Recent peptide-related research.
A curated, regularly-updated reading list of notable peer-reviewed work in peptide science — landmark clinical trials, mechanistic studies and reviews. The field is moving quickly: 2024–2025 alone brought phase 3 incretin combination data, the first cardiolipin-targeted mitochondrial peptide to reach accelerated approval, and a wave of synthesis and delivery advances. Links go to the original sources.
Peptide science — recent reviews
- Review 2025Int J Mol Sci. 2025;26(11):5131Therapeutic Peptides: Recent Advances in Discovery, Synthesis, and Clinical TranslationZheng B, Wang X, Guo M, Tzeng CM.
- ReviewNat Rev Drug Discov. 2021;20(4):309–325Trends in peptide drug discoveryMuttenthaler M, King GF, Adams DJ, Alewood PF.
- ReviewNat Rev Drug Discov. 2020;19(6):389–413Advances in therapeutic peptides targeting G protein-coupled receptorsDavenport AP, Scully CCG, de Graaf C, et al.
Metabolic & incretin therapeutics
- Phase 2 RCTN Engl J Med. 2023;389(6):514–526Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 TrialJastreboff AM, Kaplan LM, Frías JP, et al.
- Phase 3 RCTN Engl J Med. 2025Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (REDEFINE 1)Garvey WT, Blüher M, Davies M, et al.
- Phase 3 RCTN Engl J Med. 2025;392(10):958–971Tirzepatide for Obesity Treatment and Diabetes Prevention (3-year SURMOUNT-1)Jastreboff AM, le Roux CW, Stefanski A, et al.
- Phase 2 RCTN Engl J Med. 2024;391(4):311–319A Phase 2 Randomized Trial of Survodutide in MASH and FibrosisSanyal AJ, Bedossa P, Fraessdorf M, et al.
- Phase 2 RCTNat Commun. 2023;14:8289A phase 2 randomised controlled trial of mazdutide in Chinese overweight adults or adults with obesityJi L, Jiang H, Cheng Z, et al.
Repair, longevity & signalling
- PreclinicalNat Commun. 2021;12:470MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasisReynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JST, et al.
- Phase 2/3 RCTGenet Med. 2021;23(3):471–478A phase 2/3 RCT with open-label extension of elamipretide (SS-31) in Barth syndromeReid Thompson W, Hornby B, Manuel R, et al.
- RCTJAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(2):e2254313Effects of Kisspeptin on Sexual Brain Processing in Men With HSDD: A Randomized Clinical TrialMills EG, Ertl N, Wall MB, et al.
- ReviewInt J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene DataPickart L, Margolina A.
- Preclinical reviewPharmaceuticals. 2024;17(8):1081Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and Intestinal Anastomoses Therapy in Rats — A ReviewBajramagic S, Sever M, Rasic F, et al.
Evidence levels, briefly.
Not all citations carry the same weight. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) in humans is the strongest common design; phase 1/2/3 mark the progression from first-in-human safety to large efficacy studies. Preclinical work — cell culture and animal models — can be mechanistically informative but does not establish human effect. We label each entry so the strength of evidence is clear at a glance.
Many compounds of research interest are supported primarily by preclinical literature. That is a normal stage of science, not a verdict — and a reason this material is sold for research use only.