By the Peptigo Research Team · Published April 22, 2026 · Last reviewed April 23, 2026 · 10 minute read
On April 20, 2026, Steven Bartlett released a 90-minute Diary of a CEO episode with Dr. Alex Tatem, a board-certified urologist who has spent twelve years working with peptides clinically and academically. The conversation is dense for a reason. Tatem walked through roughly two dozen specific compounds by name, laid out the 2023 FDA reclassification that pulled 19 of them off the 503A compounding list, and pointed at the July 2026 PCAC meeting where roughly a dozen more are up for review.
If you listened to that episode and arrived here to figure out what any of it meant, this page is the map. One section per peptide. No white papers and no hype, just the compound, the research context in plain English, and where each one sits in the Peptigo catalog.
What actually happened with the FDA
Peptides used to be available through compounding pharmacies under a regulatory framework called 503A. A licensed doctor could write a script and a compounding pharmacy could mix a custom dose. That framework covered BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, and about sixteen others.
In 2023, as Tatem describes it, the FDA “switched 19 popular peptides to category 2.” Overnight. The official reason was “insufficient data,” despite most of these compounds having a decade-plus of use.
Here’s what Tatem argues — and note that this is his framing, not ours: Big Pharma had no patent path on peptides (a 2013 Supreme Court ruling made naturally-occurring sequences unpatentable), so the only way to protect billion-dollar GLP-1 franchises like Ozempic and Mounjaro was to pressure regulators into shutting down compounded versions. In Tatem’s words, the mechanism was “calling your friend at the FDA and getting him to step on the competition.”
What’s actually happened since then:
- September 20, 2024 — the FDA formally removed five peptides from Category 2: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin acetate, Thymosin Alpha-1, AOD-9604, and Selank acetate. They are back on the 503A list and available through compounding.
- February 27, 2026 — HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a further ~14 peptides would be reclassified. Tatem references this in the episode, characterizing the 2023 move as “illegal” per Kennedy’s position.
- July 2026 — the next FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) meeting reviews a larger batch. Healthcare regulatory analysts grade BPC-157 and TB-500 as “contested middle,” KPV and MOTS-C as likely to clear, and DSIP and Epitalon as unlikely.
That July meeting is the “news event” Tatem keeps pointing to in the episode.
Tissue repair and injury research
BPC-157
What Tatem said: It “enhances blood vessel growth in areas of injury.”
BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid fragment originally isolated from human gastric juice. In animal models, peer-reviewed literature has examined its effects on tendon, ligament, and gut-lining repair — the working hypothesis is that it modulates angiogenesis signaling in damaged tissue (Sikiric et al., World J Gastroenterol, 2020). It’s the single most-named peptide in the injury-research conversation and is one of the compounds up for review in July 2026.
In our catalog: BPC-157 · BPC-157 / TB-500 Blend
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
What Tatem said: It “improves blood flow to an injured area.”
TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring protein that accumulates at wound sites. In research literature it’s frequently paired with BPC-157 because the two act through different mechanisms — BPC-157 on angiogenic pathways, TB-500 on actin binding and cellular migration. Also under July 2026 PCAC review.
In our catalog: TB-500 · BPC-157 / TB-500 Blend
KPV
What Tatem said: It’s “linked to angiogenesis and tissue repair.”
KPV is a three-amino-acid fragment of alpha-MSH, a hormone your body uses to modulate inflammation. Most of the research literature is GI-focused — animal models of colitis and inflammatory bowel disease — and analysts grade it as one of the more likely peptides to clear review in July.
In our catalog: KPV · Klow Blend
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
What Tatem said: It naturally “[decreases] in expression and concentration as we age.”
GHK-Cu is a copper-bound tripeptide discovered in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart. Plasma concentrations are documented at roughly 200 ng/mL in 20-year-olds and 80 ng/mL by age 60 (Pickart & Margolina, Biomed Res Int, 2018). In vitro research examines its relationship with collagen synthesis pathways — it’s the peptide behind most of the “copper peptide” serums in the cosmetics aisle.
