Peptides M-Z, by Nevin Pratt

Melanotan-2

• Tanning effect: MT-II stimulates melanin production in the skin, leading to tanning-like darkening. This is due to MC1 receptor activation.
• Appetite and weight: Some melanocortin receptor activation (notably MC4R) is linked to reduced appetite and potential weight loss in animal and early human studies.
• Sexual function: MT-II has been reported to increase libido in some user reports and small studies, likely via central MC receptors.
• Erection: There are anecdotal reports of improved erectile function, again tied to MC receptor activity.
• Potential side effects: Nausea, flushing, increased blood pressure, yawning, diffuse darkening of skin, and in some cases tachycardia or anxiety. There are reports of more serious adverse events in some contexts.

Dosage: 150-500mcg.

10mg vial with 3cc BAC = 167mcg per 5 units.

MOTS-C

"Exercise in a bottle"-- it's an exercise mimetic peptide.  Anti-aging.  Bone health.  MOTS-C is an AMPK upregulator, which boosts glucose uptake.  In other words, it tells your cells "it's daytime".  It also delays melatonin release.  This means it can keep you awake, and give you energy.  Only take this in the morning.  Taking it late in the day can lead to insomnia. 

The FDA is meeting with the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) on 7/23/26 to evaluate MOTS-C for obesity and osteoporosis.

In experimental models, MOTS-c has demonstrated the ability to enhance exercise endurance, insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial biogenesis. It effectively signals cells to shift toward energy efficient metabolic states, similar to what occurs during exercise or caloric restriction.

Research in the American Journal of Physiology confirms that it helps with fat loss by forcing fatty acid oxidation-- i.e., it causes the body to burn fat instead of glucose.

A 2019 study (Hepatology) showed that it reverses fatty liver disease.

A 2022 study in Neuroscience Review indicates that it upregulates BDNF (Brain Derived Nuerotropic Factor), which appears to stall or even reverse alzheimers.

"MOTS-C doesn't make you smarter, it just fixes the energy crises that is making you stupid"

JACC Journals found that it improves heart function after a heart attack in less than 12 hours, by making heart muscles' mitochondria more efficient and reducing cell death, which means you don't get a bunch of fibrotic tissue. 

In a 2024 Cell Reports paper, MOTS-c reversed MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) in mice, leading to less liver fat, less cell death, less inflammation, and less fibrosis.

Another 2025 Scientific Reports study showed MOTS-c plus exercise actually improved diabetic liver fibrosis by activating the Keap1-Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and suppressing TGF-β/Smad pro-fibrotic signaling.

Better mitochondrial function, less scar tissue.

Another peptide, TB-500, can repair fibrotic tissue, while MOTS-C can help insure it doesn't get created to begin with.  These seem like a very good pairing if you use them together.  

MOTS-c is your “make your liver and muscles act like an athlete” shot.

Comparing MOTS-C SS-31:

MOTS c is generally explored in models focused on fat metabolism, glucose regulation, endurance, and metabolic flexibility, due to its effects on AMPK activation and cellular energy adaptation.

SS 31, by contrast, is more commonly studied in models involving mitochondrial dysfunction, fatigue, and oxidative stress, where improving ATP efficiency and mitochondrial stability is the primary objective.

Because they target different aspects of mitochondrial biology, combination research involving both compounds is increasingly common.  MOTS c acts primarily as a metabolic signaling peptide, helping cells adapt to energetic stress. SS 31, by contrast, works directly at the level of the mitochondrial membrane, improving the efficiency of ATP production machinery itself.

Dosage: 0.5-1mg 3-5x per week., or 2.5-5mg 1-2x per week. I personally lean towards 3mg every 3 days.  Cycle 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off.

You should start at an even lower dose than the above at the beginning (maybe about half), because about 30% of people will get a histamine reaction for the first couple of shots.  So start lower, then titrate up to regular dosage.

