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.
Oxytocin
A hormone the body makes for childbirth and milk release. A prescription medicine version exists; research-grade material is not that medicine.
Regulatory status: A licensed prescription medicine exists in the United Kingdom for obstetric use under medical supervision. 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 obstetric use; behavioural trials inconclusive
Cells
Animal studies
Human trials
The research pathway — not every compound has reached human trials. Illustrations are simplified, not study results.
What it is
Oxytocin is a hormone of nine amino acids produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland.
A pharmaceutical version is a licensed prescription medicine used in maternity care under medical supervision.
How researchers think it works
Studies described it acting on oxytocin receptors in the uterus and breast tissue, and on receptors in brain regions involved in social behaviour.
What has research seen in people?
Its effects in childbirth are well established — that is why a licensed prescription medicine exists for maternity care.
Trials of nasal oxytocin for autism and social anxiety were largely disappointing. A large randomised trial published in 2021 found no benefit over placebo on its main measure.
Because it acts on the uterus, unsupervised use in people carries specific hazards.
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
- Its obstetric effects are well established in clinical medicine and are the basis of the licensed product.
- Trials of nasal oxytocin in autism, social anxiety and related conditions produced mixed and largely disappointing results. A large randomised trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2021 reported no benefit over placebo on its main measure.
- Reviewers noted that how much reaches the brain after nasal use remained unclear.
What we still do not know
- Findings for social and behavioural outcomes did not replicate reliably across trials.
- Uterine effects make unsupervised use in people specifically hazardous.
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.