Peptide Therapy

Technically, many hormones are peptides — insulin, GLP-1, and oxytocin are all peptide hormones. In clinical usage, peptide therapy typically refers to non-hormonal peptides that signal specific biological pathways rather than serving as primary hormones. They tend to act as modulators — stimulating or inhibiting specific processes — rather than serving as the primary signaling molecule themselves. This distinction matters clinically because peptides can influence pathways like growth hormone secretion without directly administering growth hormone.

Some therapeutic peptides have FDA-approved indications — for example, PT-141 (bremelanotide/Vyleesi) is FDA-approved for HSDD in premenopausal women. GLP-1 medications are peptide-based and are FDA-approved for diabetes and weight management. However, many peptides discussed in the longevity and functional medicine community — including BPC-157, CJC-1295, ipamorelin, and others — do not have specific FDA approval for their studied indications and exist in a regulatory gray area. SPOKEmed approaches peptide therapy with clinical rigor and transparency about regulatory status.

Most research-grade therapeutic peptides are administered via subcutaneous injection due to their fragility — most peptides are rapidly degraded by digestive enzymes when taken orally. Some peptides are available in intranasal, oral (specially formulated), or topical forms. Injection protocols vary by peptide — some are daily, some are cycled, and some are dosed based on clinical response. SPOKEmed provides complete protocol guidance including administration training for all peptide prescriptions.