[
  {
    "id": "adamax",
    "name": "Adamax",
    "mono": "ADX",
    "alias": "N-Acetyl Semax Amidate",
    "category": "Cognitive/Neuroprotection",
    "tags": [
      "cognitive",
      "nootropic",
      "BDNF",
      "focus"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 1,
      "label": "Early research",
      "summary": "Adamax (N-Acetyl Semax Amidate) is a chemically modified version of Semax with an acetyl group and amide modification. These modifications reportedly increase potency, extend duration, and improve stability. No published clinical trials exist for this specific variant. The evidence base is extrapolated from Semax research and community reports.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved. No clinical data for this specific variant."
    },
    "blurb": "The strongest Semax variant. Acetylated and amidated for longer duration and higher potency. Same BDNF/dopamine mechanism, more punch per spray.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "1-2 times daily, morning only",
      "route": "Intranasal (primary), SubQ (alternative)"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Maximum cognitive drive",
      "relative": "Semax turned up. Start with regular Semax first.",
      "skipIf": "you have not tried regular Semax yet",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1-2 sprays AM, 2-4 wks"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "aod",
    "name": "AOD-9604",
    "mono": "AOD",
    "alias": "HGH Fragment 176-191",
    "category": "Weight loss/Fat metabolism",
    "tags": [
      "weight loss",
      "fat loss",
      "metabolism",
      "HGH fragment"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 1,
      "label": "Early research",
      "summary": "The Phase 2b trial in 536 obese adults failed its primary endpoint for weight loss versus placebo at 24 weeks. Development was terminated in 2007. Rats got lean. Humans got nothing. The rats have not returned our calls for comment. In 2026, GLP-1 drugs exist and make AOD-9604 look like bringing a water pistol to a firefight.",
      "approvalStatus": "Failed clinical trials. Development discontinued 2007."
    },
    "blurb": "A growth hormone fragment that was supposed to burn fat. Failed its human trial in 2007, got outclassed by GLP-1 drugs, and somehow people still buy it.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once daily, morning on empty stomach",
      "route": "SubQ (abdominal injection, fasted)"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Fat loss without GLP-1",
      "relative": "Failed its human trial. GLP-1s exist now.",
      "skipIf": "you have access to sema or tirz",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 pin a day · 12 wks"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "bpc157",
    "name": "BPC-157",
    "mono": "BPC",
    "alias": "Body Protection Compound 157",
    "category": "Recovery",
    "tags": [
      "recovery",
      "gut health",
      "tendon repair",
      "healing"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 2,
      "label": "Emerging evidence",
      "summary": "Hundreds of rodent studies showing wild healing across tendons, gut, and brain. First human safety data dropped in 2025 (n=2, IV infusion, no adverse events), but there are still zero published human RCTs. The community is way ahead of the science here.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved"
    },
    "blurb": "The one everyone starts with. Hundreds of animal studies showing ridiculous healing across tendons, gut, and soft tissue. No human RCT yet, but the real-world data is massive.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once daily, or split AM/PM for higher doses",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "One stubborn injury",
      "relative": "The default. Works where you put it.",
      "skipIf": "you need human-trial evidence",
      "isDefault": true,
      "effort": "1 pin a day · 4-8 wks"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "cerebrolysin",
    "name": "Cerebrolysin",
    "mono": "CRB",
    "alias": "Brain-Derived Peptide Mixture",
    "category": "Cognitive/Neuroprotection",
    "tags": [
      "cognitive",
      "neuroprotection",
      "TBI",
      "stroke"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 2,
      "label": "Emerging evidence",
      "summary": "Cerebrolysin is a mixture of brain-derived peptides and amino acids produced by enzymatic breakdown of pig brain protein. It has the most clinical data of any nootropic peptide: over 150 published trials for stroke, TBI, Alzheimer's, and vascular dementia. Approved in over 40 countries (not the US). The evidence is mixed, mostly positive for acute neurological injury, less clear for cognitive enhancement in healthy people.",
      "approvalStatus": "Approved in 40+ countries (EU, Asia, Latin America). Not FDA-approved."
