# Graded

> An independent guide to peptides, SARMs and substances sold for longer life.

# 5-amino-1MQ

5-amino-1-methylquinolinium · NNMT inhibitor

https://graded.pl/en/substances/5-amino-1mq · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A small molecule, not a peptide, that blocks a metabolism enzyme (NNMT). There are three scientific papers and no study in people.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does 5-amino-1MQ work?

A small molecule, not a peptide, that blocks a metabolism enzyme (NNMT). There are three scientific papers and no study in people. Fat loss: grade D, not clear. Weight and fat fell in obese mice. There are three papers and no study in people.

### Is 5-amino-1MQ legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is 5-amino-1MQ banned in sport?

May be banned, WADA 2026. It is not on the WADA list, but WADA also bans substances that no health authority has approved, so it may be banned.

### Is 5-amino-1MQ safe?

Not known. Studied in mice. There are three papers and no study in people.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat loss | D | Not clear | Weight and fat fell in obese mice. There are three papers and no study in people. |

## Studies we have read

- Reduced calorie diet combined with NNMT inhibition establishes a distinct microbiome in DIO mice. (Scientific reports 2022; In animals) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35013352/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

May be banned, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 3
- Studies with random groups: 0
- Registered studies in people: 0
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# AICAR

acadesine · AICA riboside

https://graded.pl/en/substances/aicar · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A small molecule, not a peptide, that switches on an enzyme controlling energy in cells (AMPK). Mostly a lab tool. No such medicine exists.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does AICAR work?

A small molecule, not a peptide, that switches on an enzyme controlling energy in cells (AMPK). Mostly a lab tool. No such medicine exists. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is AICAR legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is AICAR banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is AICAR safe?

Little data. In people it was given by drip around heart surgery. We found nothing on use for endurance.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 2552
- Studies with random groups: 12
- Registered studies in people: 5
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# AOD-9604

hGH 176-191 · Tyr-hGH(177-191)

https://graded.pl/en/substances/aod-9604 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A changed fragment of human growth hormone, developed as an obesity drug. No such medicine exists, and there are no studies with random groups.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does AOD-9604 work?

A changed fragment of human growth hormone, developed as an obesity drug. No such medicine exists, and there are no studies with random groups. Fat loss: grade D, not clear. Obese rats gained less weight. There are no studies with random groups in people.

### Is AOD-9604 legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is AOD-9604 banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is AOD-9604 safe?

Not known. There are no studies with random groups. A 2026 review says very little is known about the safety of peptides like this one in people.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat loss | D | Not clear | Obese rats gained less weight. There are no studies with random groups in people. |

## Studies we have read

- Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone. (Hormone research 2000; In animals) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11146367/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 22
- Studies with random groups: 0
- Registered studies in people: 0
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# BPC-157

Body Protection Compound 157 · PL 14736 · pentadecapeptide BPC 157

https://graded.pl/en/substances/bpc-157 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A synthetic peptide popular for injuries. Only three studies in people exist, 30 people in total, none with a comparison group. No such medicine exists.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does BPC-157 work?

A synthetic peptide popular for injuries. Only three studies in people exist, 30 people in total, none with a comparison group. No such medicine exists. Recovery and injury: grade D, not clear. Only uncontrolled reports in people, rated very unreliable. Mostly studies in rats and mice.

### Is BPC-157 legal?

PL: No approval. Polish health inspectors warn that synthetic peptides sold as research chemicals are not medicines and selling them is illegal. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. No approved medicine. On 30 October 2026 the US health department (HHS) published a draft policy: it does not plan to act against pharmacies and doctors that make it on a prescription for a named patient, from an FDA-registered maker, until the FDA decides by rule. The draft is not binding, and comments close on 13 November 2026.

