · One Day Media Network · Last updated October 20, 2026 · Part of the GLP-1 Resource Hub

Quick Answer

This A–Z directory defines 53 GLP-1 and peptide terms, from adverse events and AOD-9604 to Zepbound. Each entry gives a plain-language summary, a CEBM evidence level and regulatory status, with links to our in-depth guides. As of October 2026, GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide are FDA-approved with strong trial evidence, while most “wellness” peptides (BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, MOTS-c, Semax, epitalon) remain unapproved and not yet legal to compound.

Medical disclaimer: This directory is educational and is not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change any prescription or peptide without a licensed clinician. Affiliate disclosure: some pages in our network contain affiliate links (for example The Wellness Company and Amazon Associates). Entries here link only to our editorial guides.

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Browse by category

GLP-1 / incretin (18): CagriSema, Dulaglutide (Trulicity), Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon), Foundayo (orforglipron), GLP-1 2.0 (next-generation drugs), GLP-1 receptor agonists, Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), Mazdutide, Mounjaro, Oral semaglutide (Wegovy pill, Rybelsus), Ozempic, Pramlintide (Symlin), Retatrutide, Semaglutide, Survodutide, Tirzepatide, Wegovy, Zepbound

Peptide (14): AOD-9604, BPC-157, CJC-1295, Epitalon, GHK-Cu, Ipamorelin, KPV, MOTS-c, PT-141 (bremelanotide), Semax, Sermorelin, TB-500, Tesamorelin (Egrifta), Thymosin alpha-1

Safety (8): Adverse events (GLP-1), Bone density loss (GLP-1), Hair loss (GLP-1), Lean mass (muscle) loss, NAION (eye safety signal), Pancreatitis, Thyroid C-cell warning, Unapproved peptide risks

Concept (13): Compounded GLP-1s, Cost and coverage, FDA compounding categories (PCAC), Food noise, GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), Kidney outcomes (FLOW trial), Microdosing GLP-1, Natural alternatives to Ozempic, Peptide (definition), Questions to ask your prescriber, Visceral fat, Weight regain after stopping, Yo-yo weight cycling

Approved GLP-1 and incretin drugs at a glance

Molecule	Brands	Class	Administration	Main approvals
Exenatide	Byetta / Bydureon	GLP-1 RA	Injection	Type 2 diabetes (2005)
Liraglutide	Victoza / Saxenda	GLP-1 RA	Daily injection	Type 2 diabetes; obesity
Dulaglutide	Trulicity	GLP-1 RA	Weekly injection	Type 2 diabetes
Semaglutide	Ozempic / Wegovy / Rybelsus	GLP-1 RA	Weekly injection or daily oral	Type 2 diabetes; obesity; CV risk
Tirzepatide	Mounjaro / Zepbound	GIP + GLP-1 RA	Weekly injection	Type 2 diabetes; obesity; sleep apnea
Orforglipron	Foundayo	Oral small-molecule GLP-1 RA	Daily oral	Chronic weight management (2026)

How to read the evidence levels

Level	Meaning
L1	CEBM Level 1: systematic reviews / RCTs or regulatory-grade evidence
L2	CEBM Level 2: individual RCTs (limited), failed or small trials, cohort data
L3	CEBM Level 3: observational or case-control data
L4	CEBM Level 4: case series, low-quality or patient-reported data
L5	CEBM Level 5: mechanistic, animal or expert-opinion evidence only

The A–Z directory

A

Adverse events (GLP-1) Safety

The commonest effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, usually worst during dose escalation. Less common but important: gallbladder disease, pancreatitis and dehydration-related kidney injury.

Evidence: L1 · Status: Labelled class effects

Read: Side-effect guides | See also: Pancreatitis, Thyroid C-cell warning

AOD-9604 Peptide

A modified fragment (176–191) of human growth hormone marketed online as a fat-loss peptide. Its 2007 Phase 2b human obesity trial did not show meaningful weight loss, so enthusiasm outpaces the evidence.