In our catalog: GHK-Cu · Glow Blend
Brain, sleep, and cognition
Selank
What Tatem said: It “can help calm you as you’re going to sleep.”
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed in Russia in the 1990s as a non-sedating anxiolytic — an anti-anxiety compound that doesn’t cause drowsiness. In the episode, Tatem suggests administration about an hour before bed and links it to delta brainwave activity during sleep. Importantly: Selank was one of the five peptides formally removed from Category 2 in September 2024, so its regulatory status is cleaner than most on this list.
In our catalog: Selank
Semax
What Tatem said: It’s “a 7-amino acid peptide, when administered after a TBI…”
Semax came from the same Russian peptide research program as Selank. It’s typically delivered intranasally (nasal spray) and has been examined for traumatic brain injury, stroke recovery, and cognitive performance. Research literature suggests it modulates BDNF expression in animal models. Caveat worth knowing: the vast majority of peer-reviewed research on Semax comes from Russian institutions and has limited Western replication.
In our catalog: Semax
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)
What Tatem said: It’s “helpful with regulating your circadian rhythm.”
DSIP was first isolated from rabbit brain tissue in 1977. The name is literal — it was discovered because it induced delta-wave sleep in experimental models. Part of the July 2026 PCAC review. Not currently in our catalog.
C-Max (Cerebrolysin family)
Tatem references C-Max as a cognitive-support option alongside DSIP and Epitalon. It is part of the July 2026 PCAC review batch. Not currently in our catalog.
Longevity & energy
Epitalon (Epithalon)
What Tatem said: It “works to enhance telomerase.”
Epitalon is a four-amino-acid peptide developed by Russian gerontologist Dr. Vladimir Khavinson. Telomerase is the enzyme that maintains telomeres — the protective caps on chromosomes. The proposed mechanism involves telomerase activity, which research literature connects to cellular division capacity (Khavinson, Neuroendocrinol Lett, 2002). Khavinson’s lab has been publishing on it for four decades.
In our catalog: Epitalon
MOTS-C
What Tatem said: It’s “exercise in a vial. It improves your VO2 max.”
MOTS-C is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA — your cells’ energy factories. Research has focused on metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity, and exercise-like effects at the mitochondrial level. Analysts grade it as likely to clear the July 2026 review.
In our catalog: MOTS-C
GLP-1 and metabolic research
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy)
What Tatem said: It works by “slowing gastric emptying…glucose doesn’t spike.”
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. It mimics GLP-1, a hormone the gut releases after eating. The drug slows digestion, keeps blood sugar steady, and reduces appetite. It’s the compound that turned GLP-1 into a household term.
In our catalog: Semaglutide
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound)
What Tatem said: It “produces more weight loss per milligram than any product.”
Tirzepatide is a dual agonist — it targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. That second mechanism is why, milligram-for-milligram, it outperforms semaglutide in SURPASS/SURMOUNT trial data. It’s the compound behind Mounjaro and Zepbound.
In our catalog: Tirzepatide
Retatrutide
What Tatem said: It’s “the first 3-receptor agonist GLP-1 drug.”
Retatrutide is Eli Lilly’s next-generation metabolic-research compound. It activates three receptors: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. Phase 2 data published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Jastreboff et al., 2023) showed 24.2% mean body weight reduction at 48 weeks, with notable liver-fat reductions. Tatem calls it a potential “trillion-dollar drug.” Phase 3 is underway.
In our catalog: Retatrutide
Growth hormone axis
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin
What Tatem said about CJC-1295: A “growth hormone releasing hormone derivative.”
What Tatem said about Ipamorelin: A “ghrelin receptor agonist.”
These two are almost always discussed as a pair. CJC-1295 is a long-acting synthetic version of GHRH (the hormone your hypothalamus uses to signal the pituitary to release growth hormone). Ipamorelin activates GH release through a separate pathway — the ghrelin receptor — but is notable for not causing significant hunger. Both were formally removed from Category 2 in September 2024 and are back on the 503A list.
