Peptides: Overview
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About peptides
Peptides are short chains of linked amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. They occur naturally in the body and help cells and tissues to communicate with each other. They play an important role in processes like:
- maintaining healthy skin
- supporting the immune system
- regulating hormones
- helping the body grow and repair tissues
There are thousands of peptides that naturally occur in plants, animals and in the human body. They can also be made in a lab (synthetic peptides). Synthetic peptides mimic or enhance processes that occur naturally in the body. They work the same way that natural peptides do.
Health Canada has authorized a number of peptide drugs to treat a range of diseases. Some of the most widely prescribed examples include:
- insulin
- glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as:
- semaglutide (for example, Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy)
- tirzepatide (for example, Mounjaro, Zepbound)
When taken orally, peptides can break down during digestion before they have a chance to work. This is why many peptide drugs are injected instead.
Peptides may also be used in cosmetics like skin-care products; these products are regulated differently.
Learn more:
Unauthorized synthetic peptides
Unauthorized synthetic peptides are now widely promoted and sold online, including through social media platforms, for purposes including:
- sleep
- anti-aging
- weight loss
- mental focus
- bodybuilding
- injury recovery
- general wellness
- athletic performance
The demand for these peptides has increased due to factors like:
- consumer interest in health, wellness and performance enhancement
- celebrity and influencer promotion
- widespread off-label use of approved products
Health Canada has identified a growing number of unauthorized health products containing peptides being promoted for human use and sold in Canada. These unauthorized products may contain ingredients like:
- KPV
- HCG
- DSIP
- SS-31
- TB-500
- GHK-Cu
- Epitalon
- MOTS-C
- BPC-157
- CJC-1295
- Ipamorelin
- Retatrutide
- Melanotan I and II