Peptide Dosage by Compound: A Research Reference Guide

This guide provides a compound-by-compound dosage reference for some of the most widely studied peptides in current research. Each entry includes a brief overview of the compound, its primary areas of research interest, and the dosage ranges reported in published literature and clinical trials. This is not medical advice — all information is intended for research and educational purposes only.

Retatrutide (LY3437943)

What It Is

Retatrutide is an investigational triple agonist developed by Eli Lilly, targeting the GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. It is being studied primarily for obesity and metabolic disease, and its Phase 2 trial results — published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2023 — showed average weight loss of up to 24.2% of body weight over 48 weeks at the highest dose. It remains unapproved and is not available as a prescription medication as of 2026.

Research Dosage Reference

Phase 2 trials used a dose escalation protocol, starting at lower doses and titrating upward over several weeks to improve tolerability. The 12mg weekly dose produced the most significant weight loss outcomes.

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157)

What It Is

BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a protein found in human gastric juice. It has been extensively studied in animal models for its regenerative and cytoprotective properties, with research focusing on tendon and ligament healing, gut health, wound repair, and neuroprotection. It is not approved for human use by any major regulatory authority.

Research Dosage Reference

Animal studies have used doses in the range of 1–10mcg/kg body weight. Systemic effects have been observed at lower doses in rodent models, though human equivalency calculations should be applied cautiously.

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)

What It Is

TB-500 is a synthetic version of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring peptide found in high concentrations in blood platelets and wound fluid. Research has focused on its role in tissue repair, angiogenesis, inflammation reduction, and muscle recovery. It is listed on the WADA Prohibited List as a metabolic modulator and is not approved for human therapeutic use.

Research Dosage Reference

A typical research protocol involves a loading phase of 4–6 weeks followed by a reduced maintenance dose. Total weekly doses in studies have ranged from 2mg to 5mg.

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c)

What It Is

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome. It has attracted significant research interest for its role in metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity, exercise performance, and longevity. Studies suggest it activates AMPK pathways and may mimic some of the metabolic benefits of exercise at a cellular level. Research is still at a relatively early stage compared to other peptides on this list.

Research Dosage Reference

Human studies are limited. Most published dosage data comes from rodent models, where doses of 0.5–5mg/kg have been used. Human protocols in early research contexts have typically used 5–10mg per injection.

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

What It Is

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It has been studied extensively for its role in wound healing, skin regeneration, anti-inflammatory activity, and collagen synthesis. It is also being investigated for potential neuroprotective and anti-ageing properties. GHK-Cu is one of the more widely used peptides in cosmetic and dermatological research.

Research Dosage Reference

Injectable research protocols typically use 1–2mg daily. Topical formulations are widely used in cosmetic research at concentrations of 1–3%.

DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)

What It Is

DSIP is a neuropeptide first isolated in 1974 from the cerebral venous blood of rabbits during sleep. Research has focused on its role in sleep regulation, stress response modulation, and potential applications in pain management and neuroendocrine function. It has also been studied for its antioxidant properties and potential role in reducing withdrawal symptoms in substance dependence research.

Research Dosage Reference

Human studies have used doses ranging from 25mcg to 500mcg. Lower doses have been associated with sleep-promoting effects in some studies, while higher doses have been used in stress and pain research contexts.

Tesamorelin

What It Is

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). It is one of the few peptides on this list with an FDA-approved indication — it is approved under the brand name Egrifta for the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy (excess abdominal fat in HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy). Outside of this indication, it is being researched for its effects on body composition, cognitive function, and metabolic health in older adults.

Research Dosage Reference

The FDA-approved dose is 1mg daily by subcutaneous injection. Research studies outside the approved indication have used doses of 1–2mg daily.

Ipamorelin

What It Is

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin mimetic. It stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone in a pulsatile, physiologically similar manner, without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels — a key distinction from older GHRPs. Research has focused on its potential for improving body composition, bone density, recovery, and sleep quality. It is often studied in combination with GHRH analogues such as CJC-1295.

Research Dosage Reference

Research protocols frequently use ipamorelin at 200–300mcg per injection, administered once daily (typically before sleep) or up to three times daily. When combined with a GHRH analogue, lower doses are sometimes used.

SS-31 (Elamipretide)

What It Is

SS-31, also known as elamipretide or MTP-131, is a mitochondria-targeted peptide that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It has been studied for its ability to improve mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and protect against ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Research applications include heart failure, age-related mitochondrial decline, and neurodegenerative conditions. Clinical trials in heart failure have been conducted by Stealth BioTherapeutics.

Research Dosage Reference

Clinical trial dosing has varied significantly by indication. Heart failure trials have used 40mg daily by subcutaneous injection. Preclinical studies have used a wide range of doses depending on the model and endpoint.

Semax

What It Is

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) sequence. Originally developed in Russia, it has been used clinically in some Eastern European countries for stroke recovery, cognitive impairment, and neuroprotection. Research interest has grown internationally due to its reported nootropic properties, including enhanced memory, focus, and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) upregulation. It is not approved by the FDA or EMA.

Research Dosage Reference

Intranasal administration is the most commonly referenced route in research contexts, with doses of 200–900mcg per day. Injectable protocols use lower doses due to higher bioavailability.

Selank

What It Is

Selank is a synthetic analogue of the endogenous tetrapeptide tuftsin, developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia. It has been studied for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects, cognitive enhancement properties, and immune modulation. Unlike conventional anxiolytics, it does not appear to cause sedation or dependence in research models. It is used clinically in Russia and some neighbouring countries but is not approved by Western regulatory authorities.

Research Dosage Reference

Intranasal delivery is the primary route referenced in published research, with a wide dose range depending on the research context. Lower doses have been associated with anxiolytic effects; higher doses have been used in immune and cognitive research.

Melanotan II (MT-2)

What It Is

Melanotan II is a synthetic analogue of α-MSH that acts on multiple melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R). Unlike MT-1, it has broader receptor activity, which accounts for its additional reported effects beyond skin tanning — including appetite suppression and effects on sexual function via MC4R activation. It is not approved by any regulatory authority and appears on the WADA Prohibited List. It is widely available on the grey market, which has led to significant safety concerns due to unregulated use.

Research Dosage Reference

Research protocols have typically used 0.5–1mg per day by subcutaneous injection. Due to its potency at MC4R, lower doses are generally used initially in research settings to assess tolerability.

Important Notes on Dosage Research

Several important caveats apply across all compounds in this guide:

• Species differences matter. Many dosage references derive from animal studies. Human equivalent doses are not a simple conversion and require careful consideration of pharmacokinetics, body surface area, and receptor distribution.
• Purity and concentration vary. Research peptides sourced outside of pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing may have variable purity, which directly affects effective dosing.
• Route of administration affects bioavailability. Subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intranasal, and oral routes all produce different absorption profiles for the same compound.
• Individual variation is significant. Age, body composition, hormonal baseline, and health status all influence how a given dose affects a research subject.

This article is intended for informational and research purposes only. All dosage information is drawn from published literature and clinical trial data and is not intended as medical advice.