Monitor Penelitian Peptida

Peptide Angio-3 Attenuates Pulmonary Fibrosis Via Modulation of Coagulation Factor Xa-PAR-1 Signaling Axis

Wang D, Li F, Chen H, Deng B, Cheng L, Ma J, Li R, Qu L, Xie J, Zhao Y

Angio-3, a 10-residue peptide derived from human plasminogen kringle 3, demonstrated significant antifibrotic activity in pulmonary fibrosis models by functioning as a PAR-1 antagonist that disrupts the coagulation factor Xa-PAR-1 signaling axis. The peptide inhibited fibroblast invasion and migration with a favorable safety profile—no adverse effects at 0.5 mg/kg/day and only mild hepatomegaly at supratherapeutic doses.

Antimicrobial Peptides Show Promise as Cancer Therapeutics: A 2026 Systematic Review

A new review in Frontiers in Medicine evaluates antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as anticancer agents, finding selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells via membrane disruption and apoptosis induction, though clinical evidence remains limited to early-phase trials.

Pemvidutide Achieves MASH Resolution in Phase 2b IMPACT Trial

The Lancet published Phase 2b results for pemvidutide, a dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist, showing significant MASH resolution without worsening fibrosis at 24 weeks. FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation in January 2026.

Retatrutide Achieves 28.7% Weight Loss in TRIUMPH-4 Phase 3 Trial

Eli Lilly's triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon agonist retatrutide achieved an average 28.7% body weight reduction at 68 weeks in the pivotal TRIUMPH-4 trial — the largest weight loss ever reported for any anti-obesity medication in Phase 3.

Collagen-Derived α-Helical Peptides Show Antimicrobial Activity with Low Cytotoxicity

Researchers identify latent antimicrobial peptides encoded within nonfibrous collagen domains that kill bacteria by disrupting membranes while maintaining high viability in human cells — opening a new class of host-derived antibiotics.

GLP-1-Based Therapies for Diabetes, Obesity and Beyond: A Comprehensive Review

Daniel Drucker's landmark review in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery maps the entire GLP-1 therapeutic landscape — from established agents like semaglutide and tirzepatide to next-generation multi-agonists, oral formulations, and emerging non-metabolic indications.

Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide for Obesity and Glycemic Control: A Structured Review

A structured review in Frontiers in Medicine finds tirzepatide's dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism delivers greater weight loss and HbA1c reduction than semaglutide monotherapy, with a comparable safety profile dominated by gastrointestinal side effects.

Antimicrobial Peptides as Ecological Approaches to Caries Prevention

A comprehensive review highlights how antimicrobial peptides are evolving beyond broad-spectrum killing toward ecological strategies that selectively target cariogenic bacteria while preserving the beneficial oral microbiome.

Liposomal Delivery Enhances Collagen Tripeptide Effects on Skin Structure

A randomized controlled trial finds that liposomal delivery of collagen tripeptides produces earlier and greater improvements in dermal collagen density, hydration, and elasticity compared to nonliposomal formulations and placebo.

Cardiorenal Outcomes With Tirzepatide Compared With Dulaglutide in Patients With Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: SURPASS-CVOT

Nissen SE, Wolski K, D'Alessio D, Weerakkody G, Kiljanski J, Wiese RJ, Pavo I, Cariou B, Nicholls SJ

In a post hoc analysis of the landmark SURPASS-CVOT trial (n=13,165), tirzepatide demonstrated a 16% relative risk reduction in a composite 6-component cardiorenal endpoint compared to dulaglutide (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.79-0.90, p<0.001). The benefit extended across all-cause mortality, MI, stroke, coronary revascularization, heart failure hospitalization, and adverse kidney outcomes over a median 47-month follow-up.

Ixekizumab With Tirzepatide Achieved Greater Disease Control Than Ixekizumab Alone in Adults With Psoriatic Arthritis and Overweight or Obesity: TOGETHER-PsA Trial

Merola JF, Mease P, Kivitz A, Sattar N, Coates LC, Aletaha D, Kartman CE, Fischer P, Sun L, Martínez-Osuna P, Kronbergs A, Prajapati P, Cardoso A, Genovese MC, Ogdie A

In the TOGETHER-PsA trial (n=271), combining tirzepatide with ixekizumab achieved ACR50 + ≥10% weight loss in 31.7% of patients versus 0.8% with ixekizumab alone (p<0.001) at 36 weeks. The combination also significantly improved ACR50 (33.5% vs 20.4%), minimal disease activity, and patient-reported outcomes including disability and fatigue.

