Retatrutide
Triple incretin receptor agonist
An experimental peptide that acts on three hormone receptors. Researchers studied it in phase 2 trials involving weight and blood sugar.
HGH
Also cited in the literature as Human growth hormone / somatropin
A hormone the pituitary gland makes. A licensed prescription version treats defined deficiency conditions; anti-ageing claims are not supported by trials.
Regulatory status: A licensed prescription-only medicine containing somatropin exists in the United Kingdom for defined conditions. Research-grade material is not that medicine, holds no marketing authorisation, and is not approved for human or animal use.
Hormone & signalling research
Research stage: Licensed medicine for defined deficiency conditions
Cells
Animal studies
Human trials
The research pathway — not every compound has reached human trials. Illustrations are simplified, not study results.
What it is
Human growth hormone is a protein of 191 amino acids released by the pituitary gland. A laboratory-made version, somatropin, is a licensed prescription medicine.
How researchers think it works
Studies described it acting on growth hormone receptors and prompting the liver to release IGF-1, which mediates many of its effects on growth and metabolism.
What has research seen in people?
In people with a diagnosed deficiency, trials established clear benefit — that is the licensed prescription use, supervised by specialists.
In healthy older adults, trials reported small changes in lean and fat mass with no demonstrated gain in strength or function. A well-known systematic review concluded the evidence did not support anti-ageing use.
Reported side effects included fluid retention, joint pain, carpal tunnel symptoms and raised blood sugar.
Where this material is listed
For laboratory research use only. Not a medicine and not for human or animal use.
Veritide does not sell or supply anything. This links to a third-party UK laboratory supplier; we may earn a commission if you buy through it, at no extra cost to you. Materials are sold for laboratory research use only and are not licensed medicines.
What studies have found
- Clinical trials established benefit in defined deficiency conditions, including growth hormone deficiency in children and adults, and certain genetic syndromes. Those uses are licensed and supervised by specialists.
- Trials in healthy older adults reported small changes in lean mass and fat mass, with no demonstrated improvement in strength, function or lifespan. A well-known systematic review in the Annals of Internal Medicine concluded the evidence did not support anti-ageing use.
- Reported side effects included fluid retention, joint pain, carpal tunnel symptoms and raised blood sugar.
What we still do not know
- Evidence of benefit is specific to diagnosed deficiency, not to general use.
- In the UK it is a prescription-only medicine, and unlicensed supply routes have documented purity and identity problems.
Sources
Related profiles
Mazdutide
Dual GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonist
An experimental peptide based on a natural gut hormone. Researchers studied it mainly in phase 2 and phase 3 trials in China.
BPC-157
Synthetic pentadecapeptide
A laboratory-made peptide made of 15 amino acids. Almost all published research involved cells or rodents rather than people.