### Is BPC-157 banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is BPC-157 safe?

Not known.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery and injury | D | Not clear | Only uncontrolled reports in people, rated very unreliable. Mostly studies in rats and mice. |

## Studies we have read

- Effects of BPC-157 and TB-500 on Achilles tendon healing in rats: A histopathological and biomechanical study. (Joint diseases and related surgery 2026; In animals, n=32) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42542926/
- Intra-Articular Injection of BPC 157 for Multiple Types of Knee Pain. (Altern Ther Health Med 2021; Case reports, n=16) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34324435/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. No approval. Polish health inspectors warn that synthetic peptides sold as research chemicals are not medicines and selling them is illegal. https://www.gov.pl/web/psse-bochnia/ostrzezenie-publiczne-nielegalny-obrot-syntetycznymi-peptydami-oferowanymi-jako-odczynniki-chemiczne-lub-do-badan (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. No approved medicine. On 30 October 2026 the US health department (HHS) published a draft policy: it does not plan to act against pharmacies and doctors that make it on a prescription for a named patient, from an FDA-registered maker, until the FDA decides by rule. The draft is not binding, and comments close on 13 November 2026. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/30/2026-22192/enforcement-discretion-policy-regarding-503a-compounding-using-certain-peptide-bulk-drug-substances (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 234
- Studies with random groups: 0
- Registered studies in people: 4
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Cagrilintide

CagriSema (with semaglutide) · AM833

https://graded.pl/en/substances/cagrilintide · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A substance that mimics amylin, a fullness hormone. Still being studied, alone and with semaglutide. Not approved in the EU or US.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does cagrilintide work?

A substance that mimics amylin, a fullness hormone. Still being studied, alone and with semaglutide. Not approved in the EU or US. Fat loss: grade B, effect in studies. Weight fell 6.0% to 10.8%, and 3.0% on placebo, in an early study. In a large study the mix with semaglutide reached 20.4% against 3.0%, but that is a result for the mix.

### Is Cagrilintide legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is cagrilintide banned in sport?

May be banned, WADA 2026. It is not on the WADA list, but WADA also bans substances that no health authority has approved, so it may be banned.

### Is Cagrilintide safe?

Little data. There are early studies and a large study with semaglutide. Stomach and bowel problems were common in both. No approval yet.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat loss | B | Effect in studies | Weight fell 6.0% to 10.8%, and 3.0% on placebo, in an early study. In a large study the mix with semaglutide reached 20.4% against 3.0%, but that is a result for the mix. |

## Studies we have read

- Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. (The New England journal of medicine 2025; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40544433/
- Once-weekly cagrilintide for weight management in people with overweight and obesity: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and active-controlled, dose-finding phase 2 trial. (Lancet (London, England) 2021; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34798060/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

May be banned, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 124
- Studies with random groups: 15
- Registered studies in people: 44
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Cardarine

GW501516 · GW1516 · endurobol

https://graded.pl/en/substances/cardarine · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A substance that affects how the body uses fat (GW501516). Work on it as a medicine was stopped. No such medicine exists.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does cardarine work?

A substance that affects how the body uses fat (GW501516). Work on it as a medicine was stopped. No such medicine exists. Fat loss: grade C, not clear. In a 2-week study with random groups of 6 people each, liver fat fell by 20%. Nobody measured body fat or weight loss. Work on it as a medicine stopped after cancer findings in mice.

### Is Cardarine legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is cardarine banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is Cardarine safe?

Serious warning. In mice with a KRAS gene change, GW501516 sped up the path from early lesions to pancreatic cancer. This is an animal result, and work on it as a medicine for people has stopped.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat loss | C | Not clear | In a 2-week study with random groups of 6 people each, liver fat fell by 20%. Nobody measured body fat or weight loss. Work on it as a medicine stopped after cancer findings in mice. |

## Studies we have read

- Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)delta promotes reversal of multiple metabolic abnormalities, reduces oxidative stress, and increases fatty acid oxidation in moderately obese men. (Diabetes 2008; Random groups, n=18) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18024853/
- Triglyceride:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol effects in healthy subjects administered a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor delta agonist. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2007; Random groups, n=24) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17110604/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 318
- Studies with random groups: 4
- Registered studies in people: 3
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# CJC-1295

modified GRF(1-29) · CJC-1295 DAC

https://graded.pl/en/substances/cjc-1295 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A synthetic substance that raises growth hormone. Sold with or without DAC, an add-on that makes it last longer.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does CJC-1295 work?