    },
    "blurb": "A mixture of brain-derived peptides used in 40+ countries for stroke and TBI recovery. The most clinically tested nootropic. Not approved in the US.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once daily, 5 days per week",
      "route": "IM (clinical) or IV (hospital). Some people use SubQ off-label."
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Brain injury recovery or cognitive support",
      "relative": "150+ clinical trials. Approved in 40+ countries.",
      "skipIf": "you have a pork allergy",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 IM shot a day, 10-20 day cycles"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "cjc",
    "name": "CJC-1295 (no DAC)",
    "mono": "CJC",
    "alias": "Modified GRF 1-29 / GHRH Analogue",
    "category": "Muscle growth",
    "tags": [
      "growth hormone",
      "muscle growth",
      "GHRH",
      "anti-aging"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 2,
      "label": "Emerging evidence",
      "summary": "CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Mod GRF 1-29) is a short-acting GHRH analog that produces a brief, pulsatile GH release. The DAC version has more human data but causes sustained growth hormone elevation, which is less physiological. The no-DAC version is preferred in community protocols for mimicking natural GH patterns.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved"
    },
    "blurb": "The other half of the GH duo. Works a different pathway than ipamorelin. You run them together because they amplify each other's signal.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once nightly with ipamorelin, on an empty stomach",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Amplify the GH signal",
      "relative": "The other half. Run with ipamorelin, not alone.",
      "skipIf": "you are not pairing it with a secretagogue",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 pin a night · 8-12 wks"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "dihexa",
    "name": "Dihexa",
    "mono": "DHX",
    "alias": "N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide",
    "category": "Cognitive/Neuroprotection",
    "tags": [
      "cognitive",
      "nootropic",
      "neuroprotection",
      "HGF"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 1,
      "label": "Early research",
      "summary": "Dihexa is an angiotensin IV analog that activates the HGF/c-Met pathway. A single study showed it was 10 million times more potent than BDNF at promoting new synapse connections in vitro. Rat studies showed improved cognition. Zero human trials. The potency claim is real but in vitro, and the cancer risk from c-Met activation is a legitimate concern.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved. Preclinical only."
    },
    "blurb": "10 million times more potent than BDNF at growing new synapses, in a petri dish. Zero human data. The most controversial nootropic on this list.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once daily",
      "route": "Oral (sublingual), SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Nuclear cognitive enhancement",
      "relative": "Most potent nootropic. Also most risky.",
      "skipIf": "you are not comfortable with zero human safety data",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "Daily, 2-4 wks max"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "dsip",
    "name": "DSIP",
    "mono": "DSP",
    "alias": "Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide",
    "category": "Sleep",
    "tags": [
      "sleep",
      "recovery",
      "stress",
      "circadian"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 1,
      "label": "Early research",
      "summary": "DSIP was discovered in 1977 in rabbit brain extracts. Small human studies show it modulates sleep architecture, particularly delta (slow-wave) sleep. It also appears to normalize cortisol and modulate pain perception. No large-scale RCTs exist. The research is old and sparse but the mechanism is interesting.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved"
    },
    "blurb": "The original sleep peptide. Discovered in 1977. Promotes delta wave (deep) sleep and normalizes stress hormones. Old science, but the mechanism holds up.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once nightly",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Deep sleep, not more sleep",
      "relative": "Shifts your sleep toward delta waves.",
      "skipIf": "falling asleep is the problem (this is about depth, not onset)",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 pin before bed, 2-4 wks"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "epithalon",
    "name": "Epithalon",
    "mono": "EPT",
    "alias": "AEDG peptide",
    "category": "Longevity/Anti-aging",
    "tags": [
      "longevity",
      "anti-aging",
      "telomeres",
      "pineal"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 1,
      "label": "Early research",
      "summary": "A 2025 Biogerontology study from Brunel University London independently confirmed telomere lengthening in human cell lines via hTERT and telomerase upregulation. The first independent validation outside Khavinson's original lab. No blinded human RCT exists for injected epithalon. It's on RFK's list of compounds that might get reclassified, which would make it way easier to get through compounding pharmacies.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved. Potential Category 1 reclassification pending."
