Peptides

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Los Angeles and Lancaster, CA or by virtual appointment.

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids. Peptide treatments are designed to interact with specific biological signaling pathways in the body. Depending on the specific peptide, emerging research has explored potential roles in tissue repair, inflammatory pathways, metabolism, skin health, collagen production, and recovery. (1)

Dr. Sean Satey expertly tailors peptide protocols to each patient’s individual health goals, medical history, and treatment needs.

Learn more about emerging peptide therapies by calling (424) 500-3320 or contacting us online.

About Peptides

Peptides are naturally produced in the body and can be synthetically formulated. There are more than 7,000 peptides in the human body, with more being discovered. Some are well-known, like insulin and GLP-1s, and many more continue to be researched and discovered. Peptide therapy is a rapidly emerging field with growing research into potential restorative, metabolic, regenerative, and wellness applications.

Peptides have various action mechanisms that allow them to work in different pathways. Different peptides interact with different signaling pathways that have been studied in areas ranging from tissue regeneration to collagen production. Numerous peptide-based medications have received FDA approval for specific medical indications, while many other peptides remain investigational and continue to be studied. Regulatory status, available evidence, and permitted uses vary significantly among individual peptides and formulations. (2)

Emerging peptides being studied for regenerative, recovery, and skin-related applications include:

Important: Some of the peptides discussed below are investigational and are not FDA-approved for the uses described. Available evidence varies by peptide and may include laboratory, animal, observational, or limited human studies. Potential benefits, risks, and appropriate use should be evaluated individually by a qualified medical professional.

GHK-Cu

Copper Tripeptide-1, known as GHK-Cu, is a small, naturally-occurring peptide that tightly binds to the copper ions needed to build skin, blood vessels, and nerves. As the body ages, GHK-Cu levels drop by up to 60%, slowing down the body’s repair processes. GHK-Cu is a widely studied peptide that has been investigated for potential effects involving skin health, tissue remodeling, collagen production, and other age-related biological processes. (3)

Research involving GHK-Cu has examined several potential mechanisms, including copper transport, inflammatory signaling, and pathways involved in collagen and elastin production. These mechanisms have generated interest in GHK-Cu for supporting skin quality, elasticity, firmness, and overall skin appearance.

BPC-157

Body Protection Compound-157 (BPC-157) is made of a chain of 15 amino acids. (4) BPC-157 has attracted significant research interest for its potential role in pathways involved in tendon, ligament, muscle, and other soft-tissue repair, as well as inflammatory signaling. (5)

Preclinical research has proposed several mechanisms through which BPC-157 may influence tissue-repair pathways, including angiogenesis, fibroblast activity, cell migration, collagen production, nitric oxide signaling, and growth hormone receptor expression. Human clinical research remains limited, and BPC-157 is not FDA-approved for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries or other medical conditions.

TB-500

TB-500 is a string of seven amino acids, specifically the Ac-LKKTETQ fragment within the larger thymosin beta-4. (6) TB-500 has been studied primarily in preclinical research for potential effects involving cell migration, soft-tissue repair, muscle recovery, inflammatory pathways, and blood-vessel formation. These mechanisms have generated interest in its potential role in mobility and recovery. One proposed mechanism involves its interaction with actin, a cellular protein involved in cell movement and tissue-repair processes. (7) Human clinical evidence involving TB-500 remains very limited, and it is not FDA-approved for these uses.

Glow

Glow is a protocol combining GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500, three peptides being studied for their potential roles in skin health, inflammatory signaling, tissue-repair pathways, and recovery. This combination is designed for patients seeking support for skin quality, exercise recovery, and overall tissue health. When used together, these peptides are intended to support pathways associated with exercise recovery, tissue health, and skin quality, although individual responses vary and clinical evidence regarding the combination remains limited.

Wolverine

Wolverine blends BPC-157 and TB-500. It is informally named after the famous Marvel X-Men character known for his rapid regeneration. The Wolverine protocol combines BPC-157 and TB-500 based on emerging research examining pathways associated with tissue repair, inflammatory signaling, and recovery. It is commonly discussed in regenerative and performance-medicine settings for individuals interested in supporting recovery from physical activity and soft-tissue stress. Clinical evidence remains limited, and the combination is investigational.

Potential Benefits and Areas of Research

Depending on the specific peptide and individual treatment plan, emerging research and clinical use have focused on areas including:

  • Support for skin health
  • Modulation of tissue-repair pathways
  • Exercise and recovery support
  • Collagen and skin-quality pathways
  • Regulation of inflammatory pathways
  • Metabolic health and body composition
  • Maintenance of lean muscle
  • Sleep and recovery optimization

Candidates

Depending on the specific peptide being considered, peptide-based wellness protocols may be discussed with generally healthy adults interested in optimization or support in areas such as:

  • Recovery following physical activity
  • Recovery following injury or surgery, when medically appropriate
  • Healthy aging
  • Skin health and appearance
  • Energy and wellness optimization
  • Exercise recovery
  • Metabolic health
  • Body-composition goals

Personal Consultation

Dr. Satey will meet with you during your personal consultation to fully discuss what peptides may support your health goals. Together, you will review your medical history, current medications, your concerns, and what you are hoping to achieve. Dr. Satey will then perform a medical evaluation to fully understand your body’s individual needs.

