The Pep Researcher

Category: Research Guides

  • AOD-9604

    Research Guide · Laboratory Use Only

    GH fragment

    AOD-9604 is a synthetic fragment corresponding to the 176–191 region of growth hormone — the portion associated with fat-metabolism activity, without the full hormone’s growth signaling.

    What it is

    AOD-9604 is studied for stimulating lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibiting lipogenesis (fat formation) in research models, reportedly without the IGF-1-raising effects of full-length growth hormone.

    How it’s studied

    Its research profile centers on adipose-tissue metabolism as an isolated fragment of the GH molecule.

    Research focus areas

    • Lipolysis and lipogenesis in adipocyte models
    • Fat-metabolism signaling of the GH 176–191 fragment
    • Separation of metabolic from growth effects
    • Comparative work versus full-length GH

    Handling & documentation

    In the laboratory this material is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water for in-vitro work. As with any research compound, the quality signal that matters most is a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab, confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC. Store per the supplier’s guidance and verify the COA before use.

    Browse the COA-verified research catalog →

    For laboratory research use only. This content is educational and written for a research context. The compound is a research-use-only (RUO) material — not a drug, supplement, food, or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and no claims are made to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. No dosing or protocols are provided.

  • Cagrilintide

    Research Guide · Laboratory Use Only

    Amylin analog

    Cagrilintide is a long-acting analog of amylin, a pancreatic hormone that works with insulin to regulate glucose and satiety.

    What it is

    Cagrilintide activates amylin and calcitonin receptors involved in satiety and gastric signaling. Its long half-life makes it a frequent research counterpart to GLP-1 analogs, and combination models (amylin + GLP-1) are a major focus.

    How it’s studied

    It is studied for satiety signaling, glucose regulation, and how amylin-pathway activation complements incretin (GLP-1) pathways.

    Research focus areas

    • Amylin and calcitonin-receptor signaling
    • Satiety and gastric-emptying research
    • Combination models with GLP-1 analogs
    • Long-acting analog pharmacology

    Handling & documentation

    In the laboratory this material is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water for in-vitro work. As with any research compound, the quality signal that matters most is a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab, confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC. Store per the supplier’s guidance and verify the COA before use.

    Browse the COA-verified research catalog →

    For laboratory research use only. This content is educational and written for a research context. The compound is a research-use-only (RUO) material — not a drug, supplement, food, or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and no claims are made to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. No dosing or protocols are provided.

  • GHRP-6

    Research Guide · Laboratory Use Only

    Growth-hormone secretagogue (GHRP)

    GHRP-6 is one of the original growth-hormone-releasing peptides and remains a standard research reference in the class.

    What it is

    GHRP-6 activates the GH-secretagogue receptor to release growth hormone, and in research is also noted for a pronounced ghrelin-like appetite-signaling effect that makes it useful in feeding-behavior studies.

    How it’s studied

    It is studied both for GH release and as a tool for probing ghrelin-receptor biology and appetite regulation.

    Research focus areas

    • GH release via GHS-R activation
    • Ghrelin-linked appetite signaling
    • Feeding-behavior research models
    • Reference standard for the GHRP class

    Handling & documentation

    In the laboratory this material is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water for in-vitro work. As with any research compound, the quality signal that matters most is a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab, confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC. Store per the supplier’s guidance and verify the COA before use.

    Browse the COA-verified research catalog →

    For laboratory research use only. This content is educational and written for a research context. The compound is a research-use-only (RUO) material — not a drug, supplement, food, or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and no claims are made to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. No dosing or protocols are provided.

  • Hexarelin

    Research Guide · Laboratory Use Only

    Growth-hormone secretagogue (GHRP)

    Hexarelin is a potent hexapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue with a research profile that extends into cardiac tissue.

    What it is

    Beyond activating the pituitary GH-secretagogue receptor, hexarelin is studied for binding sites in cardiac tissue (including CD36), which has made it a subject of cardiovascular-research interest distinct from other GHRPs.

    How it’s studied

    Research spans GH release and a separate line of work on cardiac and vascular tissue signaling.