    },
    "blurb": "The telomere peptide. Activates the enzyme that lengthens your telomeres. Independent validation finally happened in 2025 after years of only-Russia data.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Twice daily during intensive cycles",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Telomere shortening",
      "relative": "Activates telomerase. Short intense cycles.",
      "skipIf": "you only trust Western clinical trials",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "2 pins a day · 10–20 days"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "ghkcu",
    "name": "GHK-Cu",
    "mono": "GHK",
    "alias": "Copper Tripeptide-1",
    "category": "Beauty",
    "tags": [
      "skin",
      "hair",
      "collagen",
      "wound healing"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 2,
      "label": "Emerging evidence",
      "summary": "GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide that declines with age. Strong lab and animal data on collagen, wound healing, and gene activity (it affects over 4,000 genes). Topical forms are widely used in skincare. Injectable forms are not FDA-approved but have a growing community following for accelerated skin and hair results.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved"
    },
    "blurb": "Your body's own collagen signal, declining since your early twenties. Injectable version is a different level from the Sephora serums. The solution turns blue. That's the copper.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once daily",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Skin and scars",
      "relative": "The default. Collagen from the inside.",
      "skipIf": "the damage is deeper than skin",
      "isDefault": true,
      "effort": "1 pin a day · 4-6 wks"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "igf1lr3",
    "name": "IGF-1 LR3",
    "mono": "IGF",
    "alias": "Long R3 Insulin-like Growth Factor 1",
    "category": "Muscle growth",
    "tags": [
      "muscle growth",
      "IGF-1",
      "recovery",
      "bodybuilding"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 3,
      "label": "Early research",
      "summary": "No completed human clinical trials for IGF-1 LR3. The mechanism is well-understood from IGF-1 biology: IGF-1 receptor activation drives muscle protein synthesis and cell proliferation. The LR3 modification extends half-life and increases bioavailability. Strong animal data for anabolic effects. Cancer risk concern from sustained IGF-1 elevation is supported by epidemiological data.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved"
    },
    "blurb": "Extended half-life IGF-1. The downstream growth signal that HGH produces. Skips the middleman. Mostly a bodybuilding compound.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once daily, post-workout preferred",
      "route": "SubQ or IM (site-specific)"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Direct muscle growth signal",
      "relative": "Skips HGH, delivers IGF-1 directly.",
      "skipIf": "you are not experienced with peptides",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 pin a day, 4-6 wks, eat carbs"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "ipa",
    "name": "Ipamorelin",
    "mono": "IPA",
    "alias": "Growth Hormone Secretagogue",
    "category": "Muscle growth",
    "tags": [
      "growth hormone",
      "muscle growth",
      "sleep",
      "recovery"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 2,
      "label": "Emerging evidence",
      "summary": "Ipamorelin is one of the cleaner growth hormone releasers. It triggers a growth hormone burst without spiking cortisol or prolactin, which older compounds in this class were notorious for. Small human studies exist showing it works as intended. Not FDA-approved, but the data showing it only touches growth hormone and leaves everything else alone is solid.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved"
    },
    "blurb": "The bedtime growth hormone compound. Triggers your own growth hormone release while you sleep, without spiking cortisol or prolactin. Clean and selective.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once nightly, on an empty stomach (2+ hours after eating)",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Growth hormone while sleeping",
      "relative": "The default. Clean growth hormone burst, no cortisol spike.",
      "skipIf": "you already have high IGF-1",
      "isDefault": true,
      "effort": "1 pin a night · 8-12 wks"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "klow",
    "name": "Klow (Kisspeptin)",
    "mono": "KLW",
    "alias": "Kisspeptin-10 / Metastin Fragment",
    "category": "Hormone optimization",
    "tags": [
      "testosterone",
      "fertility",
      "kisspeptin",
      "hormone"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 2,
      "label": "Emerging evidence",
      "summary": "Kisspeptin is a naturally occurring neuropeptide that triggers the HPG axis. Human studies show it acutely stimulates LH, FSH, and testosterone release. Clinical trials for fertility (both male and female) are ongoing.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved. Clinical trials ongoing for fertility."