A synthetic substance that raises growth hormone. Sold with or without DAC, an add-on that makes it last longer. Muscle mass: grade C, not clear. In studies with random groups in healthy adults, it raised growth hormone and IGF-1, a hormone made in response to it, for several days. Nobody measured muscle or strength.

### Is CJC-1295 legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is CJC-1295 banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is CJC-1295 safe?

Little data. Short studies in healthy adults. A 2026 review says very little is known about the safety of peptides like this one in people.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle mass | C | Not clear | In studies with random groups in healthy adults, it raised growth hormone and IGF-1, a hormone made in response to it, for several days. Nobody measured muscle or strength. |

## Studies we have read

- Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16352683/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 35
- Studies with random groups: 1
- Registered studies in people: 1
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# DSIP

delta sleep-inducing peptide · emideltide

https://graded.pl/en/substances/dsip · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A peptide described in the 1970s and named for its effect on sleep in animals. No such medicine exists.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does DSIP work?

A peptide described in the 1970s and named for its effect on sleep in animals. No such medicine exists. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is DSIP legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. No approved medicine. FDA advisers discussed on 23–24 July 2026 whether pharmacies could make it to order.

### Is DSIP banned in sport?

May be banned, WADA 2026. It is not on the WADA list, but WADA also bans substances that no health authority has approved, so it may be banned.

### Is DSIP safe?

Not known. We found no safety study that would allow an assessment.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. No approved medicine. FDA advisers discussed on 23–24 July 2026 whether pharmacies could make it to order. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/16/2026-07361/pharmacy-compounding-advisory-committee-notice-of-meeting-establishment-of-a-public-docket-request (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

May be banned, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 463
- Studies with random groups: 6
- Registered studies in people: 1
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Epitalon

epithalon · Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly · AEDG

https://graded.pl/en/substances/epitalon · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A synthetic peptide based on a pineal gland extract. No studies with random groups and no approved medicine in the EU or US.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does epitalon work?

A synthetic peptide based on a pineal gland extract. No studies with random groups and no approved medicine in the EU or US. Longer life: grade D, not clear. Fruit flies lived 11% to 16% longer. There are no studies with random groups in people.

### Is Epitalon legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. No approved medicine. On 30 October 2026 the US health department (HHS) published a draft policy: it does not plan to act against pharmacies and doctors that make it on a prescription for a named patient, from an FDA-registered maker, until the FDA decides by rule. The draft is not binding, and comments close on 13 November 2026.

### Is epitalon banned in sport?

May be banned, WADA 2026. It is not on the WADA list, but WADA also bans substances that no health authority has approved, so it may be banned.

### Is Epitalon safe?

Not known. There are no studies with random groups, and we found no safety study in people.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longer life | D | Not clear | Fruit flies lived 11% to 16% longer. There are no studies with random groups in people. |

## Studies we have read

- Effect of epitalon on the lifespan increase in Drosophila melanogaster. (Mechanisms of ageing and development 2000; In animals) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11087911/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. No approved medicine. On 30 October 2026 the US health department (HHS) published a draft policy: it does not plan to act against pharmacies and doctors that make it on a prescription for a named patient, from an FDA-registered maker, until the FDA decides by rule. The draft is not binding, and comments close on 13 November 2026. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/30/2026-22192/enforcement-discretion-policy-regarding-503a-compounding-using-certain-peptide-bulk-drug-substances (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

May be banned, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 123
- Studies with random groups: 0
- Registered studies in people: 1
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# GHK-Cu

copper peptide · copper tripeptide-1

https://graded.pl/en/substances/ghk-cu · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A short peptide carrying copper, used in skin care. No injectable medicine in the EU or US.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does GHK-Cu work?

A short peptide carrying copper, used in skin care. No injectable medicine in the EU or US. Recovery and injury: grade C, no effect in studies. A study of 13 people after a laser skin treatment found no clear improvement in measurements. It tested use on the skin, not injections.