    Research focus areas

    • Potent GH-secretagogue activity
    • Cardiac-tissue binding (CD36 and related)
    • Cardiovascular signaling models
    • Comparative GHRP potency studies

    Handling & documentation

    In the laboratory this material is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water for in-vitro work. As with any research compound, the quality signal that matters most is a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab, confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC. Store per the supplier’s guidance and verify the COA before use.

    Browse the COA-verified research catalog →

    For laboratory research use only. This content is educational and written for a research context. The compound is a research-use-only (RUO) material — not a drug, supplement, food, or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and no claims are made to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. No dosing or protocols are provided.

  • IGF-1 LR3

    Research Guide · Laboratory Use Only

    Growth-factor analog

    IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is a modified, long-acting analog of insulin-like growth factor 1 — the key mediator of many of growth hormone’s downstream effects.

    What it is

    The R3 substitution and N-terminal extension reduce binding to IGF-binding proteins, which in research models extends the analog’s active half-life relative to native IGF-1. It signals through the IGF-1 receptor.

    How it’s studied

    It is studied for cell growth and proliferation pathways and as a downstream counterpart to GH-secretagogue research.

    Research focus areas

    • IGF-1 receptor signaling
    • Reduced IGF-binding-protein interaction
    • Cell growth and proliferation models
    • Downstream link to the GH axis

    Handling & documentation

    In the laboratory this material is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water for in-vitro work. As with any research compound, the quality signal that matters most is a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab, confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC. Store per the supplier’s guidance and verify the COA before use.

    Browse the COA-verified research catalog →

    For laboratory research use only. This content is educational and written for a research context. The compound is a research-use-only (RUO) material — not a drug, supplement, food, or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and no claims are made to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. No dosing or protocols are provided.

  • CJC-1295

    Research Guide · Laboratory Use Only

    GHRH analog

    CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). The version with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is studied for its markedly extended half-life via binding to serum albumin.

    What it is

    CJC-1295 acts at the GHRH receptor on the pituitary to stimulate growth-hormone production. The DAC modification lets it bind albumin, which in research models substantially lengthens how long the peptide remains active compared with native GHRH.

    How it’s studied

    It is commonly studied alongside GHRP-class secretagogues (such as Ipamorelin) to examine how GHRH-driven and ghrelin-driven pathways combine to shape the GH pulse.

    Research focus areas

    • GHRH-receptor signaling at the pituitary
    • Half-life extension via albumin binding (DAC)
    • Synergy models with GHRP-class peptides
    • Sustained versus pulsatile GH-release patterns

    Handling & documentation

    In the laboratory this material is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water for in-vitro work. As with any research compound, the quality signal that matters most is a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab, confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC. Store per the supplier’s guidance and verify the COA before use.

    Browse the COA-verified research catalog →

    For laboratory research use only. This content is educational and written for a research context. The compound is a research-use-only (RUO) material — not a drug, supplement, food, or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and no claims are made to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. No dosing or protocols are provided.

  • Sermorelin

    Research Guide · Laboratory Use Only

    GHRH analog

    Sermorelin is GHRH(1–29), the shortest fully active fragment of growth-hormone-releasing hormone. It is one of the most historically studied GHRH analogs.

    What it is

    Sermorelin binds the GHRH receptor to prompt the pituitary to synthesize and release growth hormone. Its short half-life makes it a useful reference tool in studies of the natural, pulsatile pattern of GH secretion.

    How it’s studied

    Research interest centers on the GH/IGF-1 axis and on how a short-acting GHRH analog compares with longer-acting ones such as CJC-1295 and stabilized analogs like Tesamorelin.

    Research focus areas

    • Native-like GHRH-receptor activation
    • Pulsatile GH secretion as a research model
    • Comparisons across GHRH analogs
    • GH/IGF-1 axis signaling

    Handling & documentation

    In the laboratory this material is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water for in-vitro work. As with any research compound, the quality signal that matters most is a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab, confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC. Store per the supplier’s guidance and verify the COA before use.