10mg vial with 1cc BAC = 1mg per 10 units, or 3mg per 30 units.
30mg vial with 1.5cc BAC = 2mg per 10 units, or 5mg per 25 units.

NAD+ 

Increases cognitive clarity and memory.  Enhances physical energy and endurance.  Increases insulin sensitivity similar to MOTS-C.  Mechanism for all of this is believed to be through increased cell oxygenation.

NAD+ is being studied for Seizure, Alzheimer's, Diabetes, Obesity, Chronic Inflammation, Osteoarthritis, Sleep Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy, ADHD, Chronic Pain, Exercise Performance, Metabolic Syndrome.

When NAD+ levels are low, several adverse effects can occur due to its essential role in cellular processes. One of the primary consequences is a decline in cellular energy production, as NAD+ is crucial for converting nutrients into ATP, the cell’s main energy currency. This energy deficit can lead to increased fatigue, reduced physical performance, and general lethargy. Additionally, low NAD+ levels impair the function of sirtuins, proteins that regulate inflammation, stress resistance, and cellular repair. This impairment can accelerate aging and increase susceptibility to age-related diseases.

Furthermore, insufficient NAD+ hinders DNA repair processes, leading to genomic instability and a higher risk of mutations and cancers. The decline in NAD+ also affects mitochondrial function, potentially resulting in neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline due to reduced brain cell protection and maintenance. Metabolic health can be compromised as well, increasing the risk of conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Overall, maintaining adequate NAD+ levels is crucial for sustaining energy production, cellular health, and longevity, and its deficiency can have wide-ranging negative impacts on overall health and well-being.

Can stack NAD+ with Glutathione, 5-Amino-1MQ, Epitalon, SS-31.  Also stacks well with MOTS-C and Retatrutide.

American Wellness does 500mg to 1500mg IV infusions. Their website also states:

 * Reduced withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, nausea, and anxiety.
 * Improved cognitive clarity and reduced brain fog
 * Support for neurotransmitter balance, especially dopamine and serotonin
 * Liver and cellular repair after long-term alcohol use
 * Fewer cravings and more emotional stability
 * Improved sleep and energy levels during early detox
 * Faster recovery time from physical and neurological symptoms

https://www.wellnessandrehabclinic.com/iv-therapy/nad-alcohol-withdrawal

 
Dosage: 
Every other day until vial is empty. Administrate subq.
LOW: 20-100mg per shot. MODERATE: 100-250mg per shot .

500mg vial with 1.5cc BAC = 100mg per 30 units, 250mg per 75 units. 
750mg vial with 1.5cc BAC = 125mg per 25 units, 250mg per 50 units.

Oxytocin

Social bonding, stress relief, dopamine increase, and improved social behavior.

Dosage: 50-100mcg.  Can stack with PT-141. 5 days per week.  This is 100 to 200 doses per 10mg vial, so you will need a larger vial for more BAC.

10mg vial with 10cc BAC = 1mg per 100u = 100mcg per 10u. 

Pinealon

Cognitive enhancer.  Also helps with Alzheimer's and other neurological issues.  Synergistically stacks well with Vesugen.  Also stacks well with DSIP and Epithalon, but Vesugen should probably be preferred if you don't want to take all four (Pinealon, Vesugen, DSIP and Epithalon).  Should be cycled.

Pinealon is a natural bioregulatory peptide complex designed to support the brain and central nervous system by optimizing neuronal metabolism, gene expression, and antioxidant defenses.

Studies on Pinealon have demonstrated its ability to modulate the expression of genes involved in apoptosis regulation and neurotrophic support, helping preserve neuronal integrity under conditions of stress, hypoxia, or aging.  It reduces programmed cell death in the brain and increases the brain’s ability to neutralize oxidative stress.  It has been shown to normalize levels of lipid peroxidation and enhance antioxidant enzyme activity, suggesting a strong neuroprotective effect. These mechanisms contribute to improved focus, memory, and mental resilience in experimental models of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions.