### Is GHK-Cu legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. This covers medicines, not cosmetics. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). This covers medicines, not cosmetics. US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is GHK-Cu banned in sport?

May be banned, WADA 2026. It is not on the WADA list, but WADA also bans substances that no health authority has approved, so it may be banned.

### Is GHK-Cu safe?

Not known. Skin-care data do not describe injections. A 2026 review says very little is known about the safety of peptides like this one in people.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery and injury | C | No effect in studies | A study of 13 people after a laser skin treatment found no clear improvement in measurements. It tested use on the skin, not injections. |

## Studies we have read

- Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin. (Archives of facial plastic surgery 2006; Random groups, n=13) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16847171/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. This covers medicines, not cosmetics. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). This covers medicines, not cosmetics. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

May be banned, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 103
- Studies with random groups: 1
- Registered studies in people: 25
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# GHRP-2

pralmorelin

https://graded.pl/en/substances/ghrp-2 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A peptide that raises growth hormone. Japan uses it to test for a shortage of that hormone. Not approved in the EU or US.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does GHRP-2 work?

A peptide that raises growth hormone. Japan uses it to test for a shortage of that hormone. Not approved in the EU or US. Muscle mass: grade D, not clear. One study with random groups in 33 critically ill men over 5 days: it restored growth hormone release and IGF-1. Muscle was not measured, and the men were not healthy.

### Is GHRP-2 legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is GHRP-2 banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is GHRP-2 safe?

Little data. In people it was given mainly once, as a test for a shortage of growth hormone. We found no data on longer use.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle mass | D | Not clear | One study with random groups in 33 critically ill men over 5 days: it restored growth hormone release and IGF-1. Muscle was not measured, and the men were not healthy. |

## Studies we have read

- The combined administration of GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), TRH and GnRH to men with prolonged critical illness evokes superior endocrine and metabolic effects compared to treatment with GHRP-2 alone. (Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2002; Random groups, n=33) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12030918/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 223
- Studies with random groups: 42
- Registered studies in people: 0
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# GHRP-6

growth hormone-releasing peptide 6

https://graded.pl/en/substances/ghrp-6 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A peptide that raises growth hormone. Not approved in the EU or US.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does GHRP-6 work?

A peptide that raises growth hormone. Not approved in the EU or US. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is GHRP-6 legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is GHRP-6 banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is GHRP-6 safe?

Little data. In people it was given mainly once, as a test for a shortage of growth hormone. We found no data on longer use.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 674
- Studies with random groups: 21
- Registered studies in people: 0
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Glutathione

GSH · L-glutathione

https://graded.pl/en/substances/glutathione · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

An antioxidant the body makes, sold as a supplement and offered as an injection to lighten skin. Injectable medicines exist in Italy. In the US it appears only in an eye rinse.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does glutathione work?

An antioxidant the body makes, sold as a supplement and offered as an injection to lighten skin. Injectable medicines exist in Italy. In the US it appears only in an eye rinse. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is Glutathione legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no glutathione medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down. This covers medicines, not supplements. EU: Approved medicine. No EU-wide approval. Injectable medicines, including Tationil and Ridutox, exist only in Italy (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). US: No approval. No injectable medicine. The substance appears in BSS Plus, an eye rinse.

### Is glutathione banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026. The substance is not on the WADA list, but drips and injections above 100 mL in 12 hours are banned, except in hospital care and medical tests.

### Is Glutathione safe?

Little data. A 2016 review found no studies of drips for lighter skin, and none on long-term safety for any use. Studies of other uses lasted weeks at most.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no glutathione medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down. This covers medicines, not supplements. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: Approved medicine. No EU-wide approval. Injectable medicines, including Tationil and Ridutox, exist only in Italy (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. No injectable medicine. The substance appears in BSS Plus, an eye rinse. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=018469 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 1142
- Studies with random groups: 40
- Registered studies in people: 42
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# hCG

human chorionic gonadotropin · Pregnyl · Ovitrelle

https://graded.pl/en/substances/hcg · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A pregnancy hormone and prescription fertility medicine. The US label says plainly that it has not been shown to work for obesity. Approval covers only these medicines.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does hCG work?

