Peptide therapy is a growing field in medicine. Peptides are chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of the body’s proteins. They provide a safe option to treat a wide array of conditions because their main function is to signal the body to release its own capacities to relieve symptoms or underlying conditions.

There are thousands of peptides naturally occurring in our bodies. Some of the most important peptide treatments have been tested extensively, and are approved for use in many European and other countries around the world. Peptides may act to promote the release of inflammatory substances to relieve pain. They may act to promote weight loss, better sleep, mood or cognition, or improve energy and muscle strength. 

Peptide treatments can be useful for a multitude of health and wellness concerns, including the following.

Cosmetic effects, such as skin care, thinning hair and weight loss. Peptide-containing creams can reduce wrinkles and maintain healthy skin, making the skin more resistant to sun damage. Peptides can be applied locally to the scalp or added to a hair restoration procedure such as PRP or a stem cell treatment to further promote hair restoration. Peptides are used to burn fat and enhance muscle, making a healthy diet and exercise regimen more successful, especially for those who have found it difficult to lose weight.

Pain relief, including joint, ligament and tendon problems. BPC-157 is a peptide that has been shown experimentally to
accelerate the healing of damaged ligaments and tendons, reduce pain in other orthopedic conditions and reduce the need for narcotic-type medications. It may also prevent or heal ulcers of the stomach and inflammatory conditions of the colon. It supports the immune system in the fight against infection. This peptide combines well with others to relieve many conditions.

Chronic infections, such as Lyme disease, Epstein Barr Virus, CMV and others. Immune-supporting peptides help those with chronic infections, whether they originate from viruses or spirochetes. They can be used by patients taking antibiotics, who have not experienced a successful treatment outcome.

Hormonal health. Peptides enhance the body’s ability to produce its own growth hormone, which has proven to enhance the burning of fat and promote development of muscle tissue for those following a weight loss and exercise program. The cost is a fraction of the cost of growth hormone treatments. There are several peptides which can meet this challenge and the patient has the option of using a cream, capsules or injections. Other peptides help libido in both sexes, and testosterone production for men.

Cardiovascular disease. Tesamorelin is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved substance for the reduction of abdominal fat. A Harvard study showed that treatment with tesamorelin not only reduced fat, lowered triglycerides and enhanced muscle strength, but it specifically has been shown to reduce “visceral fat”—the fat around your organs which contributes to the risk of heart disease. It has also been shown to reduce the thickness of the wall of the carotid artery, the main artery in your neck providing circulation to the brain. Plaque in that artery contributes to stroke risk.

Autoimmune conditions. Thymosin Alpha-1 has been extensively researched and used around the world, approved in many other countries. This can be used to help a broad range of autoimmune conditions, such as: Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and vitiligo.

Dementia and other degenerative neurologic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. The scourge of dementia which plagues the elderly population is one of the great health care challenges of the 21st century. Cerbrolysin is approved by governmental regulatory bodies in many other countries (analogous to the FDA) and used for many neurologic conditions, including depression in those who have not experienced desired improvement from antidepressant medications.

Fibromyalgia. The varied manifestations of this condition make it a perfect fit for a peptide treatment program. There are a number of options available depending on whether the primary manifestation is pain, fatigue, infection with viruses, sleep disturbance or other symptoms associated with this difficult-to-treat condition.

Sleep. If you are stuck on sleep medication and want to stop the cycle, peptides might help.  

Cancer. Peptide therapy has been approved as immunotherapy by the FDA as adjuvant care for patients with cancer. Peptides may also help a person with a history of cancer, who no longer requires active treatment, to stay healthy. Please note: Dr. Sobo is not a trained oncologist and does not offer primary cancer care. His treatment is given as support for cancer patients as an adjunct to other care they may be receiving.

Anti-aging medicine. There are many factors involved in determination of a person’s “biological age.” Peptides may enhance the body’s physiology so that the person can “beat the clock” and function at a biologically younger age.

Dr. Henry Sobo is a member of A4M—The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Age Management Medicine group—and is also a pioneer member of the new medical organization, the Clinical Peptide Society. He practices at Optimal Health Medical, LLC at 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford. For more information, call 203-348-8805 or visit DrSobo.com. See ad, page 35.