Peptide therapy has moved from a niche topic discussed mostly in bodybuilding and anti-aging forums to a mainstream conversation featured on some of the largest health and science podcasts in the world. Andrew Huberman’s October 2024 episode with Dr. Craig Koniver — a physician who has worked extensively with peptide and hormone protocols — brought terms like “ipamorelin,” “BPC-157,” and “tesamorelin” into living rooms across the country. Dr. Peter Attia has discussed GLP-1 medications extensively across multiple episodes. And peptides more broadly have become a recurring topic across the longevity media landscape.
This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It describes what is being discussed publicly. Full disclaimers are provided at the end of this article.
What Are Peptides, Exactly?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the same building blocks that make up proteins, just in smaller chains (generally fewer than 50 amino acids). Many peptides occur naturally in the body and play roles as hormones, signaling molecules, or components of the immune system. Insulin, for example, is a peptide hormone. What’s changed in recent years is the ability to manufacture specific peptides that mimic or influence these natural signaling pathways.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: The Most-Studied Category
No discussion of peptides in 2026 would be complete without addressing GLP-1 receptor agonists — medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Dr. Peter Attia has discussed these across several episodes, covering mechanism, efficacy, the muscle loss concern, post-discontinuation effects, and side effects. His most consistently repeated point: a meaningful portion of weight lost on GLP-1 medications can come from lean mass, not just fat — making adequate protein intake and resistance training essential, not optional.
BPC-157: The “Body Protection Compound”
BPC-157 has generated significant interest in discussions about tissue repair and recovery. In public discussion it’s most often associated with soft tissue recovery (tendons, ligaments, muscle), gut health, and general recovery support after injury.
Regulatory reality: BPC-157 is not an FDA-approved drug. The FDA has taken regulatory action restricting compounding pharmacies from producing BPC-157 for human use, citing safety concerns related to the lack of adequate human research. Anyone considering BPC-157 should be aware of this regulatory landscape and discuss it openly with a knowledgeable physician.
TB-500: Often Discussed Alongside BPC-157
TB-500 is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide fragment derived from thymosin beta-4. It’s frequently mentioned alongside BPC-157 as part of a “recovery stack.” Like BPC-157, it carries similar regulatory considerations and has a limited large-scale human evidence base.
GHK-Cu: The Copper Peptide
GHK-Cu (glycyl-histidyl-lysine bound to copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide studied primarily in the context of skin health and wound healing. It has a longer track record in topical/cosmetic dermatological applications than peptides like BPC-157 or TB-500, though systemic use falls into the same broader “research peptide” category with the same evidence limitations.
Sermorelin and Tesamorelin: Growth Hormone Secretagogues
Rather than acting directly on tissue repair pathways, sermorelin and tesamorelin are growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogs — they signal the pituitary gland to produce and release more of the body’s own growth hormone. Sermorelin has an FDA-approved history for growth hormone deficiency. Tesamorelin has an FDA-approved indication for reducing excess abdominal fat in a specific clinical population (HIV-associated lipodystrophy), giving it somewhat more established regulatory footing.
Peptide “Stacks”: What Dr. Koniver Discussed With Huberman
The “Bedtime Stack”
- Ipamorelin (~100 mcg) — a growth hormone secretagogue
- Sermorelin or tesamorelin — choice often framed around whether visceral fat is a specific area of focus
- Pentadeca arginate (PDA) (~500 mcg) — discussed in the context of anti-inflammatory effects
The honest framing: combining multiple peptides multiplies the number of unknowns, not just in terms of individual peptide research, but also how these compounds may interact with each other and with an individual’s specific health history.
How Provena Care Approaches Peptide Therapy
- We focus on peptides with the strongest regulatory and research foundation for the specific goals a patient is interested in.
- Sourcing matters — peptides used in our protocols come through licensed pharmacy channels (503A/B) with appropriate quality and sterility standards.
- Everything is individualized and monitored, paired with relevant lab work and follow-up.
- We’ll tell you when something isn’t appropriate — our goal is your long-term health, not just satisfying a request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are peptides legal?
The legal and regulatory status varies significantly by specific peptide. Some (like sermorelin and tesamorelin) have FDA-approved histories. Others (like BPC-157) face FDA restrictions on compounding for human use. “Peptides” as a category don’t have a single legal status.
Do I need a prescription for peptide therapy?
Peptides used in a clinical setting are provided through appropriate medical channels with physician oversight — this is different from peptides purchased online from unregulated sources, which carry additional risks.
Important Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Regulatory status varies by peptide and may change. Nothing in this article should be used as a substitute for individualized medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Before considering any peptide therapy, consult a licensed physician who can evaluate your complete health history, current medications, and individual risk factors.