Peptides as Building Blocks to Robust Longevity – an Interview with Ryan Smith – Episode 20

Peptides are a grouping of 50 or fewer amino acids (more than 50 is a protein). Peptides are natural substances, though those covered in the show are variations on the naturally occurring versions. They can be beneficial in many ways, often amplifying the body’s ability to heal itself.

They discuss the history of the use of peptides in a medical environment, as well as the future of peptides becoming available commercially in the U.S., with over 7,000 in clinical development currently. Cancer research is one of the leading development areas for peptides (ALRN-6924 is one of the prominent ones studied). Antimicrobial research is also being done to potentially create new antibiotics.

There are different methods of delivering peptides to the body. They are not very bioavailable orally and are prone to hydrolysis, so injection is the best for the majority of peptides.

They explore some of the benefits of peptides over traditional medications, such as allergic reaction is limited with peptides, and neither the kidneys nor liver have to process them like traditional medications require. They also consider the potential side effects of using peptides.

They warn against purchasing peptides from online companies, as many of them are produced overseas in bulk without any regulation, often not containing what they claim. The only safe way to get access to peptides is through a reputable doctor who practices integrative medicine, with access to compounding pharmacies like Tailor Made Compounding.

Some of the peptides covered on the show:

Human growth hormone (HGH) secretagogues like Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Sermorelin and Tesamorelin encourage the pituitary gland to increase HGH production. They also explain the significant risks of using human growth hormone therapy directly.

GLP-1 and Semaglutide could be used for diabetes treatment.

Melanotan 2 stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin, causing a tanned appearance of the skin.

Epitalon resets the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, with a number of potential positive effects on disease states, possibly helping to lengthen or preserve the length of telomeres, increases melatonin for better sleep and more. 

BPC-157 is orally bioavailable, unlike most peptides, with a variety of reported benefits. This includes helping with neural inflammation, muscle improvement, improved immunity, improved collagen synthesis, increased bone density and accelerated recovery/healing. It is most often used clinically to treat gut and bowel issues and tendon and ligament repair.

Thymosin beta-4 is beneficial for soft tissue injury by increasing blood flow to the area, encouraging healing.

Thymosin alpha 1 is FDA approved (commercially available as ZADAXIN™ for treatment of viral hepatitis), encouraging increased immune response to some cancers, Lyme disease and sexually transmitted diseases.

PT-141 has a benefit for treating some erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction.

Follistatin (actually a protein, not a peptide) has the potential to inhibit myostatin, which prevents muscle breakdown.

Cerebrolysin is a combination of peptides with potential useful for brain repair in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and strokes.

Selank and Semax are Russian peptides that are nasally bioavailable that have been reported to help with anxiety.

MIF-1, ACTH, Dihexa have limited research but have been considered to help with depression, bipolar disorder and PTSD.

IGF1 has nerve regenerative capabilities.

GDF11 may be beneficial in tissue repair, so useful in anti-aging, but with potential health drawbacks.

About the guest:

Ryan Smith attended Transylvania University and double majored in Philosophy and Biochemistry. In that time, he had multiple research internships at the University of Kentucky and University of Pennsylvania, studying large scale protein synthesis and physical chemistry. After graduation, he attended medical school at the University of Kentucky for 2 years.  

After finishing all the educational curriculum and passing USMLE Step 1, he decided to leave and help open up a pharmacy in the United States that focuses on peptide synthesis and formulations for pharmaceutical preparations. Since that time, Tailor Made Compoundinghas become licensed in over 45 states and territories, including Dubai, and has become the leader in the compounding of peptides and proteins for pharmaceutical use. 

Follow Tailor Made Compounding on Facebook @TailorMadeCompounding

 and Twitter @TMCompounding.