What It Is
Peptide therapy refers to the use of short amino acid chains — peptides — to interact with specific receptors in the body and support biological processes. Peptides occur naturally throughout the body; synthetic or bioidentical versions are used in research and clinical settings to target particular pathways.
The field spans a wide range of compounds and research applications. Providers in the PeptideBase directory offer peptides across these primary categories:
Weight management
Semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide
Recovery & tissue repair
BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu
Growth hormone support
Sermorelin, ipamorelin, CJC-1295
Longevity & cellular
NAD+, epithalon, GHK-Cu
Cognitive support
Selank, semax
Sexual health
PT-141 (bremelanotide)
This is not an exhaustive list. The peptide space encompasses 100+ compounds across many research areas. Browse all 100+ peptide profiles →
Who Offers It
PeptideBase tracks 2,700+ providers across three categories. Each operates under a different model, with different levels of clinical oversight and regulatory requirements.
Clinics & Telehealth
Licensed physicians and nurse practitioners who evaluate, prescribe, and monitor peptide protocols. Offer the highest level of clinical oversight. Telehealth options serve patients without local access.
Longevity clinics, men's health platforms, hormone optimization practices
Compounding Pharmacies
PCAB-accredited and state-licensed pharmacies that formulate prescription peptide compounds to order. Require a valid prescription from a licensed provider.
503A and 503B compounding pharmacies
Research Vendors
Online suppliers that sell peptide compounds for research use only. Do not require a prescription. Not intended for human use under their stated terms of sale.
Research chemical suppliers, peptide synthesis companies
Not sure which type fits your situation? Our matching tool asks 7 questions and surfaces providers relevant to your goals and location — try the matching tool →
How Much Does It Cost?
Quick answer
Costs vary significantly by peptide, provider type, and whether a prescription is required. Because pricing depends on your specific situation, a licensed provider is the right source for exact figures. The factors below explain what drives the variation.
Peptide type
GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) and growth hormone peptides tend to carry higher costs than research-stage peptides like BPC-157 or TB-500.
Provider type
Telehealth platforms often charge monthly subscriptions or per-consultation fees in addition to compound costs. Compounding pharmacies price per vial. Research vendors price by quantity.
Prescription vs. research-only
Prescription compounds from licensed providers involve clinical oversight costs. Research-only vendors operate on a different pricing model.
Location
Telehealth access varies by state. Local clinic costs vary by market. International providers operate under different regulatory and pricing frameworks.
PeptideBase does not collect or display pricing data from providers. The directory search shows provider type, location, verification status, and peptides offered — not pricing. Contact providers directly for current rates.
See our full peptide therapy cost breakdownFind a Provider
PeptideBase maintains a searchable directory of 2,700+ providers across the US and 7 other countries. You can filter by location, provider type, and peptide offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is peptide therapy FDA-approved?
Some peptides are FDA-approved drugs — semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and bremelanotide (PT-141/Vyleesi) are examples. Many others used in clinical and research settings are not individually FDA-approved as drugs and are accessed through compounding pharmacies or as research compounds. FDA status varies by peptide and context.
Do I need a prescription for peptide therapy?
For peptides used in clinical settings — including compounded peptides from licensed pharmacies — a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required. Research vendors sell compounds for research use only, without prescriptions, but those products are not intended for human use under their terms of sale.
How do I know if a peptide provider is legitimate?
PeptideBase cross-references FDA enforcement records, PCAB accreditation data, and publicly available business information to flag and verify providers. Look for providers who require a consultation before dispensing prescription compounds, are transparent about their regulatory status, and don't make unsupported medical claims.
What's the difference between a compounding pharmacy and a telehealth platform?
A telehealth platform employs licensed providers who evaluate patients, write prescriptions, and monitor protocols. A compounding pharmacy formulates the compound to fill those prescriptions. Many telehealth platforms work with partner pharmacies; some operate their own. You may interact with both in the same care pathway.