Orforglipron is an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, and unlike most of this group it is a small molecule rather than a peptide, so it survives digestion as a pill. In plain terms: it gives the same appetite control as the injectable GLP-1 drugs without needles, and unlike earlier oral versions it does not need to be taken on an empty stomach.
Tesofensine is a small molecule, not a peptide, that blocks the reuptake of three brain chemicals: dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. In plain terms: it acts on the brain's appetite and reward system like a stimulant to suppress hunger, which also means more heart-related risk.
Danuglipron is an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist and a small molecule, not a peptide, so it works as a pill. In plain terms: it gives GLP-1-style appetite control without injections. It is in testing.
MK-677 (ibutamoren) is a ghrelin-receptor agonist and, unlike the injectable peptides here, a small molecule that works as a daily pill. In plain terms: it keeps your own growth hormone and IGF-1 raised around the clock for sleep, appetite, muscle, and skin, without needles.
VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) is a natural 28-amino-acid signaling peptide found in the gut, lungs, and nerves. In plain terms: it relaxes blood vessels and airways and calms the immune system, which is why a nasal-spray form is used to try to quiet chronic inflammation, though it can lower blood pressure.
Larazotide is an 8-amino-acid peptide that tightens the junctions between the cells lining your gut. In plain terms: it works locally in the intestine to seal a 'leaky' gut barrier and has been studied mainly for celiac disease. It is not absorbed into the body.
Semax is a 7-amino-acid peptide based on a fragment of ACTH, a brain-signaling hormone, given as a nasal spray. In plain terms: it raises BDNF, a chemical that helps brain cells grow and connect, which is why it is used for focus and memory, and in Russia after strokes.
Selank is a synthetic version of tuftsin, a natural immune-and-brain peptide, given as a nasal spray. In plain terms: it gently tunes the calming GABA and serotonin systems to lower anxiety without sedation or dependence.
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate is a chemically tweaked, more stable version of Semax. In plain terms: it does the same focus-and-memory job by raising BDNF, but resists breakdown so it lasts longer.
Methylene blue is a century-old synthetic dye, not a peptide, that can shuttle electrons inside cells' energy machinery. In plain terms: at low doses it helps mitochondria make energy more efficiently, which is why it is taken for focus and energy. It famously turns urine blue-green, which is harmless.
Oxytocin is a natural 9-amino-acid hormone made in the brain, released during touch, closeness, and childbirth. In plain terms: known as the 'bonding hormone,' it is used as a nasal spray or tablet for connection, mood, and sometimes libido, with subtle, short-lived effects.
Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8) is a cosmetic peptide that mildly limits the release of the signal muscles use to contract. In plain terms: applied topically, it softens fine expression lines a bit like a gentle, needle-free version of Botox.
SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is a longer cousin of Argireline used in skincare. In plain terms: applied to the skin, it relaxes the tiny muscles under expression lines to soften forehead and eye wrinkles.
Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) is a cosmetic peptide that signals skin to rebuild collagen. In plain terms: used in serums over time, it firms skin and smooths fine lines.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a cosmetic collagen-signal peptide, often paired with Matrixyl. In plain terms: applied to skin, it tells the skin to make more collagen to firm and smooth.
Tetrapeptide-21 is a cosmetic peptide that boosts skin's production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. In plain terms: used topically, it helps skin look firmer and plumper.
Orexin-A (hypocretin-1) is a natural brain peptide that keeps you awake and alert; people with narcolepsy lack it. In plain terms: it is studied as a nasal spray for wakefulness and daytime energy, with limited data.