Determinants of VO2peak Responsiveness to Aerobic Exercise Training in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: The PROTECTION Study

Michielsen M, Gojevic T, Bekhuis Y, Claes J, Machado F, Claessen G, et al.

In 108 adults with Type 2 diabetes participating in a 26-week supervised cycling programme, GLP-1 receptor agonist use was identified as a negative predictor of VO2peak improvement alongside female sex, smoking, and beta-blocker use. While overall fitness improved by 17%, significant interindividual variability existed, with fat mass and insulin resistance as key baseline determinants of exercise responsiveness.

Repurposing Mesalamine via Peptide-Functionalized Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) Nanoparticles for Selective Breast Cancer Targeting

Johari NAS, Borzehandani MY, Silvaraju G, Azhar MA, Saad N, Razali R, Kamal NAMA

Researchers developed an integrin-targeting nanosystem by encapsulating mesalamine (MES) within ZIF-8 nanoparticles functionalized with the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide. The MES-RGD@nZIF-8 formulation achieved 99.69% encapsulation efficiency and induced 65% cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells at 48 hours, with a selectivity index of 4.53 — demonstrating significant preferential killing of cancer cells over normal cells.

Efficacy, Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Semaglutide 1.7 mg for Obesity Treatment in Adolescents: A Model-Informed Drug Development Approach

Strathe A, Bomberg EM, Jensch G, Kildegaard J, Harder-Lauridsen NM, Weghuber D, Overgaard RV

This Novo Nordisk study used model-informed drug development to evaluate whether semaglutide 1.7 mg provides comparable exposure and efficacy in adolescents with obesity versus the approved 2.4 mg dose. Modelled results showed the 1.7 mg dose achieved mean BMI reduction of -15.2% versus -17.4% for 2.4 mg, with similar GI adverse event profiles across populations. These results supported the November 2024 Wegovy label expansion to include 1.7 mg for adolescents ≥12 years of age.

Switching from Dulaglutide to Tirzepatide: Subgroup Analysis of SURPASS-SWITCH

A subgroup analysis of the SURPASS-SWITCH trial confirms that switching from the GLP-1 agonist dulaglutide to the dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist tirzepatide produces consistently greater HbA1c and weight reductions across all baseline subgroups in type 2 diabetes.

Managing Malassezia Species and Related Infections: New Insights into Recent Natural and Synthetic Antifungal Compounds and Their Mechanism of Action

Iacovozzi D, Carradori S, Osmanović A, Supuran CT, Capasso C, Angeli A

This comprehensive review examines emerging therapeutic strategies against Malassezia yeasts, which cause seborrheic dermatitis, pityriasis versicolor, and systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. A key focus is the growing interest in antimicrobial peptides — both natural and synthetic — as targeted topical antifungal agents, alongside novel approaches including carbonic anhydrase inhibition, silver nanoparticles, and probiotics/postbiotics.

Peptide-Based Wnt Signal Activation Enables Scalable Production of Clinical-Grade Patient-Derived Intestinal Organoids for Regenerative Cell Therapy

Sugihara HY, Nagata S, Kawasaki S, Takahashi J, Hiraguri Y, Fukuda M, et al.

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo developed a GMP-compliant protocol using the Wnt-activating peptide PG-008 to grow patient-derived colonic organoids for regenerative therapy. The peptide-based approach produced remarkably pure cultures of intestinal stem cells and transit-amplifying cells, achieving 82% organoid establishment rate from 60 patients. PG-008 organoid cultures outperformed conventional recombinant WNT3A in consistency and scalability.