Evidence: L2 · Status: Not approved; failed Phase 2b (2007)

Read: Peptide guides | See also: Unapproved peptide risks

B

Bone density loss (GLP-1) Safety

Weight loss of any kind lowers bone density, and GLP-1 therapies are no exception; the open question is whether the effect is larger than the weight loss alone would predict. Resistance training, protein and vitamin D adequacy are the usual mitigation themes.

Evidence: L3 · Status: Observational plus trial sub-analyses

Read: Bone density article

BPC-157 Peptide

A 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a gastric protein. Nearly all data are from rodents, with very limited human evidence. It is WADA-prohibited. The FDA moved it off Category 2 in April 2026 and the July 23–24, 2026 PCAC voted to recommend it, but it is not yet legal to compound.

Evidence: L5 · Status: Not FDA-approved; compounding status unresolved

Read: BPC-157 guides | See also: FDA compounding categories (PCAC), TB-500, Unapproved peptide risks

C

CagriSema GLP-1 / incretin

A fixed combination of semaglutide with cagrilintide, a long-acting amylin analog. The Phase 3 REDEFINE program reported roughly 20% average weight loss in its first major trial.

Evidence: L2 · Status: Investigational; check current regulatory status

Read: Next-gen obesity drugs | See also: Semaglutide

CJC-1295 Peptide

A synthetic growth-hormone-releasing-hormone analog, sold with or without a drug-affinity complex (DAC). Small early studies raised GH and IGF-1 levels, but development stalled and no outcome trials exist.

Evidence: L4 · Status: Not approved

Read: Peptide guides | See also: Ipamorelin, Sermorelin

Compounded GLP-1s Concept

Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide proliferated during shortages. The FDA declared the tirzepatide shortage over in December 2024 and semaglutide in February 2025, narrowing the legal basis for mass compounding. Quality, dosing accuracy and sourcing vary widely.

Evidence: L5 · Status: Regulatory crackdown after shortage resolution

Read: Cost and coverage 2026 | See also: Unapproved peptide risks

Cost and coverage Concept

Cash-pay prices from the manufacturers fell sharply, while insurer and Medicare coverage rules for obesity indications continue to change. Our cost and coverage spoke article is the maintained reference.

Evidence: L5 · Status: Fast-moving; verify before acting

Read: GLP-1 cost and coverage 2026 | See also: Compounded GLP-1s

D

Dulaglutide (Trulicity) GLP-1 / incretin

A once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist. The REWIND trial showed cardiovascular benefit in type 2 diabetes. It also served as the comparator in tirzepatide’s SURPASS-CVOT trial.

Evidence: L1 · Status: FDA-approved (type 2 diabetes)

Read: Diabetes GLP-1 guides | See also: Tirzepatide

E

Epitalon Peptide

A four-amino-acid peptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) studied mainly by one Russian research group for telomerase and aging claims. Independent replication and robust human trials are lacking. Recommended by the July 2026 PCAC but not yet legal to compound.

Evidence: L5 · Status: Not approved

Read: Peptide guides | See also: FDA compounding categories (PCAC)

Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon) GLP-1 / incretin

The first GLP-1 receptor agonist, approved in 2005 and derived from exendin-4 in Gila monster saliva. Largely superseded by longer-acting agents but historically important.

Evidence: L1 · Status: FDA-approved (type 2 diabetes)

Read: GLP-1 basics | See also: GLP-1 receptor agonists

F

FDA compounding categories (PCAC) Concept

The FDA’s bulk-substances categories decide which peptides pharmacies may compound. After the April 2026 removal of several peptides from Category 2, the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee met on July 23–24, 2026 and recommended BPC-157, KPV, TB-500, MOTS-c, Semax and epitalon but rejected emideltide. None is yet legal to compound pending final FDA action.