    },
    "blurb": "Tells your brain to make more LH and FSH, which tells your body to make more testosterone. The upstream signal, not the downstream hormone.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once daily or as directed by protocol",
      "route": "SubQ or IV (clinical)"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Testosterone without TRT",
      "relative": "The upstream signal. Your brain makes the hormones.",
      "skipIf": "you need guaranteed testosterone levels (use TRT)",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 pin a day, labs required"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "kpv",
    "name": "KPV",
    "mono": "KPV",
    "alias": "Lysine-Proline-Valine (alpha-MSH fragment)",
    "category": "Recovery/Anti-inflammatory",
    "tags": [
      "gut health",
      "anti-inflammatory",
      "IBD",
      "recovery"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 1,
      "label": "Early research",
      "summary": "Preclinical only. Mouse colitis models show oral KPV reduces inflammation via the PepT1 transporter. No human clinical trials exist. Lots of people are using it, but Reddit sentiment actually skews negative: worry and troubleshooting posts outnumber positive reports roughly 1.5 to 1. FDA PCAC meeting was scheduled for July 2026.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved. Preclinical only."
    },
    "blurb": "A stripped-down anti-inflammatory fragment for gut issues. Mouse data is promising, but people are honestly more confused than convinced right now.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Twice daily for oral, once daily for SubQ",
      "route": "Oral (enteric-coated, preferred for gut) or SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Gut inflammation",
      "relative": "Narrower than BPC-157, and oral in most protocols.",
      "skipIf": "the gut is not the problem",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 dose a day · 4–8 wks"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "mt2",
    "name": "Melanotan II",
    "mono": "MT",
    "alias": "Melanocortin Agonist (Tanning Peptide)",
    "category": "Beauty",
    "tags": [
      "tanning",
      "melanocortin",
      "pigmentation",
      "libido"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 1,
      "label": "Early research",
      "summary": "Melanotan II was developed in the 1990s at the University of Arizona but never completed clinical development. Small trials (20-100 participants) showed it works for tanning, but safety concerns around mole changes and potential melanoma risk ended serious pharmaceutical interest. It remains widely used underground despite having the weakest evidence profile of any popular peptide.",
      "approvalStatus": "Abandoned clinical"
    },
    "blurb": "The tanning peptide. Produces a real tan without UV. It works, but it darkens moles and clinical development was abandoned over safety concerns. Eyes wide open on this one.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Daily during loading (7-14 days), then 2x/week for maintenance",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "A real tan without UV",
      "relative": "Works, but darkens moles. Eyes wide open.",
      "skipIf": "you have a history of melanoma",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 pin a day · 1–2 wks loading"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "motsc",
    "name": "MOTS-c",
    "mono": "MOT",
    "alias": "Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-c",
    "category": "Longevity",
    "tags": [
      "longevity",
      "mitochondria",
      "energy",
      "endurance"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 2,
      "label": "Emerging evidence",
      "summary": "MOTS-c is encoded in mitochondrial DNA and naturally declines with age. Preclinical data shows it improves insulin sensitivity, exercise capacity, and metabolic function. A human trial (MOTS-MET) has been recruiting but no results published yet. Longevity-focused people are very interested, but the human data is still catching up.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved"
    },
    "blurb": "Your mitochondria literally encode this peptide. Levels drop as you age. Supplementing it restores the energy output your cells used to have. Think endurance, not stimulants.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "2-3x per week",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Endurance fading with age",
      "relative": "Encoded in your own mitochondrial DNA.",
      "skipIf": "you want published human trial results",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "3 pins a week · 8-12 wks"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "nad",
    "name": "NAD+",
    "mono": "NAD",
    "alias": "Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide",
    "category": "Longevity/Energy",
    "tags": [
      "longevity",
      "energy",
      "mitochondria",
      "anti-aging"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 1,
      "label": "Early research",
      "summary": "A 2024 systematic review found zero eligible human trials evaluating injectable NAD+ for anti-aging or wellness outcomes. Oral precursors (NMN, NR) have some RCT data showing elevated blood NAD+ levels, but the actual health improvements weren't meaningfully different from what the sugar-pill group got. Which is awkward for a $500 drip. The theoretical advantage of injection over oral hasn't been established. This is the most overhyped molecule in the longevity space relative to its actual evidence base.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved as injectable therapeutic. NMN/NR sold as supplements."