Association of Dual SGLT-2 Inhibitor and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy with Colon Cancer Risk in Post-Polypectomy Patients with Diabetes: A Target Trial Emulation

Wang CH, Chang WC, Chen HY, Chen PH, Lin MH, Lee CH

This target trial emulation study examined whether dual SGLT-2 inhibitor and GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy reduces colon cancer recurrence risk in diabetic patients after polypectomy. Using the TriNetX global federated database, researchers compared cancer outcomes in patients receiving combination therapy versus monotherapy or neither agent. The study adds to growing evidence that GLP-1 RAs may have chemopreventive properties beyond glycemic control.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Risk of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Bi Z, Jiao Z, Li J, Fang Z

This comprehensive meta-analysis evaluated the association between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and depression risk across multiple studies. The analysis examined psychiatric safety signals in patients treated with semaglutide, liraglutide, and other GLP-1 RAs, addressing the ongoing FDA-mandated scrutiny of mental health outcomes with incretin-based therapies.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: A Real-World Cohort Analysis

Nguefang GL, Boateng S, Gyabaah S, Issaka Y, Konlack JG, Landa EL, Eze E, Njei B

This real-world study of 1,391 matched patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and type 2 diabetes found that GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy was associated with a 39% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (HR 0.61), 53% reduction in stroke risk (HR 0.47), and 36% reduction in vaso-occlusive crises (HR 0.64) over 12 months. There was no increased risk of hypoglycemia compared to controls.

COVID-19 and Leydig Cell Functional Capacity: INSL3 as a Biomarker of Testicular Peptide Deficiency

Anand-Ivell R, Yang X, Tarr AW, Irving WI, Clark DJ, Staines HM, Augustin Y, Krishna S, Ivell R

This study measured insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), a unique Leydig cell biomarker, in hospitalized men with COVID-19. Severely ill patients showed significantly reduced INSL3 (0.36 vs normal ~0.89 ng/ml), indicating primary hypogonadism. Most patients recovered Leydig cell function with treatment, suggesting the effect was largely reversible.

Real-World Weight-Loss Outcomes in Weight-Reduced Patients Treated With Tirzepatide

Barenbaum SR, Gonzalez A, Verzani Z, Zhao AS, Shukla AP

This real-world study of 293 patients found that tirzepatide produced 10.3% total body weight loss in non-weight-reduced patients versus 7.2% in those who had already lost ≥10% body weight before starting tirzepatide. Among patients who switched from semaglutide due to plateau, tirzepatide achieved 8.1% additional weight loss versus only 2.9% for true non-responders.

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Risk of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Bi Z, Jiao Z, Li J, Fang Z

This comprehensive meta-analysis examined the relationship between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and depression risk. The review synthesizes evidence from multiple randomized controlled trials and real-world studies to clarify whether GLP-1 RAs increase, decrease, or have no effect on depressive symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Outcomes of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: A Real-World Cohort Analysis

Nguefang GL, Boateng S, Gyabaah S, Issaka Y, Konlack JG, Landa EL, Eze E, Njei B

This real-world study of 1,391 propensity-matched pairs found that GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy in adults with both sickle cell disease and type 2 diabetes was associated with a 39% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (HR 0.61, p<0.00001), a 53% reduction in stroke risk (HR 0.47, p=0.036), and a 36% lower risk of vaso-occlusive crises (HR 0.64, p=0.013). Importantly, there was no increased risk of hypoglycemia.

Prospective Comparison of ⁶⁴Cu-SAR-bisPSMA vs ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer (Co-PSMA Trial)

Khan S, Papa N, Kneebone A, Eade T, Ayati N, et al.

In 50 men with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer (PSA 0.2-0.75 ng/ml), ⁶⁴Cu-bisPSMA PET/CT detected 2.63x more lesions than ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 (mean 1.26 vs 0.48 per patient, p<0.0001). 78% were positive on ⁶⁴Cu-bisPSMA versus 36% on ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA, with management changed in 44% of patients between scans.

Semaglutide Efficacy Varies Across Ancestries and Is Modulated by Genetic Variation in PTPRU

Haas R, Margolis MP, Wei A, Yamaguchi TN, et al.

Analysis of 93,936 participants from the UCLA ATLAS Community Health Initiative revealed that semaglutide efficacy varies across ancestry groups and is associated with polygenic scores for type 2 diabetes. The study identified that genetic variation in PTPRU modulates semaglutide response, providing the first pharmacogenomic insights into GLP-1 RA efficacy across diverse populations.

Tirzepatide/Semaglutide Weight Loss Intervention in Patients With Endometrial Cancer and Obesity

Bose S, Presswala L (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)

Memorial Sloan Kettering is conducting a pilot study evaluating tirzepatide (with semaglutide as alternative) for weight management in stage I-III endometrial cancer patients with obesity undergoing chemotherapy. The trial will assess feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of combining GLP-1/GIP agonist therapy with curative-intent chemotherapy.