Evidence: L5 · Status: Timeline: Category 2 → April 2026 removal → July 23–24, 2026 vote

Read: Regulatory updates | See also: BPC-157, KPV, TB-500, MOTS-c, Semax, Epitalon

Food noise Concept

Patients describe persistent intrusive thoughts about food that quiet on GLP-1 therapy. Validated scales are emerging, but the term is not yet a formal diagnosis.

Evidence: L4 · Status: Patient-reported; limited formal measurement

Read: GLP-1 experience guides | See also: GLP-1 receptor agonists

Foundayo (orforglipron) GLP-1 / incretin

An oral, non-peptide small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist from Eli Lilly, taken without the food and water restrictions that oral semaglutide requires. Approved in 2026 for chronic weight management.

Evidence: L1 · Status: Oral GLP-1 approved in 2026; check label

Read: Oral GLP-1 guides | See also: Oral semaglutide (Wegovy pill, Rybelsus)

G

GHK-Cu Peptide

A copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys). Topical evidence for skin quality is modest but real; injectable use rests mostly on preclinical data and is a separate regulatory question.

Evidence: L3 · Status: Topical cosmetic use common; injectable unapproved

Read: Peptide guides | See also: Unapproved peptide risks

GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) Concept

A second incretin hormone. Tirzepatide activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, and the added GIP signal is thought to contribute to its larger average weight loss versus semaglutide.

Evidence: L1 · Status: Mechanism

Read: Mechanism guides | See also: Tirzepatide, Retatrutide

GLP-1 2.0 (next-generation drugs) GLP-1 / incretin

Next-generation agents include triple agonists (retatrutide), amylin combinations (CagriSema), glucagon/GLP-1 dual agonists (survodutide, mazdutide) and oral small molecules.

Evidence: L2 · Status: Pipeline overview

Read: GLP-1 2.0 article | See also: Retatrutide, CagriSema, Survodutide, Mazdutide

GLP-1 receptor agonists GLP-1 / incretin

Drugs that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, slowing gastric emptying, increasing insulin release in a glucose-dependent way and reducing appetite via brain signaling. Start with our resource hub for the full map.

Evidence: L1 · Status: Drug class

Read: GLP-1 resource hub | See also: GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), Semaglutide, Tirzepatide

H

Hair loss (GLP-1) Safety

Hair shedding (telogen effluvium) is reported with rapid weight loss generally and appears in GLP-1 labelling. It is usually temporary, and protein, iron and micronutrient adequacy are the usual first checks.

Evidence: L3 · Status: Listed in labels; mechanism likely indirect

Read: Side-effect guides | See also: Adverse events (GLP-1)

I

Ipamorelin Peptide

A selective ghrelin-receptor agonist that stimulates growth-hormone release. A Phase 2 trial in postoperative ileus did not meet its primary endpoint, and there are no long-term outcome data.

Evidence: L3 · Status: Not approved

Read: Peptide guides | See also: CJC-1295, Sermorelin

K

Kidney outcomes (FLOW trial) Concept

The FLOW trial showed semaglutide reduced major kidney events in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, which is why kidney protection now appears in the Ozempic indication.

Evidence: L1 · Status: Semaglutide label expanded

Read: Trial summary article | See also: Semaglutide

KPV Peptide

A tripeptide fragment of α-MSH investigated for anti-inflammatory effects, mostly in cell and animal models. Human data are essentially absent.

Evidence: L5 · Status: Not approved; PCAC-recommended July 2026

Read: Peptide guides | See also: FDA compounding categories (PCAC)

L

Lean mass (muscle) loss Safety

In DXA sub-studies, roughly a quarter to 40% of weight lost on GLP-1 therapy has been lean mass, though lean mass includes water and organs as well as muscle. Resistance training and adequate protein are the standard countermeasures.

