The peptide therapy landscape is shifting fast. With HHS Secretary Kennedy's February 2026 announcement that 14 previously restricted peptides are moving back to Category 1 compounding eligibility, telehealth providers and pharmacies need a clear reference on what each compound does, what it's used for clinically, and where it currently stands with the FDA.
This guide covers the peptides most relevant to telehealth programs — organized by therapeutic category — with current compounding status and operational notes for each.
Growth Hormone Secretagogues & Related Peptides
CJC-1295
What it is: A synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with a longer half-life than native GHRH. Often compounded with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) to extend duration of action.
Clinical applications: Enhanced recovery and tissue repair, improved body composition (fat loss, lean muscle support), better sleep quality, increased bone mineral density, skin elasticity improvements.
How it's used: Typically administered via subcutaneous injection, often in combination with Ipamorelin (the "CJC/Ipa stack"). Dosing is usually at bedtime to align with natural GH pulsatility.
Compounding status (March 2026): Was moved to Category 2 in 2024. Expected to return to Category 1 under the Kennedy reclassification.
Kitting notes: Ships lyophilized, requires reconstitution with bacteriostatic water. Standard insulin syringe kit (29-31 gauge, 0.5-1mL). Refrigerate after reconstitution; stable 14-28 days at 2-8°C.
Ipamorelin
What it is: A selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release without significantly increasing cortisol or prolactin — making it one of the cleanest GH-stimulating peptides available.
Clinical applications: Growth hormone optimization, fat metabolism, recovery and repair, sleep quality. Most commonly used in combination with CJC-1295.
Compounding status (March 2026): Listed as Category 2 on both 503A and 503B bulks lists. Expected to return to Category 1 for 503A compounding, though its status has been somewhat ambiguous — monitor the final published list closely.
Kitting notes: Same kit configuration as CJC-1295. When prescribed as a combination, both peptides are often compounded in the same vial.
AOD-9604
What it is: A modified fragment (amino acids 177-191) of human growth hormone, specifically the portion responsible for fat metabolism. Stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without full GH effects.
Clinical applications: Fat metabolism and body composition, weight management programs (often alongside GLP-1 agonists), metabolic optimization.
Compounding status (March 2026): Category 2 under current 503A bulks list. Expected to return to Category 1.
Kitting notes: Lyophilized, standard reconstitution and syringe kit. Straightforward cold chain requirements.
Tissue Repair & Recovery Peptides
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157)
What it is: A synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a protective protein found naturally in human gastric juice. It's the single most widely prescribed peptide in integrative medicine.
Clinical applications: Musculoskeletal injury recovery (tendons, ligaments, muscle), gastrointestinal healing (gut lining integrity, leaky gut, IBS), neuroprotection and nerve repair, wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects across multiple tissue types.
How it's used: Available in both injectable (subcutaneous, typically near the injury site) and oral capsule forms. Typical injectable dose is 250-500mcg once or twice daily.
Compounding status (March 2026): Was one of the most high-profile Category 2 designations in 2024. Expected to return to Category 1. This is the peptide that most telehealth programs will relaunch first.
Kitting notes: Lyophilized for injectable, capsule for oral. Injectable requires standard syringe kit. Both forms ship easily. Oral BPC-157 capsules have minimal cold chain requirements.
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment)
What it is: A synthetic version of the active region of Thymosin Beta-4. Promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and cell migration to injury sites.
Clinical applications: Wound healing and tissue repair, tendon and ligament recovery, cardiac tissue repair (research stage), hair growth (emerging research), often stacked with BPC-157 (the "Wolverine Stack").
How it's used: Subcutaneous injection, typically 2-5mg twice weekly during a loading phase, then weekly for maintenance.
Compounding status (March 2026): Category 2 currently. Expected to return to Category 1.
Kitting notes: Higher volume per dose — may require 1mL syringes vs 0.5mL. Often kitted together with BPC-157 as a combination protocol.
Immune Modulation Peptides
Thymosin Alpha-1
What it is: A 28-amino-acid peptide naturally produced by the thymus gland. Marketed as Zadaxin in over 35 countries for hepatitis B and as an immune adjunct during chemotherapy.
Clinical applications: Immune system modulation, chronic hepatitis B, immune support during chemotherapy, chronic infections and immune deficiency, autoimmune condition management (off-label).
Compounding status (March 2026): The FDA had explicitly stated it "cannot be compounded" — placing it firmly in Category 2. Expected to return to Category 1. This is a significant reversal.
Kitting notes: Lyophilized, standard syringe kit. Stable compound with straightforward cold chain requirements.
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val)
What it is: A tripeptide derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Clinical applications: Inflammatory bowel conditions, systemic inflammation reduction, gut health (often used alongside BPC-157), skin inflammation and wound healing.