    },
    "blurb": "The cellular energy molecule that declines with age. Everyone's selling IV drips for it, but a $30 bottle of NMN does functionally the same thing based on current evidence.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "IV: 1-2x per week for loading, then monthly. SubQ: 2-3x per week. Oral: daily.",
      "route": "IV (clinic), SubQ (home), Oral (NMN/NR supplements)"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Cellular energy decline",
      "relative": "Overhyped as injectable. Oral NMN does the same.",
      "skipIf": "you can just take oral NMN instead",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "3 pins a week · ongoing"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "pt141",
    "name": "PT-141",
    "mono": "PT",
    "alias": "Bremelanotide (Vyleesi)",
    "category": "Sexual health",
    "tags": [
      "sexual health",
      "libido",
      "melanocortin",
      "desire"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 3,
      "label": "Strong evidence",
      "summary": "FDA-approved in 2019 as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Works through your brain's melanocortin receptors, the desire circuitry, not the plumbing. Fundamentally different from Viagra, which is about blood flow. The RECONNECT trials showed statistically significant improvement in sexual desire. Nausea is the main trade-off.",
      "approvalStatus": "FDA-approved (branded)"
    },
    "blurb": "FDA-approved for low sexual desire in women. Works on your brain's desire circuitry, not blood flow. Actually makes you want to, not just able to.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "As needed, at least 45 minutes before activity. Max 1 dose per 24 hours, max 8 doses per month (FDA guidance).",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Desire, not blood flow",
      "relative": "The only one here. FDA-approved.",
      "skipIf": "the problem is mechanical, not desire",
      "isDefault": true,
      "effort": "1 pin as needed"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "reta",
    "name": "Retatrutide",
    "mono": "RET",
    "alias": "Triple GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon Receptor Agonist",
    "category": "Weight loss",
    "tags": [
      "weight loss",
      "GLP-1",
      "GIP",
      "glucagon",
      "triple agonist"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 2,
      "label": "Emerging evidence",
      "summary": "Phase 2 trial published in NEJM showed 24.2% body weight loss at the highest dose over 48 weeks, the biggest number any obesity compound has posted. Phase 3 trials (TRIUMPH program) are underway. Also showed 82.4% liver fat reduction. Not yet approved, but the data broke the internet for a reason.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved. Phase 3 (TRIUMPH) ongoing."
    },
    "blurb": "Three receptors at once: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. Phase 2 posted 24.2% weight loss. The highest number any obesity compound has ever hit. Phase 3 is running now.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once weekly",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Maximum weight loss",
      "relative": "Triple receptor. Biggest number ever posted.",
      "skipIf": "you need something approved today",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 pin a week · ongoing"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "selank",
    "name": "Selank",
    "mono": "SLK",
    "alias": "TP-7",
    "category": "Cognitive/Anxiety",
    "tags": [
      "anxiety",
      "cognitive",
      "nootropic",
      "mood"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 2,
      "label": "Emerging evidence",
      "summary": "Russian clinical trials in GAD patients showed Hamilton Anxiety scores dropping from 20.3 to 7.0 in rapid responders. Double-blind, placebo-controlled data exists but it's all from Russian institutions. No Western replication yet. No addiction potential detected, which is a genuinely big deal for an anxiolytic.",
      "approvalStatus": "Approved in Russia as nasal spray. Not FDA-approved."