Pinealon appears to influence neuronal gene expression, synaptic function, and protection against oxidative stress. In experimental models, it has been associated with:

• Improved memory and cognitive performance
• Enhanced neuronal plasticity
• Reduced oxidative damage
• Support for brain aging and neuroprotection

Cognitively, we see improvements in memory, learning, and mental clarity.  Mood-wise, Pinealon boosts serotonin, modulates cortisol, and improves HPA-axis resilience. 

Dosage: 2mg per dose for 10 days (20mg cycle).
20mg vial with 2cc BAC = 2mg per 20 units

PT-141

Enhances bonding.

Dosage: 500-1,000mcg

10mg vial with 2cc BAC = 10 units per 500mcg.  No more than twice per week, or desensitization might occur.

Retatrutide

Retatrutide (reta) is referred to as a "triple agonist".  An "agonist" is a receptor that turns on certain signals in the body, like hunger, insulin release, etc.  Reta activates 3 of them: (1) GIP, (2) GLP-1, and (3) Glucagon.  The GIP signal helps regulate insulin and appetite.  GLP-1 slows digestion and reduces hunger.  Glucagon helps influence energy burning and fat metabolism.  I think of it as a 3rd generation weight loss peptide, with tirzepatide (Monjouro and Zepbound) the 2nd generation (they only activate GIP and GLP-1), and semaglutide (Ozempic) the 1st generation (it only activates GLP-1).

Reta is currently (Nov 2025) in Phase 3 human trials.  Phase 2 trial results were published October 2025 in the New England Journal of Medicine.  Here is a link to the phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial:

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2301972

Weight Loss: Results are substantially better than with semaglutide (Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Monjauro). At 48 weeks, a weight reduction of 5% or more, 10% or more, and 15% or more had occurred in 92%, 75%, and 60%, respectively, of the participants who received 4 mg of reta; 100%, 91%, and 75% of those who received 8 mg. The most common adverse events in the reta groups were gastrointestinal; these events were dose-related, were mostly mild to moderate in severity, and were partially mitigated with a lower starting dose (2 mg vs. 4 mg). Dose-dependent increases in heart rate peaked at 24 weeks and declined thereafter.

Other Benefits: Treatment with reta was associated with improvements in cardiometabolic measures (exploratory end points) including systolic and diastolic blood pressure and levels of glycated hemoglobin, fasting glucose, insulin, and lipids (with the exception of high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol).

Reta has been associated with improvements in lipid profiles, including reductions in triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL cholesterol. It also showed a significant reduction in blood pressure in both T2DM and obese patients.

Reta has also shown potential benefits on kidney function, with significant reductions in urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and increases in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in obese patients.

Reta's ability to influence liver triglyceride concentrations forms another critical area of research. In clinical trials, reta has exhibited a capacity to decrease hepatic fat content, confirming its prospect for treating NAFLD and enhancing overall liver function. Such observations underscore the therapeutic implications of reta beyond mere weight loss into essential metabolic health.

Lilly published their TRIUMPH-4 Phase 3 data in December 2025 for retatrutide.
28.7% weight loss. 71 pounds average. At 68 weeks. Here's what happened:
445 people with obesity and knee osteoarthritis. Split into three groups - 9mg retatrutide, 12mg retatrutide, and placebo.  The 12mg group lost an average of 71.2 pounds. That's 28.7% of their starting weight.  And 8 percentage points higher than tirzepatide's ~21% in Phase 3. 

Other Endorsements: A very interesting endorsement is this one by Dr. Trevor Bachmeyer.  He states that in his opinion the weight loss aspects of reta are the least important of the benefits, and he gives compelling reasons for that in this video:

https://youtu.be/3Xjn3aIHi3Y?si=Zo5Dl7kCdtVYevCI

He says that in his opinion semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Monjauro) are trash and should be thrown away, and reta used instead.  He talks about "why" in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJZzjJhP2rQ

Both videos cite many different scientific studies, but the last one probably cites the most.