Compounding status (March 2026): Category 2 currently. Expected to return to Category 1.
Kitting notes: Multiple dosage forms. Oral capsules have the simplest fulfillment requirements.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Semaglutide
What it is: A GLP-1 receptor agonist (branded as Ozempic/Wegovy). Regulates appetite, blood sugar, and gastric emptying.
Clinical applications: Type 2 diabetes management, weight management / obesity, cardiovascular risk reduction.
Compounding status (March 2026): FDA-approved drug. Compounding permitted during shortage periods but restricted as shortages resolve. The legal landscape is actively contested with ongoing lawsuits. This is a separate regulatory track from the Category 1/2 peptide reclassification.
Kitting notes: This is the volume driver for most telehealth kitting operations. Requires cold chain shipping (2-8°C). Kits include vial, insulin syringes, alcohol swabs, sharps container, and patient injection guide.
Tirzepatide
What it is: A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist (branded as Mounjaro/Zepbound). Activates two incretin pathways for potentially greater efficacy.
Compounding status (March 2026): Similar legal landscape to semaglutide. Not part of the peptide Category 1/2 reclassification.
Kitting notes: Same kit configuration as semaglutide. Cold chain required. Many programs offer both, allowing shared kit infrastructure.
Cognitive & Neurological Peptides
Semax
What it is: A synthetic analog of ACTH fragment 4-10. Approved in Russia for clinical use as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent.
Clinical applications: Cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, ADHD symptom management (off-label), depression and anxiety (adjunct).
How it's used: Intranasal administration (nasal spray), typically 200-600mcg per day.
Compounding status (March 2026): Category 2 currently. Expected to return to Category 1.
Kitting notes: Shipped as nasal spray — different kit configuration than injectables. No syringe needed. Cold chain still recommended for reconstituted solutions.
Selank
What it is: A synthetic peptide based on the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, with anxiolytic properties.
Clinical applications: Anxiety and stress resilience, cognitive function under stress, immune modulation, mood stabilization.
Compounding status (March 2026): Category 2 currently. Expected to return to Category 1.
Kitting notes: Nasal spray form. Can be kitted together with Semax for combination protocols.
Metabolic & Anti-Aging Peptides
MOTS-C
What it is: A mitochondrial-derived peptide with significant implications for metabolic health. Activates AMPK pathway.
Clinical applications: Metabolic optimization and insulin sensitivity, exercise mimetic effects, obesity and metabolic syndrome, aging-related metabolic decline.
Compounding status (March 2026): Category 2 currently. Expected to return to Category 1.
Kitting notes: Lyophilized, standard syringe kit. Newer peptide — patient education materials are especially important.
Epithalon
What it is: A synthetic tetrapeptide that stimulates telomerase production.
Clinical applications: Telomere maintenance and anti-aging, sleep regulation, immune function support, longevity medicine protocols.
How it's used: Subcutaneous injection, typically 5-10mg daily in 10-20 day cycles, repeated 2-3 times per year.
Compounding status (March 2026): Category 2 currently. Expected to return to Category 1.
Kitting notes: Cycled dosing means patients need kits periodically rather than continuously — impacts fulfillment cadence.
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
What it is: A naturally occurring tripeptide with a copper ion that plays a role in wound healing, collagen synthesis, and tissue remodeling.
Clinical applications: Skin rejuvenation and collagen production, wound healing, hair growth, anti-inflammatory effects.
Compounding status (March 2026): Category 1 for non-injectable routes (topical, oral). Injectable form remains Category 2. This split status may change under the reclassification.
Kitting notes: Topical form is straightforward — cream or serum in standard packaging, no cold chain needed.
Peptides Likely Remaining Restricted
Melanotan II — tanning/sexual function peptide with cardiovascular concerns. Risk-benefit ratio unfavorable.
Cathelicidin LL-37 — antimicrobial peptide with insufficient compounding safety data.
PEG-MGF — pegylated growth factor with immunogenicity concerns.
What This Means for Your Formulary
Launch immediately: BPC-157, CJC-1295/Ipamorelin, Thymosin Alpha-1. Largest patient bases, most established protocols, highest demand.
Launch in second wave: AOD-9604, TB-500, Selank, Semax, KPV. Solid clinical interest but somewhat smaller markets.
Monitor and evaluate: MOTS-C, Epithalon, Kisspeptin-10, GHK-Cu (injectable). Earlier in commercial lifecycle.
Separate track: Semaglutide and tirzepatide operate under different regulatory frameworks and require their own strategy.
For each peptide you add to your formulary, ensure your kitting partner can support the specific kit configuration — the syringe gauge, vial size, reconstitution supplies, and patient education materials vary by compound.