Melanotan I

5-Amino-1MQ

5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule selective inhibitor of NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase), identified by Anthony Sauve (Cornell) in 2018. NNMT is a "metabolic sink" for methyl donors and NAD+ — suppressing it in adipocytes raises energy expenditure without reducing calorie intake.

Adipotide

Adipotide is a target peptide developed by Wadih Arap and Renata Pasqualini (MD Anderson) for selective elimination of white adipose tissue. It binds prohibitin on adipocyte vasculature and induces apoptosis of the blood vessels supplying fat tissue — leading to nonsurgical fat reduction.

AOD-9604

AOD-9604 is a modified C-terminal 16-amino-acid fragment of human growth hormone (177-191), supplemented with a tyrosine residue. Retains the lipolytic effect of the full molecule but without diabetogenic or GH-stimulating activity. Developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (Australia) in the 1990s.

ARA-290

ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is an 11-amino-acid fragment of erythropoietin (EPO) developed by Anthony Cerami as a cytoprotective molecule without erythropoietic activity. It retains the tissue-protective effects of EPO without raising hematocrit — explaining its potential in diabetic neuropathy and cardiac applications.

Argireline

Argireline is a synthetic acetylated hexapeptide (Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2) derived from SNAP-25 — the SNARE complex subunit mediating acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions. Topical application reduces muscle activity in expression areas — which is why Argireline is marketed as a "topical Botox alternative".

BPC-157

BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid fragment isolated from a protective protein in human gastric juice — hence the name Body Protection Compound. Over thirty years of research by Predrag Sikiric's group at the University of Zagreb (100+ peer-reviewed papers) establish its angiogenic action through the VEGFR2 receptor and its stimulation of fibroblasts. If you work with in vitro models of tendon, muscle or gut tissue, BPC-157 is among the most extensively documented regenerative peptides.