Dosage: Weekly injection (it has a half life of 8 days)
For obesity, the standard protocol is to start at 2mg per week for one month, and then titrate up from there.  I recommend 1.5mg the first week so that you can monitor side-effects, and then 2mg for the next 3 to 5 weeks.  Slowly titrate up from there (in 0.5mg increments per week), depending on how you feel.  Trials peaked at 12mg per week.  Many people don't see a lot of results until after around 3mg per week.
Dosage is around 0.5mg weekly for people that are not overweight but want other benefits of retatrutide. 
16mg vial with 1.6cc BAC = 1mg per 10 units. 16mg vial with 3.2cc BAC = 500mcg per 10 units.
60mg vial with 3cc BAC = 2mg per 10 units. (80mg = 40 units)

Selank

Similar to Semax. Purportedly, Semax is better for cognitive decline, and Selank is better for anxiety and/or depression. 

Increases GABA release in the brain.  Selank has a very short half-life (~2–3 minutes in plasma), which is why multiple daily administrations are usually used in research.

Dosage: 100mcg - 500mcg per dose, one or two times per day.

10mg vial with 1cc BAC water = 5 units per 500 mcg.

Semaglutide

Weight Loss.  Single agonist (GLP-1).  Goes under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Not recommended.  Has more side effects, and is less effect, than tirzepatide, retatrutide, or cagrilintide. 

Recommend stacking this with Cagrilintide, in the same syringe.  The result is called "Cagri-sema".

Dosage: Start with 2mg.  Titrate up another 2mg every month.  If stacking with Cagrilintide, use 1/4 as much Cagri and you do Sema.

Semax

For neurodegenerative issues (Dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's). Has cognitive function and memory formation mechanisms. Also neuroprotection in stroke and injury models.

The FDA is meeting with the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) on 7/24/26 to evaluate Semax for cerebral ischemia, migraine, and trigeminal neuralgia.

Dosage: 200–600 mcg/day, often cycled (10–14 days on, 2–3 off); effects build over 3–7 days

30mg vial with 3cc BAC water = 5 units per 500 mcg.

SS-31

SS-31 is a mitochondria-targeted peptide that binds to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane and stabilizes the electron transport chain. That means more ATP, fewer leaks, and less ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species).

In metabolic disease models, SS-31 has been shown to reduce mitochondrial ROS and lipid peroxidation, increase ATP, and preserve mitochondrial structure in liver tissue.  In preclinical studies, this has been associated with improvements in muscle endurance, cardiac energy output, and cellular resilience to oxidative stress.

A 2024 review highlighted SS-31 as a key candidate for restoring mitochondrial function and mitigating liver injury by targeting oxidative stress at its source.

In research models, SS 31 has been associated with:

• Improved mitochondrial ATP efficiency
• Reduced reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress
• Enhanced cellular energy output, particularly in muscle, heart, and brain tissue
• Increased resilience in models of mitochondrial dysfunction

Comparing SS-31 to MOTS-C:

MOTS c is generally explored in models focused on fat metabolism, glucose regulation, endurance, and metabolic flexibility, due to its effects on AMPK activation and cellular energy adaptation.

SS 31, by contrast, is more commonly studied in models involving mitochondrial dysfunction, fatigue, and oxidative stress, where improving ATP efficiency and mitochondrial stability is the primary objective.

Because they target different aspects of mitochondrial biology, combination research involving both compounds is increasingly common.  MOTS c acts primarily as a metabolic signaling peptide, helping cells adapt to energetic stress. SS 31, by contrast, works directly at the level of the mitochondrial membrane, improving the efficiency of ATP production machinery itself.

