Acetyl tetrapeptide-5
is used in cosmetic eye formulations to decrease puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles by reducing edema and protecting proteins such as SOD from glycation
Alanine
Ala / A · hydrophobic residue · neutral charge
AOD-9604
is studied as an anti-obesity peptide that can reduce weight gain and increase fat oxidation in obese animal models with generally neutral effects on IGF-1 and glucose metabolism in early human trials
Arginine
Arg / R · basic residue · positive charge
Argireline
is a topical cosmetic peptide reported to decrease dynamic wrinkles by partially mimicking the mechanism of botulinum toxin in a non-invasive manner
Asparagine
Asn / N · polar residue · neutral charge
Aspartic acid
Asp / D · acidic residue · negative charge
BPC-157
is investigated for accelerating healing of gastrointestinal mucosa, tendons, ligaments, bone, and nervous tissue in preclinical models, with anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects
Comparison
While Semax is used clinically in Russia for ischemic stroke and cognitive disorders; in models it improves learning, protects dopaminergic neurons, and modulates stress responses without significant endocrine ACTH-like effects166174, Setmelanotide is approved for chronic weight management in patients with POMC, PCSK1, LEPR deficiencies and Bardet–Biedl syndrome by reducing hunger and promoting weight loss92.
While Semax works as a synthetic heptapeptide, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP), that is an analog of ACTH(4–10) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension and exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions partly via upregulation of BDNF and modulation of dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems40162165174, Setmelanotide is a potent synthetic melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist derived from a POMC/α-MSH–related sequence that restores downstream MC4R signaling in genetic obesity syndromes3192100.
Semax
POMC
Setmelanotide
POMC
Both peptides fall into a similar broad context as Neuropeptides, although the details of how they are used and discussed still diverge. Their typical research and application settings separate fairly clearly: Semax is more often discussed in the realm of Neurology and brain health and Ophthalmology, whereas Setmelanotide is more often associated with the realm of Metabolic and endocrine. They also influence different molecular systems, with Semax tracking more closely to GPCR receptor while Setmelanotide centers more on Melanocortin receptor. Semax has a more synthetic analog origin, while Setmelanotide is closer to synthetic design background and their development context also differs, with Semax approved for Research use only while Setmelanotide is approved. Semax takes the form of a linear peptide, whereas Setmelanotide is closer to a cyclic peptide, while Setmelanotide incorporates d-amino acid substitution features that are not part of Semax.
No related articles are linked to these peptides yet.