University of California Los Angeles researchers found little evidence supporting the use of six emerging peptides for musculoskeletal treatment, tissue recovery or performance.
The researchers reviewed 565 studies examining BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295, MK-677, ipamorelin and GHK-Cu. More than two-thirds of the studies were conducted only in animals, according to a Sept. 2 news release.
The animal studies found promising but variable effects on tendon, muscle, bone and ligament healing. However, the researchers found essentially no studies demonstrating significant clinical benefits for musculoskeletal conditions in humans.
The review also identified concerns about study quality. A handful of human studies found modest improvements at best for non-orthopedic indications, while studies reporting positive clinical findings generally lacked robust controls or rigorous study designs.
Researchers also raised safety concerns about the peptide supplements. Thomas Kremen, MD, a sports medicine specialist and associate professor in the department of orthopedic surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, said the supplements are not regulated or vetted by the FDA, creating uncertainty about their contents and manufacturing, according to the release.
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