A pregnancy hormone and prescription fertility medicine. The US label says plainly that it has not been shown to work for obesity. Approval covers only these medicines. Fat loss: grade A, no effect in studies. In blinded studies from 1976 to 1990, people lost no more weight on hCG than on placebo injections with the same diet. A 1995 pooled analysis found no scientific proof that it works for obesity.

### Is hCG legal?

PL: Prescription only. Approved in Poland as Chorapur and Zivafert, and across the EU as Ovitrelle (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). EU: Prescription only. Approved across the EU as Ovitrelle. This covers that medicine only, not products sold outside pharmacies. US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Pregnyl).

### Is hCG banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. Banned for men because it raises testosterone.

### Is hCG safe?

Well known. Long medical use and a US drug label. The label says hCG has not been shown to work for obesity and warns of overstimulated ovaries.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat loss | A | No effect in studies | In blinded studies from 1976 to 1990, people lost no more weight on hCG than on placebo injections with the same diet. A 1995 pooled analysis found no scientific proof that it works for obesity. |

## Studies we have read

- The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis. (British journal of clinical pharmacology 1995; Pooled analysis) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8527285/
- Human chorionic gonadotrophin and weight loss. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde 1990; Random groups, n=40) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2405506/
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity: a critical assessment of the Simeons method. (The Western journal of medicine 1977; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/595585/
- Ineffectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin in weight reduction: a double-blind study. (The American journal of clinical nutrition 1976; Random groups, n=51) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/786001/
- Chorionic gonadotropin in weight control. A double-blind crossover study. (JAMA 1976; Random groups, n=202) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/792477/

## Is it legal

- PL: Prescription only. Approved in Poland as Chorapur and Zivafert, and across the EU as Ovitrelle (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: Prescription only. Approved across the EU as Ovitrelle. This covers that medicine only, not products sold outside pharmacies. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/ovitrelle (Checked: Not yet)
- US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Pregnyl). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=017692 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 1275
- Studies with random groups: 42
- Registered studies in people: 58
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# IGF-1 LR3

Long R3 IGF-1

https://graded.pl/en/substances/igf-1-lr3 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A long-acting synthetic form of the hormone IGF-1. No studies with random groups. The approved IGF-1 medicine (Increlex) is a different product.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does IGF-1 LR3 work?

A long-acting synthetic form of the hormone IGF-1. No studies with random groups. The approved IGF-1 medicine (Increlex) is a different product. Muscle mass: grade E, not clear. There are no studies in people. Given for a week to unborn lambs with slowed growth, it did not raise their weight. Muscle was not measured.

### Is IGF-1 LR3 legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is IGF-1 LR3 banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is IGF-1 LR3 safe?

Not known. We found no safety study in people. A 2019 review links growth hormone and IGF-1 to the ways cancers develop.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle mass | E | Not clear | There are no studies in people. Given for a week to unborn lambs with slowed growth, it did not raise their weight. Muscle was not measured. |

## Studies we have read

- IGF-1 LR3 does not promote growth in late-gestation growth-restricted fetal sheep. (Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2025; In animals, n=14) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39679943/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 99
- Studies with random groups: 0
- Registered studies in people: 0
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Ipamorelin

NNC 26-0161

https://graded.pl/en/substances/ipamorelin · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A peptide that raises growth hormone. Not approved in the EU or US.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does ipamorelin work?

A peptide that raises growth hormone. Not approved in the EU or US. Muscle mass: grade E, not clear. Nobody measured muscle. Rats grew longer bones and gained weight, and in ferrets on chemotherapy it reduced weight loss. There are no studies of muscle in people.

### Is Ipamorelin legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is ipamorelin banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is Ipamorelin safe?

