As peptide therapy becomes a popular trend, experts call for caution

Globally, peptide therapeutics have been gaining attention in research as well as clinical practice. Studies show that more than 80 peptide-based drugs have already been approved worldwide, while over 150 peptide medicines are currently being studied in clinical trials for several medical conditions.

This trend is growing due to the promise of precision medicine and is mostly popular in wellness, fitness and anti-ageing promotions, as these medicines are seen as a targeted and ‘advanced’ way to improve health, appearance and performance.

How peptide therapies work

Peptides are very small chains of amino acids, the basic building blocks of proteins in the body. They naturally act as messengers that regulate functions such as hormone release, metabolism, immune responses and tissue repair, said Pearlsy Grace Rajan, senior consultant, internal medicine, Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai. Because they can bind to specific receptors, peptides can be designed to influence particular biological pathways with precision.

In therapy, these molecules are used as medicines that mimic the body’s natural signals and send targeted instructions to certain cells. Since they resemble substances already produced by the body, they often act in a more targeted manner and are generally better tolerated than some conventional drugs. Studies show that peptide drugs account for nearly 9% of new medicines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in recent years..

According to Y. D. Meherprasad, senior consultant, endocrinology and preventive healthcare, MGM Healthcare, Malar, Chennai, peptide therapies are designed to influence particular biological processes in the body. Unlike some traditional medicines that may affect many systems at once, peptide-based treatments are developed to act on specific targets. Many peptide medicines are given through injections because they can be broken down in the digestive system if taken by mouth.

Role in medicine

Dr. Rajan said interest has grown particularly in metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, especially with GLP-1–based peptide drugs that help regulate blood sugar and appetite.

Peptides are explored in various fields. In oncology, they can target tumour receptors or deliver drugs directly to cancer cells. Studies suggest that oncology accounts for a significant share of peptide drug research pipelines. In endocrinology, these therapies are used for conditions such as infertility, growth disorders and thyroid disease. Peptides that influence immune responses are also being studied for viral infections and inflammatory diseases.

In regenerative medicine, experimental peptides are being explored for their potential to stimulate tissue repair in muscles, tendons and nerves. Antoinetta Ashwini, consultant dermatologist at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, said peptides are also being studied in dermatology, wound healing, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases, highlighting their expanding therapeutic potential.

According to Dr. Rajan, therapies such as insulin analogues and hormonal peptides are routinely used in clinical practice, though peptide therapies are not always recognised as a separate treatment category in many hospitals.

Risks of misuse

While several peptide drugs are already part of routine medical care, experts point out that the rising popularity of these in the biohacking, fitness and anti-ageing markets has led to over-marketing and misuse.

Experts stress many peptides promoted online have limited or no human clinical trials. Hundreds of peptide compounds remain in early-stage laboratory or pre-clinical research, and only a small proportion eventually become approved medicines. Some products sold online as “research chemicals” may contain impurities or incorrect dosing. Because peptides can influence hormonal pathways, improper use may lead to metabolic disturbances, endocrine imbalance or cardiovascular risks. Self-injecting unapproved peptides can pose serious health risks.

Experts stress the importance of consulting a doctor about safety, research evidence and possible side effects is essential before starting such therapies.