Which Peptides Are FDA-Approved?
Several peptide-based medicines are FDA-approved, but approval applies to a specific drug, formulation, dose, and medical indication—not to the general category of “peptides.” The FDA’s Drugs@FDA database tracks approved human drug products.
Some well-known FDA-approved peptide medicines include:
| Peptide | Example FDA-approved brand | Common approved use |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus | Type 2 diabetes and/or chronic weight management, depending on product |
| Tirzepatide | Mounjaro, Zepbound | Type 2 diabetes and/or chronic weight management |
| Liraglutide | Victoza, Saxenda | Type 2 diabetes and/or chronic weight management |
| Dulaglutide | Trulicity | Type 2 diabetes |
| Exenatide | Byetta, Bydureon BCise | Type 2 diabetes |
| Lixisenatide | Adlyxin / combination products | Type 2 diabetes |
| Pramlintide | Symlin | Diabetes |
| Glucagon | Various products, including Gvoke and Baqsimi | Severe hypoglycemia and other specific indications |
| Teriparatide | Forteo and generics | Certain osteoporosis indications |
| Calcitonin salmon | Miacalcin and other products | Certain bone-related conditions |
The FDA lists multiple GLP-1 receptor agonists—including exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide—as approved medications. The FDA also identifies semaglutide and tirzepatide as approved for specific diabetes and/or weight-management uses.
It’s important to distinguish these FDA-approved medications from peptides commonly sold online or marketed as “research peptides.” Compounds such as BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295, ipamorelin, and several others are not FDA-approved drugs for general human use. FDA approval of one peptide does not mean that other peptides are approved.
Also, compounded versions are not the same thing as FDA-approved products. The FDA specifically notes that compounded GLP-1 products are not FDA-approved.
FDA approved peptides, FDA approved peptide drugs, which peptides are FDA approved, FDA approved peptides list, FDA approved peptide medications, peptide medications, approved peptides, FDA peptides, FDA approved GLP-1 peptides, semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, peptide therapy, peptide FAQ, peptides approved for human use, FDA approved weight loss peptides, FDA approved peptides for diabetes