In our catalog: CJC-1295 · CJC-1295 with DAC · Ipamorelin
Tesamorelin
What Tatem said: Tatem describes Tesamorelin as “uniquely good at stripping abdominal fat.”
A synthetic GHRH analog, FDA-approved for HIV-associated visceral fat (brand: Egrifta). Available by prescription. In the episode, Tatem notes the effect reverses if administration stops and lifestyle doesn’t change.
In our catalog (research use): Tesamorelin 10mg
MK-677, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, IGF-1 LR3, Somatotropin
Tatem groups these under the growth-hormone-axis conversation. MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is technically a small molecule, not a peptide, but it shares the ghrelin-receptor mechanism. GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 are older growth-hormone-releasing peptides in the same family as Ipamorelin. IGF-1 LR3 is a modified, longer-acting version of IGF-1, the downstream hormone that growth hormone triggers. Somatotropin is another name for human growth hormone itself (medically regulated, prescription only).
In our catalog (research use): MK-677 5mg · IGF-1 LR3 1mg · HGH 10IU Kit
Sexual health
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
What Tatem said: It’s “a commercial product right now that you can write as a prescription.”
A melanocortin receptor agonist derived from Melanotan-2 but engineered to deliver sexual-response effects without the skin-tanning side effect. Sold as Vyleesi. Prescription.
Melanotan-2
What Tatem said: “Melanocortin receptor agonist…give you a deep tan.”
The parent compound PT-141 was derived from. Produces tanning and sexual-response effects. Tatem flags a specific safety concern: it can stimulate existing melanocyte activity, which matters if you have any questionable moles and is the main reason PT-141 was engineered as a cleaner alternative.
In our catalog (research use): Melanotan II 10mg
Historical examples Tatem cited
Tatem’s rhetorical move throughout the episode is to remind listeners that peptides aren’t fringe — they’ve been mainstream pharmacology for a century. His three historical examples: Insulin (1921, “the first peptide that was actually isolated and used in medicine”), Oxytocin (a prescribable peptide still in wide clinical use), and Leuprolide (FDA-approved in 1985, “designed to shut down the production of testosterone for prostate cancer patients”). The point: peptide medicine is older than most people realize.
What “research use only” actually means
Every product on Peptigo is labeled research use only. That’s not hedging — it’s the legal reality under the current 503A / Category 2 framework.
The short version: these compounds are sold for laboratory and research purposes. They’re not prescribed, they’re not recommended for human use, and nothing on this site constitutes medical advice. If you’re interested in a peptide protocol for yourself, the right path is a conversation with a licensed physician familiar with peptide medicine — ideally one who can work with a 503A compounding pharmacy on the compounds where that’s an option.
FAQ
Who is Dr. Alex Tatem?
A board-certified urologist who runs a men’s health clinic and has studied peptides for twelve years. He hosts a YouTube channel on peptide medicine. The Diary of a CEO interview aired April 20, 2026.
What did the FDA ban in 2023?
The FDA moved 19 compounds from Category 1 (compoundable) to Category 2 (not compoundable). The list included BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, MOTS-C, DSIP, Epithalon, C-Max, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, and others. Tatem’s critique in the episode is that the reclassification happened without the adverse-event data that would normally justify it.
Which peptides have actually come off Category 2?
Five peptides were formally removed from Category 2 on September 20, 2024: CJC-1295, Ipamorelin acetate, Thymosin Alpha-1, AOD-9604, and Selank acetate. These are back on the 503A list and available through compounding pharmacies with a valid prescription.
Is BPC-157 legal in the United States?
As of April 2026, BPC-157 is classified Category 2 — restricted from compounding pharmacy use with a prescription. It remains available for laboratory research use. BPC-157 is one of the compounds under review at the July 2026 PCAC meeting, where regulatory analysts rate its chances of relegalization as “contested middle.”
What is the July 2026 PCAC meeting?