    },
    "blurb": "The anxiety compound for people who won't take benzos. Adjusts GABA, serotonin, and dopamine without making you foggy or dependent. Russian clinical data is surprisingly solid.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "2-3 times daily, intranasal preferred",
      "route": "Intranasal (primary), SubQ (alternative)"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Anxiety without the fog",
      "relative": "The default. GABA modulation, no dependency.",
      "skipIf": "you need pure focus, not calm",
      "isDefault": true,
      "effort": "2 sprays a day · 2 wks on"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "sema",
    "name": "Semaglutide",
    "mono": "SEM",
    "alias": "GLP-1 Receptor Agonist",
    "category": "Weight loss",
    "tags": [
      "weight loss",
      "appetite suppression",
      "GLP-1",
      "metabolic"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 3,
      "label": "Strong evidence",
      "summary": "The most studied weight-loss compound on the planet. Multiple Phase 3 trials, FDA-approved as both Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (obesity). Average weight loss of ~15% body weight in the STEP trials. The SELECT trial showed cardiovascular benefit in non-diabetics. The science is settled. This works.",
      "approvalStatus": "FDA-approved (branded)"
    },
    "blurb": "Ozempic/Wegovy. The most studied weight-loss compound on the planet. FDA-approved, Phase 3 proven, 15% average weight loss.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once weekly",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Appetite won't quit",
      "relative": "The default. Most data, most proven.",
      "skipIf": "you already have a prescription",
      "isDefault": true,
      "effort": "1 pin a week · ongoing"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "semax",
    "name": "Semax",
    "mono": "SMX",
    "alias": "ACTH(4-7)-PGP",
    "category": "Cognitive/Neuroprotection",
    "tags": [
      "cognitive",
      "focus",
      "neuroprotection",
      "nootropic"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 2,
      "label": "Emerging evidence",
      "summary": "Decades of Russian clinical use for stroke recovery and cognitive enhancement. A controlled trial showed significant improvement in ischemic stroke patients at day 30. Increases BDNF 1.4x and BDNF mRNA 3x in rat hippocampus. FDA removed it from Category 2 (safety concern list) in April 2026, signaling a regulatory thaw.",
      "approvalStatus": "Approved in Russia and Ukraine. Removed from FDA Category 2 April 2026."
    },
    "blurb": "Clean focus without the Adderall hangover. Boosts BDNF, dopamine, and serotonin. Used clinically in Russia for decades, recently removed from the FDA's safety concern list.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "1-2 times daily, morning preferred (can disrupt sleep if taken late)",
      "route": "Intranasal (primary), SubQ (alternative)"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Focus without the crash",
      "relative": "BDNF booster. Sharper than Selank.",
      "skipIf": "anxiety is the main problem",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 spray a day · 2-4 wks"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "sermorelin",
    "name": "Sermorelin",
    "mono": "SRM",
    "alias": "GHRH(1-29) Analog",
    "category": "Muscle growth",
    "tags": [
      "growth hormone",
      "GHRH",
      "anti-aging",
      "sleep"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 2,
      "label": "Emerging evidence",
      "summary": "Sermorelin was FDA-approved in the 1990s for pediatric GH deficiency (brand name Geref) but the approval was withdrawn in 2008 for commercial reasons, not safety. It remains the most established GHRH analog with decades of clinical use. The mechanism is well-understood and the safety profile is clean.",
      "approvalStatus": "FDA approval withdrawn 2008 (commercial, not safety)"
    },
    "blurb": "The original GH-releasing peptide. FDA-approved once, withdrawn for business reasons not safety. Simpler than CJC/ipa stacks but less potent.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once nightly, on an empty stomach before bed",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "GH decline with age",
      "relative": "The OG. FDA-approved once. Simpler than CJC/ipa.",
      "skipIf": "you want maximum GH pulse (use CJC/ipa instead)",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 pin a night, 3-6 months"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "ss31",
    "name": "SS-31 (Elamipretide)",
    "mono": "SS",
    "alias": "Forzinity",
    "category": "Longevity/Mitochondrial",
    "tags": [
      "longevity",
      "mitochondria",
      "energy",
      "anti-aging"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 3,
      "label": "Strong evidence",
      "summary": "FDA accelerated approval September 19, 2025 for Barth syndrome under the brand name Forzinity. The first approved drug that directly targets mitochondria. The TAZPOWER trial used 40mg SubQ daily. Approval was based on improved knee extensor muscle strength. Continued approval contingent on a confirmatory trial, but the regulatory bar has been cleared.",
      "approvalStatus": "FDA accelerated approval (Sept 2025) for Barth syndrome"
    },
    "blurb": "The first FDA-approved mitochondrial drug. Makes your cells' power plants work like they did when you were younger.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once daily",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Mitochondria running down",
      "relative": "The default. First FDA-approved mito drug.",
      "skipIf": "your energy levels are fine",
      "isDefault": true,
      "effort": "1 pin a day · 4-8 wks"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "survo",
    "name": "Survodutide",
    "mono": "SRV",
    "alias": "BI 456906",
    "category": "Weight loss",
    "tags": [
      "weight loss",
      "GLP-1",
      "glucagon",
      "obesity"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 2,
      "label": "Emerging evidence",
      "summary": "Phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE-1 trial (April 2026) hit both co-primary endpoints: 16.6% body weight loss at 76 weeks versus 3.2% on placebo. That's roughly 39 lbs average. Phase 2 showed up to 19% weight loss at 46 weeks. Boehringer Ingelheim is pushing this hard as a dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist (meaning it activates both receptors at once) with liver benefits the pure GLP-1 drugs don't have.",
      "approvalStatus": "Phase 3 trials ongoing. Not yet approved."