Pilot Weight Loss Intervention With Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy in Patients With Endometrial Cancer and Obesity

Bose S (PI)

Memorial Sloan Kettering is conducting a pilot study evaluating weekly subcutaneous tirzepatide (2.5mg → 5mg) for weight management in stage I-III endometrial cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study will assess feasibility (≥70% dose completion), GI adverse events, and changes in body composition, weight, and blood pressure over 24 weeks.

Exposure-Adjusted Safety and Efficacy of GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonists for Weight Management and Type 2 Diabetes

Prasad A, Arora A, Arora A, Vaid J, Khan A

This comprehensive analysis of FDA regulatory data across 14 medications and over 34,000 safety subjects compared GLP-1 RAs, GLP-1/GIP dual agonists (tirzepatide), and older non-GLP weight loss agents using patient-exposure year normalization. GLP-1/GIP dual agonists demonstrated the greatest weight loss, with tirzepatide and liraglutide leading efficacy outcomes. Mortality rate ratios were favorable across most GLP-1 trials (RR 0.1-0.7) compared to non-GLP agents (RR 0.8).

Patterns of TSH Testing After GLP-1 RA Initiation in Patients on Levothyroxine: A Trial Emulation Study

Chen Y, Du F, Singh Ospina NM, Brito JP, Shao H, Liu Q, McCoy RG, Jiao T

Among 5,370 matched Medicare patients aged ≥65 with type 2 diabetes on stable levothyroxine, TSH testing patterns did not differ between GLP-1 RA initiators and SGLT-2 inhibitor users, despite the greater weight loss seen with GLP-1 RAs that could necessitate levothyroxine dose adjustments. Approximately 83% of both groups received TSH testing within 1 year, with mean time to testing of ~130 days.

Semaglutide for Metabolic Health in Severe Mental Illness: Psychiatrist-Led Clinic Outcomes

Stogios N, Prasad F, De R, Maksyutynska K, PrasannaKumar A, Korann V, Ahmed T, Sanches M, Burton L, Alarabi MA, Isinger T, Desanti M, Oliveira R, Korczak DJ, Graff-Guerrero A, Remington G, Hahn MK, Agarwal SM

In a large naturalistic cohort of 378 patients with severe mental illness attending a psychiatrist-led metabolic clinic, add-on semaglutide achieved ≥5% body weight loss in 77.8% of patients—the highest efficacy among all interventions tested (metformin 36.9%, topiramate 46.2%, nonpharmacological 34.9%). The number needed to treat for semaglutide was just 2, compared to 3 for other approaches.

Tirzepatide During Ramadan in People With Obesity Without Diabetes: A Critical Knowledge Gap

Monjur MR

This letter highlights the absence of clinical data on tirzepatide use during Ramadan fasting in patients with obesity without diabetes. Given that tirzepatide's once-weekly dosing, delayed gastric emptying effects, and appetite suppression may interact unpredictably with prolonged fasting periods, the author calls for dedicated pharmacokinetic and safety studies during religious fasting.

Adverse Effects Associated With Tirzepatide Use in Patients at Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

Sillassen CDB, Faltemeier P, Bjerg JL, Andersen RK, Petersen JJ, Andersen PB, Kamp CB, Karlsson F, Grand J, Dominguez H, Frølich A, Gæde P, Gluud C, Mathiesen O, Jakobsen JC

This comprehensive meta-analysis of 21 trials (8,043 participants) found no significant difference in all-cause mortality (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.57-1.81) or serious adverse events (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.82-1.17) between tirzepatide and placebo. However, tirzepatide was associated with increased gastrointestinal non-serious adverse events including nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and vomiting.

GLP-1 Analogs Activate AMP Kinase Leading to Reversal of the Warburg Effect in Breast Cancer Cells

Ligumsky H, Amir S, Arbel Rubinstein T, et al.

GLP-1 receptor agonists were shown to activate AMP kinase and reverse the Warburg metabolic switch in breast cancer cells, suggesting potential anti-cancer metabolic effects.

Dapagliflozin Combined with Liraglutide vs Monotherapy in Obese Patients with Heart Failure

Zhou G, Liu A, Hu X, et al.

Combination therapy of dapagliflozin (SGLT2 inhibitor) with liraglutide showed superior outcomes compared to monotherapy in obese patients with heart failure.