Dosage:
Daily for 4 to 6 weeks (for general mitochondrial health).  Any time.
LOW:  1-2mg per injection.  MODERATE: 2-5mg per injection. HIGH: 5-10mg per injection.
25mg vial with 2.5cc BAC = 1mg per 10 units = 5mg per 50 units. 
40mg vial with 3.6cc BAC = 1mg per 9 units = 5mg per 45 units.
60mg vial with 3cc BAC = 2mg per 10 units

TB-500

Soft tissue injury repair.  Systemic injection. There's evidence that it can repair fibrotic heart muscle tissue after a heart attack.

TB-500 might help for kidney repair.  It is highly angiogenic, and the kidney's are very vascular in nature.

The FDA is meeting with the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) on 7/23/26 to evaluate TB-500 for wound healing.

In 2010 there was a study in Circulation that TB-500, following an MI (myocardial infarction, or heart attack) in mice resulted in reversal of the fibrotic tissue damage of the MI.

2012, Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics showed TB-500 promotes wound healing.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences shows TB-500 inhibits migration and invasion of gleoblastoma cells (gloeblastoma is a highly aggressive brain cancer).  In doing so, it interferes with the same actin dynamics that cancer cells use to mestastasize.

TB-500 might also help with ED, by reversing penile fibrotic tissue damage.  The penile fibrotic tissue damage can be because of diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, or other various vascular problems.

It also helps with the repair of damaged nerves, by promoting the growth and projections of neurites. 

The angiogenic properties of TB-500 can help with diabetic ulcers.

Some people will combine this with BPC-157, in the same syringe.  I recommend against that. BPC and TB have different PH's, and different half lifes.  They also have different "optimal" dosing schedules. So, inject them separately. However, the two are definitely synergistic in their effect, which means you should put them both in your stack.  Some people refer to this as the "Wolverine Stack", because of how well they heal together.

Dosage: I have concluded that TB-500 is best dosed in larger "pulses", not smaller daily microdoses.  Smaller doses might not be adequate for proper cell signaling.  An analogy is like trying to hear a whisper in a noisy room.  If you want to be heard, you need to turn the volume up. 

I think I prefer 10mg vial with 1cc BAC, then take 50 units (which would be 5mg) every 5 days.  This amount results in using 1/2 of a 10mg vial with each injection.  Do this for (maybe) four of the 10mg vials (40 days), then rest for about 4 weeks.

Tesamorelin

Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for medical use.  Clinical dosing protocols are well known and offer a well-defined foundation. Does not stimulate Ghrelin, so is preferable to CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin for overweight people.

If you compare Tesamorelin with CJC-1295 (both of which are GH releasers), CJC-1295 is more for tissue repair and recovery, whereas Tesamorelin is more for body fat reduction.

1. Visceral Fat Reduction

Tesamorelin is clinically proven to reduce visceral adipose tissue (VAT)—the dangerous fat stored around internal organs, which is linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk.

For physique athletes, this means a tighter midsection, improved vascularity, and a leaner abdominal profile—without compromising muscle mass.

2. Increased IGF-1 and Growth Hormone Activity

Tesamorelin increases endogenous GH and IGF-1, which drive:

 * Muscle growth
 * Fat metabolism
 * Cellular repair
 * Skin and connective tissue rejuvenation

3. Muscle Preservation During Fat Loss

Tesamorelin helps maintain lean muscle tissue even in a calorie deficit. This is key for bodybuilders, performance athletes, or anyone entering a cutting phase who wants to preserve size while leaning out.

4. Enhanced Recovery and Sleep Quality

Many users report deeper sleep, better recovery, and reduced inflammation, likely due to Tesamorelin’s role in supporting growth hormone rhythms and systemic repair.

 * Improved sleep = better training response
 * Faster muscle repair = more frequent training
 * Reduced joint pain = longer training longevity

5. Potential Anti-Aging and Cognitive Benefits

Emerging research suggests Tesamorelin may improve mitochondrial function and cognitive performance due to its impact on IGF-1 and neurotrophic factors, although more studies are needed.