PCAC is the FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee. The July 2026 meeting is the next scheduled review of peptides for movement between Category 1 and Category 2. Per Tatem and HHS Secretary RFK Jr.’s February 2026 announcement, roughly a dozen compounds are up for reconsideration.
Which peptides did Dr. Tatem personally recommend?
Tatem emphasizes that peptide selection should be individualized and physician-supervised. In the episode he speaks most favorably about GLP-1 compounds (semaglutide, tirzepatide) for metabolic applications, BPC-157 and TB-500 for injury contexts, GHK-Cu for skin research, Epitalon for longevity research, and Selank for sleep and calming applications.
What’s the difference between a peptide and a regular drug?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the same building blocks proteins are made of. They tend to act on very specific receptors. Most small-molecule drugs are chemically synthesized compounds that often act on multiple targets. Tatem uses Leuprolide and Insulin as examples of peptides’ specificity.
Quick reference: every compound Tatem mentioned
| Peptide | Research category | Category 2 status (Apr 2026) | In Peptigo catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | Tissue repair / injury research | Category 2 — up for review July 2026 | Yes |
| TB-500 | Tissue repair / injury research | Category 2 — up for review July 2026 | Yes |
| KPV | Anti-inflammatory | Category 2 — up for review July 2026 | Yes |
| GHK-Cu | Skin / copper peptide | Topical widely available | Yes |
| Selank | Anxiolytic / sleep | Removed from Cat 2, Sept 2024 | Yes |
| Semax | Cognition | Research-use restricted | Yes |
| Epitalon | Telomerase / longevity | Category 2 — contested review | Yes |
| MOTS-C | Mitochondrial / metabolic | Category 2 — up for review | Yes |
| DSIP | Sleep | Category 2 — contested review | No |
| C-Max | Cognition | Category 2 | No |
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 / metabolic research | Rx (Ozempic/Wegovy) | Yes |
| Tirzepatide | GLP-1 + GIP | Rx (Mounjaro/Zepbound) | Yes |
| Retatrutide | Triple agonist | Phase 3, pending approval | Yes |
| Thymosin Alpha-1 | Immune | Removed from Cat 2, Sept 2024 | Yes |
| AOD-9604 | Metabolic research | Removed from Cat 2, Sept 2024 | Yes |
| CJC-1295 | GHRH analog | Removed from Cat 2, Sept 2024 | Yes |
| Ipamorelin | GH secretagogue | Removed from Cat 2, Sept 2024 | Yes |
| Tesamorelin | GHRH analog / lipodystrophy | Rx (Egrifta) | Yes |
| MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | GH secretagogue (small molecule) | Category 2 — under review | Yes |
| IGF-1 LR3 | GH downstream / long-acting | Research-use restricted | Yes |
| HGH (Somatotropin) | Growth hormone (kits) | Rx | Yes |
| Melanotan II | Melanocortin agonist | Research-use restricted | Yes |
Related Reading
- Peptides for muscle growth
- Peptides for weight loss: what the research shows
- BPC-157 vs TB-500
- Are peptides legal in 2026?
Sources
- Diary of a CEO — The Peptide Expert: Big Pharma Are Hiding This Powerful Peptide From You! (April 20, 2026)
- Episode transcript — Singju Post
- FDA Bulk Drug Substances — Category 2 list
- The Category 2 Peptide Unwind — OnHealthcare.tech (April 16, 2026)
- Regulatory Status of Popular Compounded Peptides — Holt Law
- Peer-reviewed literature referenced: Sikiric et al. World J Gastroenterol 2020 (BPC-157); Pickart & Margolina Biomed Res Int 2018 (GHK-Cu); Khavinson Neuroendocrinol Lett 2002 (Epitalon); Jastreboff et al. NEJM 2023 (Retatrutide).
Disclaimer: This article summarizes a podcast conversation and regulatory context for educational purposes. Nothing here is medical advice. All Peptigo products are sold for laboratory and research use only. Consult a licensed physician before any health-related decision.