Little data. An early study after bowel surgery and little else. A 2026 review says very little is known about the safety of peptides like this one in people.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle mass | E | Not clear | Nobody measured muscle. Rats grew longer bones and gained weight, and in ferrets on chemotherapy it reduced weight loss. There are no studies of muscle in people. |

## Studies we have read

- The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets: Anamorelin also exhibits anti-emetic effects via a central mechanism. (Physiol Behav 2024; In animals) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39043357/
- Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. (Growth Horm IGF Res 1999; In animals) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10373343/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 51
- Studies with random groups: 2
- Registered studies in people: 3
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Kisspeptin-10

KP-10

https://graded.pl/en/substances/kisspeptin-10 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A natural peptide that switches on sex hormones, used in studies in people. No such medicine exists.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does Kisspeptin-10 work?

A natural peptide that switches on sex hormones, used in studies in people. No such medicine exists. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is Kisspeptin-10 legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is Kisspeptin-10 banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. Banned for men because it raises testosterone.

### Is Kisspeptin-10 safe?

Not known. Used in short experiments in people. We found no safety assessment.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 318
- Studies with random groups: 5
- Registered studies in people: 36
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# KPV

Lys-Pro-Val · alpha-MSH 11-13

https://graded.pl/en/substances/kpv · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A very short peptide studied in cells and animals for inflammation. No studies with random groups and no such medicine.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does KPV work?

A very short peptide studied in cells and animals for inflammation. No studies with random groups and no such medicine. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is KPV legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. No approved medicine. On 30 October 2026 the US health department (HHS) published a draft policy: it does not plan to act against pharmacies and doctors that make it on a prescription for a named patient, from an FDA-registered maker, until the FDA decides by rule. The draft is not binding, and comments close on 13 November 2026.

### Is KPV banned in sport?

May be banned, WADA 2026. It is not on the WADA list, but WADA also bans substances that no health authority has approved, so it may be banned.

### Is KPV safe?

Not known. A 2026 review names it among peptides promoted in sport with little proof in people.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. No approved medicine. On 30 October 2026 the US health department (HHS) published a draft policy: it does not plan to act against pharmacies and doctors that make it on a prescription for a named patient, from an FDA-registered maker, until the FDA decides by rule. The draft is not binding, and comments close on 13 November 2026. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/30/2026-22192/enforcement-discretion-policy-regarding-503a-compounding-using-certain-peptide-bulk-drug-substances (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

May be banned, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 46
- Studies with random groups: 0
- Registered studies in people: 0
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# L-carnitine

levocarnitine · Carnitor

https://graded.pl/en/substances/l-carnitine · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A compound that helps carry fats to where cells burn them for energy. Levocarnitine is a medicine for carnitine deficiency. Injections for weight loss or performance are a different use.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does L-carnitine work?

A compound that helps carry fats to where cells burn them for energy. Levocarnitine is a medicine for carnitine deficiency. Injections for weight loss or performance are a different use. Fat loss: grade C, conflicting results. Results differ. One study found no change in overweight women, while pooled analyses report a small loss, about 1.33 kg in one. These are studies of supplements, not injections.

### Is L-carnitine legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no levocarnitine medicine in Poland, but does in 11 EU countries (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down. This covers medicines, not supplements. EU: Approved medicine. No EU-wide approval. Levocarnitine is approved separately in 11 EU countries, as injections in several, including Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Greece (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). The database does not confirm use for weight loss. US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (levocarnitine).

### Is L-carnitine banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026. The substance is not on the WADA list, but drips and injections above 100 mL in 12 hours are banned, except in hospital care and medical tests.

### Is L-carnitine safe?

Well known. The US label lists severe allergic reactions. Gut bacteria turn carnitine into TMAO, which a study in mice and people linked to clogged arteries. Neither source describes injections for weight loss.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat loss | C | Conflicting results | Results differ. One study found no change in overweight women, while pooled analyses report a small loss, about 1.33 kg in one. These are studies of supplements, not injections. |

