The Longevity Registry

§ — Researched for · Muscle, body composition & growth hormone axis

Peptides researched for muscle, body composition & growth hormone axis

Growth-hormone-axis peptides — sermorelin, CJC-1295, ipamorelin, tesamorelin — reliably raise GH and IGF-1 in humans. What none of them has shown in controlled trials is the fat loss, muscle gain or 'anti-aging' outcome that marketing attaches to them, and only tesamorelin holds an FDA approval, for a narrow HIV-related indication.

A
Approved drug with randomized controlled trials for the approved indication
B
Human clinical data exists, but no approval for the researched use
C
Animal or in-vitro data only, no controlled human trials
D
No published clinical data; use rests on anecdote

Reviewed October 2026 · Sources: FDA, EMA

02 — What is being studied

The research field, in plain terms.

The field studies secretagogues: molecules that prompt the pituitary to release its own growth hormone rather than replacing it. The pharmacological endpoints — peak GH, 24-hour GH output, IGF-1 concentration — are well characterised in phase 1 and phase 2 work going back to the 1990s. On those measures the class does what it is described as doing.

The clinical endpoints are the open question. Lean mass measured by DEXA, visceral fat, strength, and any functional outcome in healthy adults have not been established in controlled trials for sermorelin, CJC-1295 or ipamorelin. Tesamorelin is the exception with trial-backed visceral fat reduction, and only in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Raising a hormone is a laboratory result; changing body composition or function is a clinical result, and the second has not followed from the first in published data as of October 2026.

03 — The table

Every peptide in this group, with its status.

PeptideResearched forEvidenceRegulatory statusAs of
SermorelinGrowth hormone deficiency; GH axis stimulation in adults.APreviously FDA-approved as Geref; the product was discontinued in 2008 for commercial reasons. It is not marketed as an approved product today. Some pharmacies compound it; whether a given preparation has a lawful basis is a question for the dispensing pharmacy.2026-10-22
TesamorelinVisceral fat reduction in HIV lipodystrophy; NAFLD; cognitive function in older adults.AFDA-approved (Egrifta) for reduction of excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Use for any other purpose is off-label.2026-10-22
CJC-1295Sustained growth hormone and IGF-1 elevation in adults; body composition.BNot FDA-approved. Its nomination was withdrawn and it left 503A Category 2 in September 2024. The advisory committee reviewed it on December 4, 2024, and did not recommend it for the 503A Bulks List. It cannot be compounded under section 503A.2026-10-22
IpamorelinPostoperative ileus (a completed phase 2 program); growth hormone release.BNot FDA-approved. Its nomination was withdrawn and it left 503A Category 2 in September 2024. The advisory committee reviewed it on October 29, 2024, and did not recommend it for the 503A Bulks List. It cannot be compounded under section 503A.2026-10-22

04 — Per peptide

Status first, then research.

A

Sermorelin

Regulatory status · United States · as of October 2026

Previously FDA-approved as Geref; the product was discontinued in 2008 for commercial reasons. It is not marketed as an approved product today. Some pharmacies compound it; whether a given preparation has a lawful basis is a question for the dispensing pharmacy.

Source: FDA 503A Bulks List · PCAC meeting records · verified October 2026

Researched forGrowth hormone deficiency; GH axis stimulation in adults.

Full profile: Sermorelin →
A

Tesamorelin

Regulatory status · United States · as of October 2026

FDA-approved (Egrifta) for reduction of excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Use for any other purpose is off-label.

Source: FDA 503A Bulks List · PCAC meeting records · verified October 2026

Researched forVisceral fat reduction in HIV lipodystrophy; NAFLD; cognitive function in older adults.

Full profile: Tesamorelin →
B

CJC-1295

Regulatory status · United States · as of October 2026

Not FDA-approved. Its nomination was withdrawn and it left 503A Category 2 in September 2024. The advisory committee reviewed it on December 4, 2024, and did not recommend it for the 503A Bulks List. It cannot be compounded under section 503A.

Source: FDA 503A Bulks List · PCAC meeting records · verified October 2026

Researched forSustained growth hormone and IGF-1 elevation in adults; body composition.

Full profile: CJC-1295 →
B

Ipamorelin

Regulatory status · United States · as of October 2026

Not FDA-approved. Its nomination was withdrawn and it left 503A Category 2 in September 2024. The advisory committee reviewed it on October 29, 2024, and did not recommend it for the 503A Bulks List. It cannot be compounded under section 503A.

Source: FDA 503A Bulks List · PCAC meeting records · verified October 2026

Researched forPostoperative ileus (a completed phase 2 program); growth hormone release.

Full profile: Ipamorelin →

05 — What the data does not show

The limits of this group.

Fat loss, lean mass gain and any anti-aging outcome in healthy adults have not been shown in controlled trials for any GH-axis peptide.

06 — Questions for your physician

Six questions worth printing.

  1. 01What is your primary board certification, and in what year did you obtain it?
  2. 02Is this peptide approved for what you are prescribing it for — and if not, what is the legal basis on which you are supplying it?
  3. 03Which human trials support this use, and what were their size and duration?
  4. 04Where does the product come from, and can you show me a certificate of analysis for this batch?
  5. 05What outcome will we measure, when, and what happens if it does not improve?
  6. 06What is the total cost for the first three months, in writing?

Practices near you that offer peptide therapy

Every practice in the registry that lists peptide therapy, sorted by distance and nothing else. You contact the practice directly.

360 MD Austin

Austin, TX

Focus matches this goal: Concierge / Membership Model, Functional Medicine, GLP-1 / Medical Weight Management

Physician credentials on file

View profile →Practice website ↗

AgeReversalMD

La Jolla, CA

Focus matches this goal: Biological Age & Epigenetics, Cognition & Brain Health, Functional Medicine

No physician listed on the practice website

View profile →Practice website ↗

Amped MD Chandler

Chandler, AZ

Focus matches this goal: CGM / Metabolic Diagnostics, Concierge / Membership Model, DEXA / Body Composition

Physician credentials on file

View profile →Practice website ↗

Ana Casas M.D. Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine

Alpharetta, GA

Focus matches this goal: Advanced Blood Biomarkers, Cancer Screening & Early Detection, Cognition & Brain Health

Physician credentials on file

View profile →Practice website ↗

Anatara Medicine

San Francisco, CA

Focus matches this goal: Advanced Blood Biomarkers, Biological Age & Epigenetics, Cognition & Brain Health

Ahvie Herskowitz, MD · Ann Lee, MD

View profile →Practice website ↗

Anazao MD

Steamboat Springs, CO

Focus matches this goal: Cognition & Brain Health, Concierge / Membership Model, DEXA / Body Composition

Physician credentials on file

View profile →Practice website ↗

Listed for transparency, not as an endorsement of any practice, substance or protocol. Most peptides are not FDA-approved for the uses they are offered for.

Reviewed October 2026 · Sources: FDA, EMA

This page reports on the state of research and regulation for orientation. It is not medical advice, not a recommendation for or against any substance, and not an offer. Regulatory status changes; the date shown is the date of our last verification. Discuss any treatment with a licensed physician.

Most peptides used in longevity practice are not FDA-approved for these uses. Check the status of each substance first.

Practices that offer peptide therapy

All 90 practices nationwide →Las Vegas, NV (3)Naples, FL (3)Newport Beach, CA (4)Orlando, FL (3)St. Petersburg, FL (3)