From there, he will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual goals and medical needs. Dr. Satey will provide thorough education regarding proper subcutaneous self-injection technique, storage, potential side effects, expectations, and follow-up timing.

Learn more about whether peptide therapy may be appropriate for your wellness goals by scheduling your personal consultation with Dr. Satey today. To schedule, call (424) 500-3320 or contact us online.

Preparation

You will receive specific preparation instructions in your customized treatment plan to optimize your results. Instructions often include:

  • Completing lab work
  • Staying hydrated
  • Eating healthy
  • Staying active
  • Avoiding nicotine or alcohol

Peptide Treatment

Your treatment protocols and dosage will be tailored to your needs and the formulation. Peptides can be delivered as an oral capsule, a topical cream, or a subcutaneous injection. Depending on the peptide, subcutaneous injection may be selected because it allows precise dosing and predictable administration. Dr. Satey will provide detailed training on injections so they can be confidently and conveniently self-administered at home.

Recovery

Most subcutaneous peptide injections require little to no procedural downtime. There may be mild tenderness or redness at the application site, but patients are able to continue their normal activities without disruption throughout treatment. Potential side effects vary by peptide and may include temporary injection-site tenderness, redness, swelling, bruising, or other treatment-specific effects. You will have regular follow up appointments to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments as treatment progresses.

Results

Results vary depending on the peptide, treatment goal, dosage, duration of therapy, and individual response. Some patients may notice changes during the first several weeks of treatment, while other goals may require longer-term treatment and monitoring. Results are not guaranteed, and Dr. Satey will regularly reassess your response and adjust the treatment plan when medically appropriate.

Some patients elect to continue with maintenance protocols depending on their response, goals, and overall treatment plan.

Corresponding Procedures

Peptide wellness protocols may be incorporated alongside other physician-supervised treatments as part of a broader individualized treatment plan. For appropriate patients, peptide wellness protocols may also be incorporated alongside physician-supervised medical weight management, including GLP-1 medications, as part of a broader approach to metabolic health, body composition, and recovery. Peptide protocols may also be incorporated into a broader skin or hair wellness plan that includes treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Cost of Peptides in the Greater Los Angeles Area

The cost of peptide treatment will vary depending on the type, dose, frequency, and duration. Your personalized plan will include a detailed cost estimate.

Schedule your personal consultation to learn more about the possibilities of peptides by calling (424) 500-3320 or contacting us online.

FAQ

What are peptides?

Peptides are small chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, that send signals within the body. They regulate many functions, and different peptides are being studied for a wide range of potential metabolic, regenerative, restorative, and signaling effects.

Are peptides safe?

Safety depends on the specific peptide, formulation, dose, route of administration, medical history, and treatment duration. Some peptide medications are FDA-approved for specific indications, while others are investigational and have more limited human safety data. Dr. Satey carefully evaluates each patient, discusses potential risks and benefits, and provides ongoing medical monitoring throughout treatment.

How often do I need peptide treatments?

Protocols may range from several times per week to weekly or less frequently depending on the peptide and treatment plan.

Can peptides be combined for better results?

In some medically supervised protocols, peptides may be used together to target different biological pathways or treatment goals. Whether peptides should be combined depends on the specific compounds, formulation, compatibility, and individual treatment plan.

How do I store peptides at home?

Storage requirements vary by formulation. Many reconstituted peptide preparations require refrigeration. Patients should follow the storage instructions provided with their specific medication and avoid freezing, excessive heat, or unnecessary agitation unless otherwise instructed.

Medical Disclaimer: Information on this page is provided for educational purposes and describes both established and emerging areas of peptide research. Certain peptides discussed on this page are investigational and have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the uses described. Treatment recommendations are made only after an individualized medical evaluation. Results vary, and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.

References

  1. Andrada Pintea, Manea A, Cezara Pintea, et al. Peptides: Emerging Candidates for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Senescence: A Review. Biomolecules. 2025;15(1):88-88. doi:10.3390/biom15010088
  2. Al Musaimi O. Exploring FDA-Approved Frontiers: Insights into Natural and Engineered Peptide Analogues in the GLP-1, GIP, GHRH, CCK, ACTH, and α-MSH Realms. Biomolecules. 2024;14(3):264. doi:10.3390/biom14030264
  3. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(7). doi:10.3390/ijms19071987
  4. McGuire FP, Martinez R, Lenz A, Skinner L, Cushman DM. Regeneration or Risk? A Narrative Review of BPC-157 for Musculoskeletal Healing. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. Published online August 12, 2025. doi:10.1007/s12178-025-09990-7
  5. Vasireddi N, Hahamyan H, Salata MJ, et al. Emerging Use of BPC-157 in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review. HSS J. 2025;21(4):485-495. doi:10.1177/15563316251355551
  6. Rahaman KA, Muresan AR, Min H, et al. Simultaneous quantification of TB-500 and its metabolites in in-vitro experiments and rats by UHPLC-Q-Exactive orbitrap MS/MS and their screening by wound healing activities in-vitro. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2024;1235:124033. doi:10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124033
  7. Rahman OF, Lee SJ, Seeds WA. Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. JAAOS: Global Research and Reviews. 2026;10(1). doi:10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-25-00236