## Studies we have read

- Effects of l-carnitine supplementation on weight loss and body composition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled clinical trials with dose-response analysis. (Clinical nutrition ESPEN 2020; Pooled analysis, n=2292) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32359762/
- The effect of (L-)carnitine on weight loss in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity 2016; Pooled analysis) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27335245/
- Effect of L-carnitine supplementation in comparison with moderate aerobic training on serum inflammatory parameters in healthy obese women. (The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness 2015; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25600905/
- Orlistat and L-carnitine compared to orlistat alone on insulin resistance in obese diabetic patients. (Endocrine journal 2010; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20683173/
- L-Carnitine supplementation combined with aerobic training does not promote weight loss in moderately obese women. (International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism 2000; Random groups, n=36) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10861338/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no levocarnitine medicine in Poland, but does in 11 EU countries (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down. This covers medicines, not supplements. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: Approved medicine. No EU-wide approval. Levocarnitine is approved separately in 11 EU countries, as injections in several, including Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Greece (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). The database does not confirm use for weight loss. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (levocarnitine). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=076858 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 508
- Studies with random groups: 43
- Registered studies in people: 314
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Lemon Bottle

lipolysis solution

https://graded.pl/en/substances/lemon-bottle · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

An injection sold as a "fat dissolver", labelled with riboflavin, bromelain and lecithin. The Swiss regulator calls it an illegal medicine, and its test did not find the declared ingredients. Finnish and US regulators have also acted.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does Lemon Bottle work?

An injection sold as a "fat dissolver", labelled with riboflavin, bromelain and lecithin. The Swiss regulator calls it an illegal medicine, and its test did not find the declared ingredients. Finnish and US regulators have also acted. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is Lemon Bottle legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no medicine like this in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The Finnish medicines agency Fimea has warned against this product. US: No approval. In a March 2025 warning letter, the FDA treats it as an unapproved drug.

### Is Lemon Bottle banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026.

### Is Lemon Bottle safe?

Serious warning.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no medicine like this in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The Finnish medicines agency Fimea has warned against this product. https://fimea.fi/en/-/fimea-and-tukes-warn-against-the-lemon-bottle-product-intended-for-dissolving-fat (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. In a March 2025 warning letter, the FDA treats it as an unapproved drug. https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/fox-pharma-llc-699225-03032025 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 0
- Studies with random groups: 0
- Registered studies in people: 0
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# LGD-4033

ligandrol · VK5211

https://graded.pl/en/substances/lgd-4033 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A SARM still being studied. No such medicine exists, and the Polish sanitary inspectorate lists it as not allowed in supplements.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does LGD-4033 work?

A SARM still being studied. No such medicine exists, and the Polish sanitary inspectorate lists it as not allowed in supplements. Muscle mass: grade B, effect in studies. One 21-day study of 76 healthy men. Body mass without fat rose and fat did not change. We found nothing longer.

### Is LGD-4033 legal?

PL: No approval found. The Polish sanitary inspectorate lists SARMs as not allowed in food supplements. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is LGD-4033 banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is LGD-4033 safe?

Serious warning. Two case reports describe severe liver damage with blocked bile flow, confirmed by biopsy.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle mass | B | Effect in studies | One 21-day study of 76 healthy men. Body mass without fat rose and fat did not change. We found nothing longer. |

## Studies we have read

- The safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects of LGD-4033, a novel nonsteroidal oral, selective androgen receptor modulator, in healthy young men. (The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences 2013; Random groups, n=76) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22459616/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. No approval found. The Polish sanitary inspectorate lists SARMs as not allowed in food supplements. https://www.gov.pl/web/gis/zespol-do-spraw-suplementow-diety (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 52
- Studies with random groups: 1
- Registered studies in people: 1
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Lipo-C

lipotropic injection · MIC injection

https://graded.pl/en/substances/lipo-c · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A mix of vitamins and amino acids injected for weight loss. The contents vary by maker. We found no studies.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does Lipo-C work?

A mix of vitamins and amino acids injected for weight loss. The contents vary by maker. We found no studies. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is Lipo-C legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no medicine like this in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no medicine like this (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is Lipo-C banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026. The substance is not on the WADA list, but drips and injections above 100 mL in 12 hours are banned, except in hospital care and medical tests.