    },
    "blurb": "Dual GLP-1 and glucagon agonist. Phase 3 just dropped: 16.6% weight loss, plus it directly reduces liver fat. The liver angle is what separates it from sema.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once weekly subcutaneous injection",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Weight plus fatty liver",
      "relative": "The one with liver benefits the GLP-1s lack.",
      "skipIf": "liver fat is not a concern",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 pin a week · ongoing"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "tb500",
    "name": "TB-500",
    "mono": "TB",
    "alias": "Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment",
    "category": "Recovery",
    "tags": [
      "recovery",
      "systemic healing",
      "inflammation",
      "mobility"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 2,
      "label": "Emerging evidence",
      "summary": "TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4, a naturally occurring protein your body already makes. Strong preclinical data on wound healing, cardiac repair, and inflammation. No completed human RCTs, but the parent protein (thymosin beta-4) has been in clinical trials for wound healing and dry eye.",
      "approvalStatus": "Not approved"
    },
    "blurb": "BPC-157's systemic sibling. Where BPC targets the injury site, TB-500 travels through your bloodstream and reduces inflammation everywhere.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "2x/week during loading (4-6 weeks), then 1x/week maintenance",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Aches with no address",
      "relative": "BPC-157 without the aiming.",
      "skipIf": "it is one specific joint",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "2 pins a week · 6–12 wks"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "tesa",
    "name": "Tesamorelin",
    "mono": "TES",
    "alias": "Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analog (Egrifta)",
    "category": "Weight loss",
    "tags": [
      "visceral fat",
      "growth hormone",
      "GHRH",
      "body composition"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 3,
      "label": "Strong evidence",
      "summary": "FDA-approved as Egrifta for reducing visceral fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. Two Phase 3 trials showed significant visceral fat reduction without affecting subcutaneous fat. Also showed 37% hepatic fat reduction in a separate NAFLD study. One of the few compounds with actual FDA approval and multiple human RCTs.",
      "approvalStatus": "FDA-approved (branded)"
    },
    "blurb": "FDA-approved for visceral fat, the deep belly fat wrapping your organs. The scale won't move much, but the imaging will.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once daily, evening preferred",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Deep belly fat",
      "relative": "FDA-approved but only targets visceral fat.",
      "skipIf": "you want the scale to move",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 pin a day · 26 wks"
    }
  },
  {
    "id": "tirz",
    "name": "Tirzepatide",
    "mono": "TRZ",
    "alias": "Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist",
    "category": "Weight loss",
    "tags": [
      "weight loss",
      "GLP-1",
      "GIP",
      "metabolic"
    ],
    "evidence": {
      "tier": 3,
      "label": "Strong evidence",
      "summary": "FDA-approved as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (obesity). The SURMOUNT trials showed up to 22.5% body weight loss, more than semaglutide in head-to-head comparisons. Dual mechanism (GIP + GLP-1) appears to cause fewer GI side effects than GLP-1 alone.",
      "approvalStatus": "FDA-approved (branded)"
    },
    "blurb": "Mounjaro/Zepbound. Hits both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Outperforms semaglutide on weight loss numbers with reportedly fewer GI side effects.",
    "protocol": {
      "frequency": "Once weekly",
      "route": "SubQ"
    },
    "card": {
      "job": "Weight plus fewer GI issues",
      "relative": "Outperforms sema on numbers, gentler on the gut.",
      "skipIf": "cost is a hard constraint",
      "isDefault": false,
      "effort": "1 pin a week · ongoing"
    }
  }
]