Evidence: L2 · Status: DXA sub-studies in major trials

Read: Muscle loss article | See also: Bone density loss (GLP-1)

Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) GLP-1 / incretin

A daily GLP-1 receptor agonist. Victoza (2010) is for type 2 diabetes with proven cardiovascular benefit in LEADER; Saxenda (2014) is approved for weight management.

Evidence: L1 · Status: FDA-approved (diabetes; obesity)

Read: GLP-1 guides | See also: Semaglutide

M

Mazdutide GLP-1 / incretin

A dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist from Innovent, approved in China in 2025 for obesity.

Evidence: L2 · Status: Approved in China (2025); not in the US

Read: Next-gen obesity drugs | See also: Survodutide, GLP-1 2.0 (next-generation drugs)

Microdosing GLP-1 Concept

Using deliberately low doses for appetite, longevity or inflammation claims is popular online but untested in randomized trials, and compounded products add dose-accuracy risk.

Evidence: L5 · Status: No controlled evidence

Read: GLP-1 guides | See also: Compounded GLP-1s

MOTS-c Peptide

A 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, studied in animals for metabolic effects. Human data are early and small.

Evidence: L5 · Status: Not approved; PCAC-recommended July 2026

Read: Peptide guides | See also: FDA compounding categories (PCAC)

Mounjaro GLP-1 / incretin

The brand name of tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes. See the tirzepatide entry for the molecule and Zepbound for the obesity brand.

Evidence: L1 · Status: FDA-approved (type 2 diabetes)

Read: Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro vs Zepbound | See also: Tirzepatide, Zepbound

N

NAION (eye safety signal) Safety

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, a sudden vision-loss condition, was classified by the EMA in 2025 as a very rare semaglutide side effect. People with sudden vision changes should seek urgent care.

Evidence: L3 · Status: EMA/MHRA safety update 2025

Read: Safety guides | See also: Adverse events (GLP-1), Semaglutide

Natural alternatives to Ozempic Concept

Our evidence-tiered review of 14 natural options finds most modest at best; for example, berberine’s “nature’s Ozempic” label is not supported by its mechanism or its effect size.

Evidence: L2 · Status: Evidence varies widely by item

Read: 14 natural alternatives article | See also: GLP-1 receptor agonists

O

Oral semaglutide (Wegovy pill, Rybelsus) GLP-1 / incretin

Rybelsus is oral semaglutide for type 2 diabetes. A higher-dose oral semaglutide was approved as the Wegovy pill for weight management, offering a needle-free option with timing rules around food.

Evidence: L1 · Status: FDA-approved

Read: Oral GLP-1 guides | See also: Semaglutide, Foundayo (orforglipron)

Ozempic GLP-1 / incretin

Once-weekly semaglutide for type 2 diabetes, with cardiovascular and kidney-outcome evidence. Wegovy is the obesity-indicated brand of the same molecule.

Evidence: L1 · Status: FDA-approved (type 2 diabetes)

Read: Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro | See also: Semaglutide, Wegovy, Kidney outcomes (FLOW trial)

P

Pancreatitis Safety

Acute pancreatitis is a labelled warning for GLP-1 therapies. Persistent severe abdominal pain, with or without vomiting, warrants urgent medical evaluation.

Evidence: L2 · Status: Labelled warning

Read: Safety guides | See also: Adverse events (GLP-1)

Peptide (definition) Concept

A short chain of amino acids, typically two to fifty. Many approved drugs are peptides (insulin, semaglutide, tirzepatide), whereas many “research peptides” sold online are not approved for human use.

Evidence: L1 · Status: Basic concept

Read: Peptide Advisor home | See also: Unapproved peptide risks

Pramlintide (Symlin) GLP-1 / incretin

A synthetic amylin analog used alongside mealtime insulin. Amylin biology underpins cagrilintide in CagriSema.

Evidence: L1 · Status: FDA-approved (insulin-treated diabetes)

Read: Amylin guides | See also: CagriSema

PT-141 (bremelanotide) Peptide

A melanocortin-receptor agonist approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Off-label male use is unapproved.