Prevalence of Obesity Medications in the Military Health System

Corrado RL, Meier M, Banaag A, et al.

Analysis of obesity medication prescribing patterns in the US Military Health System, showing growing adoption of GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated with Tirzepatide: A Pharmacovigilance Analysis

Shen P, Peng MS, Kim SJ, et al.

A bibliometric and pharmacovigilance analysis of tirzepatide's gastrointestinal side effects, providing real-world safety data from adverse event reporting systems.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Hypertension: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists as Emerging Therapy

Afzal M, Livesey A, Hameed MA, Mukherjee R

This review of obstructive sleep apnoea-related hypertension highlights GLP-1 receptor agonists as a promising emerging therapy alongside endothelin receptor antagonists. The authors note that GLP-1 RAs may address multiple pathophysiological mechanisms in OSA-related hypertension, including sympathetic overactivity and endothelial dysfunction, though further trials are needed.

Dual-Targeting Zein Janus Nanoparticles With M2pep Peptide for Glioblastoma Immunotherapy

Ma K, Liu Z, Chai S, Fang Q, Xu R, Zhu W, Liu Y, Zhang T, Guo Z, Cui C, Xu J, Guo S, Chen Y

Researchers developed M2pep peptide-functionalized Janus nanoparticles (Lf/M2pep@ZEN-DSF) that cross the blood-brain barrier and selectively target M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages in glioblastoma, repolarizing them to the tumoricidal M1 phenotype. In a 4T1 mouse model, the system achieved 89.7% anti-tumor rate when combined with anti-PD-L1 therapy.

IL-15 Plus Thymosin α1 Reduces Senescent Hepatic CD8+ T Cells in Liver Cancer via PI3K/AKT Suppression

Wu F, Guo Z, Guan J, et al.

The combination of IL-15 and thymosin α1 reduced senescent CD8+ T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma through PI3K/AKT pathway suppression, suggesting a novel immunotherapeutic approach.

Cell Surface Thiol-Disulfide Regulation in Cancer: Peptide-Based Theranostic Strategies

Lühle J, Seeberger PH, Moscovitz O

This comprehensive review examines how cancer cells exploit surface redox states to promote invasion and metastasis, and evaluates peptide-based targeting strategies including cyclic oligochalcogenides, cell-penetrating polydisulfides, and redox-sensitive antibodies for selective drug delivery to tumors.

Tirzepatide Reduces Body Weight by 21% in Adults with Obesity: SURMOUNT-1 Trial Results

Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al.

In a randomized controlled trial of 2,539 adults with obesity, tirzepatide at the highest dose (15mg) produced a mean weight reduction of 20.9% over 72 weeks, significantly outperforming placebo.

BPC-157 as Therapy for Severe Electrolyte Disturbances in Rats

Grubisic MM, Strbe S, Barisic I, et al.

BPC-157 demonstrated therapeutic effects against severe electrolyte disturbances in rats, suggesting a novel application for the peptide beyond tissue repair.

Thymosin α1-Induced IL-15/RA Secretion Restrains HIV Latency In Vitro

Chen C, Xun J, Wang J, et al.

Thymosin α1 induced dendritic cells to secrete IL-15/retinoic acid complex, which helped restrain HIV latency in vitro, suggesting a potential role in HIV cure strategies.

A Phase 2 Study to Evaluate LY3537021 for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Adults with Cancer

Eli Lilly and Company (Sponsor)

Eli Lilly is conducting a Phase 2 trial of LY3537021, a glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor agonist, for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The study is enrolling 204 adult cancer patients receiving cisplatin or anthracycline-cyclophosphamide (AC) chemotherapy, comparing LY3537021 + standard antiemetics vs. placebo + standard antiemetics. This represents a novel application of incretin-based peptides in supportive oncology care.

Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) for the Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors

Mejia A (Principal Investigator)

Methodist Health System is conducting a prospective registry study collecting real-world outcomes data on PRRT treatment for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). The study tracks patient characteristics, treatment responses, survival outcomes, and adverse events in patients treated with PRRT, including Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT imaging data. Enrollment target is 50 patients, currently recruiting at Dallas, TX.

Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) for the Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors

Methodist Health System Research Team

This ongoing observational study at Methodist Health System is collecting real-world data on treatment responses, survival outcomes, and adverse events in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (GEP-NET) patients treated with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). The study tracks patients for up to 7 years post-procedure.

