Peptide Science

From molecular sequence to analytical verification.

An editorial introduction to the scientific terminology, analytical concepts, evidence framework and peer-reviewed literature that structure responsible peptide research.

Glossary

Foundational vocabulary.

  • Peptide
    Short chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
  • Sequence
    The defined order of amino acids that gives a peptide its identity.
  • Synthesis
    Chemical or biological process used to assemble a defined peptide.
  • Purity
    Proportion of the target peptide relative to impurities in a sample.
  • Identity
    Confirmation that a sample corresponds to the declared peptide.
  • Analytical standard
    A characterized reference material used to verify identity and purity.
  • In vitro
    Research performed outside a living organism, e.g. in cell culture.
  • Pharmacokinetics
    How a compound is absorbed, distributed, metabolized and eliminated.
  • Half-life
    Time required for a concentration to decrease by half.
  • Evidence level
    A classification describing the maturity and rigour of available data.
Evidence status: Editorial framework

Evidence levels.

Evidence levels describe research maturity. They do not constitute a recommendation or an endorsement of human use.

Level 1Mechanistic and computational evidence only.
Level 2In vitro evidence.
Level 3Animal model evidence.
Level 4Observational human research.
Level 5Controlled clinical research.
Level 6Regulatory-reviewed indication.
Level UUnverified or insufficiently reviewed.
Research Library

A curated index of peer-reviewed peptide research.

The references below are independently published peer-reviewed sources used to inform our editorial framework. They are listed for transparency and scientific orientation — not as endorsements of any compound, product or human use.

Evidence status: External peer-reviewed sources
  1. 01 / 08

    Therapeutic peptides: current applications and future directions.

    Wang L, Wang N, Zhang W, et al.

    Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy · 2022

    Open-access synthesis of clinically used peptide therapeutics across metabolic, oncologic and cardiovascular indications.

    TherapeuticsLevel 6 review
    doi:10.1038/s41392-022-00904-4Open source →
  2. 02 / 08

    Trends in peptide drug discovery.

    Muttenthaler M, King GF, Adams DJ, Alewood PF.

    Nature Reviews Drug Discovery · 2021

    A landscape review of approved peptide drugs, modern discovery platforms, and structural strategies that improve drug-likeness.

    DiscoveryLevel 6 review
    doi:10.1038/s41573-020-00135-8Open source →
  3. 03 / 08

    Therapeutic peptides: historical perspectives, current development trends and future directions.

    Lau JL, Dunn MK.

    Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry · 2018

    Historical and structural analysis of FDA-approved peptide drugs and the chemical strategies driving their evolution.

    TherapeuticsLevel 6 review
    doi:10.1016/j.bmc.2017.06.052Open source →
  4. 04 / 08

    The current state of peptide drug discovery: back to the future?

    Henninot A, Collins JC, Nuss JM.

    Journal of Medicinal Chemistry · 2018

    Critical review of macrocyclic and constrained peptide platforms and their re-emergence in modern medicinal chemistry.

    DiscoveryLevel 6 review
    doi:10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00318Open source →
  5. 05 / 08

    Solid-phase peptide synthesis: from standard procedures to the synthesis of difficult sequences.

    Behrendt R, White P, Offer J.

    Journal of Peptide Science · 2016

    Authoritative methodological review of Fmoc-SPPS, common side reactions and strategies for sequences prone to aggregation.

    DiscoveryLevel 6 method review
    doi:10.1002/psc.2836Open source →
  6. 06 / 08

    Peptide therapeutics: current status and future directions.

    Fosgerau K, Hoffmann T.

    Drug Discovery Today · 2015

    Overview of delivery, half-life extension and formulation challenges shaping peptide pipeline strategy.

    DeliveryLevel 6 review
    doi:10.1016/j.drudis.2014.10.003Open source →
  7. 07 / 08

    Stability of peptide drugs in the colon and other physiological environments: a kinetic perspective.

    Wang J, Yadav V, Smart AL, Tajiri S, Basit AW.

    Molecular Pharmaceutics · 2015

    Kinetic in vitro study quantifying proteolytic stability of model peptides across simulated physiological environments.

    StabilityLevel 2 in vitro
    doi:10.1021/mp500809fOpen source →
  8. 08 / 08

    Related impurities in peptide medicines.

    D'Hondt M, Bracke N, Taevernier L, et al.

    Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis · 2014

    Classification of synthesis-, degradation- and formulation-related impurities in peptide drug products, with analytical control strategies.

    AnalyticalLevel 6 review
    doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2014.06.012Open source →
Citation notice

All references link directly to the publisher record via DOI. Citations are reproduced for educational and editorial purposes; copyright remains with the respective publishers and authors. No content on this page is a substitute for qualified clinical, legal or regulatory consultation, and no compound described in the cited literature is offered by VisaVault Lifescience for human use.