Evidence: L1 · Status: FDA-approved (Vyleesi, 2019)

Read: Peptide guides | See also: Peptide (definition)

Q

Questions to ask your prescriber Concept

Useful questions: Is this branded, generic or compounded? What is the titration plan? How will lean mass, glucose and blood pressure be monitored? What is the plan if I stop?

Evidence: L5 · Status: Practical checklist

Read: GLP-1 resource hub | See also: Weight regain after stopping

R

Retatrutide GLP-1 / incretin

A once-weekly triple agonist (GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors) from Eli Lilly. Phase 2 data in 2023 showed up to roughly 24% weight loss at 48 weeks, and Phase 3 TRIUMPH trials are reporting.

Evidence: L2 · Status: Investigational; verify current FDA status

Read: Retatrutide vs tirzepatide vs semaglutide | See also: Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)

S

Semaglutide GLP-1 / incretin

A GLP-1 receptor agonist with the deepest outcomes evidence in the class: STEP (weight loss, about 15% at 68 weeks in STEP 1), SELECT (cardiovascular events) and FLOW (kidney outcomes).

Evidence: L1 · Status: FDA-approved (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)

Read: Trial summary article | See also: Ozempic, Wegovy, Oral semaglutide (Wegovy pill, Rybelsus), Tirzepatide

Semax Peptide

A synthetic ACTH(4–10) analog used clinically in Russia for neurological indications. Recommended by the July 2026 PCAC, though not yet legal to compound in the US.

Evidence: L4 · Status: Approved in Russia; not in the US

Read: Peptide guides | See also: FDA compounding categories (PCAC)

Sermorelin Peptide

A GHRH(1–29) analog once marketed as Geref. Its withdrawal was a business decision, not a safety one. Compounded versions persist.

Evidence: L2 · Status: Previously FDA-approved; commercially discontinued 2008

Read: GH secretagogue guides | See also: CJC-1295

Survodutide GLP-1 / incretin

A dual glucagon/GLP-1 receptor agonist from Boehringer Ingelheim in Phase 3 trials for obesity and liver disease.

Evidence: L2 · Status: Investigational

Read: Next-gen obesity drugs | See also: Mazdutide, GLP-1 2.0 (next-generation drugs)

T

TB-500 Peptide

A synthetic fragment related to thymosin beta-4 promoted for tissue repair. Evidence is preclinical, and it is WADA-prohibited.

Evidence: L5 · Status: Not approved; PCAC-recommended July 2026

Read: Peptide guides | See also: BPC-157, FDA compounding categories (PCAC)

Tesamorelin (Egrifta) Peptide

A GHRH analog approved in 2010 to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Use for general fat loss or anti-aging is off-label.

Evidence: L1 · Status: FDA-approved (HIV lipodystrophy)

Read: GH secretagogue guides | See also: Sermorelin, CJC-1295

Thymosin alpha-1 Peptide

A 28-amino-acid immune-modulating peptide used clinically in several countries. Regulatory and sourcing caution applies in the US, so check current FDA status before purchase.

Evidence: L2 · Status: Approved in some countries; not FDA-approved

Read: Peptide guides | See also: Unapproved peptide risks

Thyroid C-cell warning Safety

GLP-1 receptor agonists carry a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents; human relevance is undetermined. They are contraindicated with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.

Evidence: L2 · Status: Boxed warning

Read: Safety guides | See also: Adverse events (GLP-1)

Tirzepatide GLP-1 / incretin

A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. SURMOUNT-1 showed up to about 21% weight loss at 72 weeks, and the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial favoured it over semaglutide (about 20% versus 14%).

Evidence: L1 · Status: FDA-approved (Mounjaro, Zepbound)

Read: Retatrutide vs tirzepatide vs semaglutide | See also: Mounjaro, Zepbound, GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)

U

Unapproved peptide risks Safety

“Research use only” peptides may be mislabelled, contaminated or under- or over-dosed, and carry no manufacturer accountability. Immunogenicity and sterility are the main concerns.