Dosage: 1-2mg daily, before bed. Fasted 2-3 hrs before shot.  You might consider combining this with CJC-1295 (no DAC) and Ipamorelin.

Typical cycling is 8-12 weeks, then rest for a few weeks.  You don't want to overdrive the pituitary gland in generating GH, and doing non-stop stimulation of GH is thought to possibly have that risk.

5mg vial with 2.5cc BAC 50 units daily = 1mg per dose.
5mg vial with 1cc BAC 20 units daily = 1mg per dose.
24mg vial with 2.4cc BAC 10 units daily = 1mg per dose.

Testagen

Testagen is capable of normalizing testosterone production as well as thyroid hormone production in certain settings. Some report enhanced libido.  Recommend pairing with Kisspeptin-10.

Dosage: 2mg daily
20mg vial with 2cc BAC = 20 units for 2mg

Thymosin Alpha-1 (or TA-1)

Immune support, and anti-depressant.  1-6mg per week.  Use when you feel a sickness coming on.

Here is a study on it: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11762651/

Many people who struggle with depression do not present as “sick.” They present as tired, inflamed, unmotivated, flat, anxious, or disconnected. Underneath that presentation, however, there is often chronic low-grade immune activation or immune dysregulation that TA-1 addresses.

TA-1 is the most clinically documented immune peptide we have. Many other countries were smart enough to approve it long ago. We're just behind here.  It has been approved in around 37 countries under the name Zadaxin, and over 600,000 patients have used it in clinical settings. We're talking about large trials, meta-analyses, a phase-three sepsis program, and a deep base of cancer literature.

The easiest way to picture it is a thermostat for your immune system.  When your immune response is weak or worn out, it brings it up. When it's overheated and starting to attack your own body, it brings it back down. It just nudges you toward wherever balance is for you in that moment.  So it's more of a modulator than a booster.

You also make less TA-1 during serious illness. Chronic infections, sepsis, cancer, and big physical stress all drive your own production down.  So your body pulls back on it right when you need it the most. That's kind of the whole point of supplementing. When you need it most is exactly when you make the least.

Use Cases

The most obvious one is the older adult with a fading immune system. Think late 60s and up, the person who catches everything and takes forever to get over it.

Then theres people with lingering fatigue.  A lot of these folks have exhaused T cells.  The cells are still there, they've just stopped working, and TA-1 helps wake them back up.

It also has real data in cancer studies, though that's always something to run with your oncologist. And worldwide, chronic hep B is actually its strongest indication of all.

Also high output, high stress, high travel situations.  When you are jet lagged and constantly getting thrown into new environments.

Who doesn't need it?  Healthy adults who already feel good.  If your immune system is already running well, there's nothing there for it to modulate.

Dosage: 0.5-2.0mg, 2-3 times per week.
3mg vial with 1cc BAC and 25 units per dose = 0.75mg per dose.
10mg vial with 1cc BAC = 20 units for 2mg

Tirzepatide

Weight Loss.  Dual agonist (GIP/GLP-1).  Superior to Semaglutide.  Brand names are: Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Dosage: 2.5mg to 15mg per week. 5 day half life.  Start low, go slow.
60mg vial with 3cc BAC = 10 units for 2mg, 12.5 units for 2.5mg, 25 units for 5mg, or 50 units for 10mg.

Vesugen

Research has shown it to protect the vascular system from the effects of aging by limiting the development of atherosclerosis and decreasing overall endothelial cell dysfunction.  Is activated as a result of calorie restriction and is therefore thought to be one of the proteins responsible for the profound anti-aging effects associated with calorie restriction.  May help break addictions.  Might help with Alzeimers.  Reportedly activates, stimulates, and supports stem cells for accelerated healing.

Good to combine with Pinealon. 

Dosage: 500mcg, injected daily.
20mg vial with 3cc BAC = 15 units per mg, so one dose is 7.5 units.