A Phase 2 Study of LY3537021 for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (GIP Peptide Analog)

Eli Lilly and Company

This ongoing Phase 2 trial (n=204) evaluates LY3537021, a glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) analog, as add-on to standard antiemetic therapies for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in adults receiving cisplatin or anthracycline/cyclophosphamide regimens. The primary endpoint is complete response in the delayed CINV phase (24-120 hours post-chemotherapy).

Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes: SELECT Trial

Lincoff AM, Brown-Frandsen K, Colhoun HM, et al.

In 17,604 patients with obesity and established cardiovascular disease (without diabetes), semaglutide 2.4mg reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% over 3.3 years.

BPC-157 Accelerates Achilles Tendon Healing in Rats

Staresinic M, Sebecic B, Patrlj L, et al.

BPC-157 improved functional recovery and biomechanical properties of transected Achilles tendons in rats, with enhanced angiogenesis and reduced inflammation.

The Hunger-Blocking Peptide: LEAP2 Reduces Food Intake and Blunts Blood Sugar Spikes in Men With Obesity

A clinical study published in Diabetes demonstrates that liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2), a natural ghrelin receptor antagonist, significantly reduces ad libitum food intake and attenuates postprandial glucose excursions in men with obesity — opening a new frontier in appetite-regulating peptide therapeutics.

Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-6 (GHRP-6) Ameliorates Post-Infarct Ventricular Remodeling and Systolic Dysfunction

Wang L, Rodriguez-Ulloa A, Berlanga-Acosta J, García-Ojalvo A, Abreu-Cruz A, Gonzalez-López LJ, Besada-López V, Ramos-Gómez Y, Guillén-Nieto G, Jiang B

In a permanent coronary ligation model of myocardial infarction in rats, GHRP-6 administration (0.4 mg/kg) for 7 days post-infarct significantly attenuated myocardial tissue death, reduced interstitial fibrosis, and improved left ventricular systolic function. Mitochondrial proteomic analysis revealed upregulation of fatty acid beta-oxidation, anti-apoptotic pathways, and antioxidant defenses.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Platelet Function: Potential Benefits Beyond Glycemic Control

Xanthopoulou M et al.

This review synthesizes preclinical and clinical evidence showing that GLP-1 RAs may reduce platelet activation through both receptor-dependent and independent mechanisms, including cAMP signaling, increased nitric oxide bioavailability, and suppression of thromboxane-mediated pathways. Clinical studies, while limited, support a reduction in platelet activation markers independent of glycemic control or weight loss.

Hexarelin Promotes Survival of Retinal Ganglion Cells After Optic Nerve Injury

Chow KBS

Hexarelin, a growth hormone secretagogue, promoted survival of retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve transection, suggesting neuroprotective applications.

GLP-1 Drugs, Gastrointestinal Function and Critical Illness

Nadkarni A, Deane AM, Plummer MP

This review addresses the peri-operative and ICU management of patients on long-acting GLP-1 therapy, concluding that pulmonary aspiration risk is low and not clearly elevated peri-operatively. The authors recommend gastric ultrasound and prokinetic therapy as management tools, and note that GLP-1 therapy does not clearly increase risk of small bowel obstruction or acute pancreatitis.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Beyond Diabetes and Weight: What an Umbrella Review of 60 Meta-Analyses Reveals

A comprehensive umbrella review published in JAMA Network Open evaluates GLP-1 receptor agonist associations with 116 noncardiometabolic outcomes, finding potential protective effects against serious infections and respiratory disease alongside known gastrointestinal side effects.

BPC-157 Review: Tendon, Ligament, and Muscle Injury Therapy Perspectives

Matek D, Matek I, Japjec M, et al.

Comprehensive review of BPC-157's therapeutic potential for tendon, ligament, muscle, and osteotendinous injuries, including growth factor interactions.

Thymalfasin Plus Neoadjuvant Immunochemotherapy in Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer

Xu H, Li F, Li B, et al.

Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy combined with thymalfasin showed promising results in locally advanced gastric cancer, enhancing immune response in the tumor microenvironment.

How Bioactive Collagen Peptides Improve Skin Health Through Immune Modulation

A randomized controlled trial published in Dermatology and Therapy reveals that bioactive collagen peptides improve skin health in middle-aged women not just through structural support, but via measurable immune-modulatory mechanisms — challenging the simplistic view of collagen supplements.