Evidence: L5 · Status: Consumer-safety concept

Read: Peptide Advisor home | See also: Compounded GLP-1s, Peptide (definition)

V

Visceral fat Concept

GLP-1 therapies reduce visceral and liver fat alongside total weight, and tesamorelin is specifically approved for HIV-related visceral fat.

Evidence: L2 · Status: Mechanism and outcomes

Read: Metabolic health guides | See also: Tesamorelin (Egrifta)

W

Wegovy GLP-1 / incretin

The obesity-indicated brand of semaglutide, with a SELECT-based indication for reducing major cardiovascular events in adults with established heart disease and overweight or obesity.

Evidence: L1 · Status: FDA-approved (obesity; CV risk reduction)

Read: Ozempic vs Wegovy | See also: Semaglutide, Ozempic

Weight regain after stopping Concept

In the STEP 1 extension, participants regained about two-thirds of lost weight within a year of stopping semaglutide, which is why obesity is increasingly treated as a chronic condition.

Evidence: L1 · Status: STEP 1 extension

Read: GLP-1 resource hub | See also: Questions to ask your prescriber

Y

Yo-yo weight cycling Concept

Repeated loss and regain is common after stopping therapy. Maintenance strategies (strength training, protein, step-down plans under supervision) are an active research area.

Evidence: L3 · Status: Observational

Read: GLP-1 resource hub | See also: Weight regain after stopping

Z

Zepbound GLP-1 / incretin

The obesity-indicated brand of tirzepatide, also approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.

Evidence: L1 · Status: FDA-approved (obesity; sleep apnea)

Read: Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro vs Zepbound | See also: Tirzepatide, Mounjaro

AI Personalization Guide

Use this directory with an AI assistant by pasting an entry name and your question. Add your goals and constraints, but never share identifying health records. AI output is a starting point for a conversation with your clinician, not a prescription.

Assistant	Best use with this directory	Sample prompt
Claude	Long-form comparison and evidence weighing	“Compare tirzepatide and semaglutide using CEBM levels, and list the questions I should ask my prescriber.”
ChatGPT	Plain-language explanations and checklists	“Explain GIP versus GLP-1 at a high-school level, then give me a one-page summary.”
Gemini	Cross-checking current guidance and labels	“What is the latest FDA status of BPC-157 compounding, with dates?”
Perplexity	Source-linked trial lookups	“Find primary sources for the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial results.”

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between GLP-1 drugs and peptides?

GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide are themselves peptides (or peptide-like molecules) that have passed regulatory review. “Peptides” in the wellness market usually means other short amino-acid chains, such as BPC-157, that are mostly unapproved for human use.

Are BPC-157 and other research peptides legal in the US?

They are not FDA-approved drugs. After the FDA’s April 2026 Category 2 removal and the July 23–24, 2026 PCAC vote, several peptides were recommended for compounding, but none is yet legal to compound pending final FDA action.

Which GLP-1 drug produces the most weight loss?

In the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial, tirzepatide produced more average weight loss than semaglutide (about 20% versus 14%). Investigational agents such as retatrutide and CagriSema have shown higher figures in earlier trials, but are not yet the standard of care.

What are the most important GLP-1 safety issues?

Common effects are gastrointestinal. Important warnings include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents, and the rare NAION eye signal recognised by European regulators in 2025.

Does stopping a GLP-1 cause weight regain?

Often yes. In the STEP 1 extension, participants regained about two-thirds of lost weight within a year of stopping semaglutide.

How should I use this directory?

Scan the A–Z index, open an entry for a plain-language summary, evidence tier and regulatory status, then follow the Read links to our full guides. This directory is educational and does not replace medical advice.

Regulatory statuses and trial figures reflect information available as of October 20, 2026 and may change. Verify current labels with the FDA, EMA or your local regulator.