    Browse the COA-verified research catalog →

    For laboratory research use only. This content is educational and written for a research context. The compound is a research-use-only (RUO) material — not a drug, supplement, food, or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and no claims are made to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. No dosing or protocols are provided.

  • Tesamorelin

    Research Guide · Laboratory Use Only

    GHRH analog

    Tesamorelin is a stabilized analog of GHRH. Among GHRH analogs it has one of the deepest clinical-research literatures, particularly around visceral adipose tissue.

    What it is

    Tesamorelin activates the GHRH receptor to raise growth-hormone and downstream IGF-1 signaling. Its structural stabilization improves resistance to enzymatic breakdown relative to native GHRH.

    How it’s studied

    It is heavily studied in the context of visceral (deep abdominal) fat and metabolic markers, making it a common reference compound in GHRH-axis and metabolic research.

    Research focus areas

    • Visceral adipose tissue in metabolic models
    • GHRH-receptor activation and IGF-1 response
    • Enzymatic stability of modified GHRH analogs
    • Lipid and metabolic-marker research

    Handling & documentation

    In the laboratory this material is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water for in-vitro work. As with any research compound, the quality signal that matters most is a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab, confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC. Store per the supplier’s guidance and verify the COA before use.

    Browse the COA-verified research catalog →

    For laboratory research use only. This content is educational and written for a research context. The compound is a research-use-only (RUO) material — not a drug, supplement, food, or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and no claims are made to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. No dosing or protocols are provided.

  • GHRP-2

    Research Guide · Laboratory Use Only

    Growth-hormone secretagogue (GHRP)

    GHRP-2 is a synthetic growth-hormone-releasing peptide and a potent agonist at the ghrelin/GH-secretagogue receptor.

    What it is

    GHRP-2 binds GHS-R to trigger growth-hormone release from the pituitary. It is often used as a potent reference secretagogue in studies comparing the GHRP class.

    How it’s studied

    Studies examine the magnitude of GH pulses it produces and how it interacts with GHRH-analog peptides, as well as its ghrelin-receptor-linked effects.

    Research focus areas

    • Potency comparisons within the GHRP class
    • GHS-R (ghrelin-receptor) signaling
    • Combined GHRH + GHRP pulse models
    • Appetite-pathway signaling research

    Handling & documentation

    In the laboratory this material is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water for in-vitro work. As with any research compound, the quality signal that matters most is a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab, confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC. Store per the supplier’s guidance and verify the COA before use.

    Browse the COA-verified research catalog →

    For laboratory research use only. This content is educational and written for a research context. The compound is a research-use-only (RUO) material — not a drug, supplement, food, or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and no claims are made to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. No dosing or protocols are provided.

  • Ipamorelin

    Research Guide · Laboratory Use Only

    Growth-hormone secretagogue (GHRP)

    Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide and one of the most selective growth-hormone secretagogues studied. It mimics ghrelin at the GH-secretagogue receptor to prompt the pituitary to release a pulse of growth hormone.

    What it is

    Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that binds the ghrelin/GH-secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) on the pituitary. It is best known in the research literature for stimulating GH release with comparatively little effect on cortisol or prolactin.

    How it’s studied

    In research settings it is studied for how the pituitary releases growth hormone in discrete pulses, and how a selective secretagogue differs from broader-acting ones. It is frequently paired conceptually with GHRH analogs such as CJC-1295 in mechanism studies.

    Research focus areas

    • Pulsatile growth-hormone release from the pituitary
    • Selectivity versus cortisol and prolactin
    • GH-secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) signaling
    • Comparative studies with GHRH-analog peptides

    Handling & documentation

    In the laboratory this material is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water for in-vitro work. As with any research compound, the quality signal that matters most is a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab, confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC. Store per the supplier’s guidance and verify the COA before use.

    Browse the COA-verified research catalog →

    For laboratory research use only. This content is educational and written for a research context. The compound is a research-use-only (RUO) material — not a drug, supplement, food, or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and no claims are made to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. No dosing or protocols are provided.