### Is Lipo-C safe?

Not known. The mix varies by maker, so there is no single product to assess.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no medicine like this in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no medicine like this (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 0
- Studies with random groups: 0
- Registered studies in people: 0
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Melanotan 1

afamelanotide · Scenesse

https://graded.pl/en/substances/melanotan-1 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

Afamelanotide is approved only as the Scenesse implant, for a rare condition that makes skin react badly to light. Products sold as Melanotan 1 are not this medicine.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does Melanotan 1 work?

Afamelanotide is approved only as the Scenesse implant, for a rare condition that makes skin react badly to light. Products sold as Melanotan 1 are not this medicine. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is Melanotan 1 legal?

PL: Prescription only. Afamelanotide is approved only as the Scenesse implant, across the EU. This does not cover vials sold as Melanotan 1. EU: Prescription only. Approved across the EU as Scenesse. This covers that medicine only, not products sold outside pharmacies. US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Scenesse).

### Is Melanotan 1 banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026.

### Is Melanotan 1 safe?

Well known. The US label covers only the Scenesse implant: severe allergic reactions and regular skin checks. It says nothing about vials sold as Melanotan 1.

## Is it legal

- PL: Prescription only. Afamelanotide is approved only as the Scenesse implant, across the EU. This does not cover vials sold as Melanotan 1. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: Prescription only. Approved across the EU as Scenesse. This covers that medicine only, not products sold outside pharmacies. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/scenesse (Checked: Not yet)
- US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Scenesse). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=210797 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 123
- Studies with random groups: 5
- Registered studies in people: 24
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Melanotan 2

melanotan II · MT-II

https://graded.pl/en/substances/melanotan-2 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A synthetic substance sold for tanning. Not approved in the EU or US.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does Melanotan 2 work?

A synthetic substance sold for tanning. Not approved in the EU or US. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is Melanotan 2 legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is Melanotan 2 banned in sport?

May be banned, WADA 2026. It is not on the WADA list, but WADA also bans substances that no health authority has approved, so it may be banned.

### Is Melanotan 2 safe?

Serious warning. Case reports describe melanoma, muscle breakdown with poisoning of the whole body, and moles appearing or darkening within a day. The Irish regulator warned of serious health risk.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

May be banned, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 199
- Studies with random groups: 1
- Registered studies in people: 1
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# MK-677

ibutamoren · MK-0677

https://graded.pl/en/substances/mk-677 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A pill that raises growth hormone. It is not a peptide. No such medicine exists.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does MK-677 work?

A pill that raises growth hormone. It is not a peptide. No such medicine exists. Muscle mass: grade B, effect in studies. Body mass without fat rose in healthy older adults and obese men, and in a short study the body held on to more protein. No study tested people who train. Strength: grade C, no effect in studies. More body mass without fat did not bring more strength or better function in older adults. A study after hip fracture was stopped early for safety reasons.

### Is MK-677 legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is MK-677 banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is MK-677 safe?

Serious warning. A study after hip fracture was stopped early because of possible heart failure. Another study found worse blood sugar control.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle mass | B | Effect in studies | Body mass without fat rose in healthy older adults and obese men, and in a short study the body held on to more protein. No study tested people who train. |
| Strength | C | No effect in studies | More body mass without fat did not bring more strength or better function in older adults. A study after hip fracture was stopped early for safety reasons. |

## Studies we have read

- MK-0677 (ibutamoren mesylate) for the treatment of patients recovering from hip fracture: a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled phase IIb study. (Archives of gerontology and geriatrics 2011; Random groups, n=123) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21067829/
- Effects of an oral ghrelin mimetic on body composition and clinical outcomes in healthy older adults: a randomized trial. (Annals of internal medicine 2008; Random groups, n=65) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18981485/
- MK-677, an orally active growth hormone secretagogue, reverses diet-induced catabolism. (The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism 1998; Random groups, n=8) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9467534/
- Two-month treatment of obese subjects with the oral growth hormone (GH) secretagogue MK-677 increases GH secretion, fat-free mass, and energy expenditure. (The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism 1998; Random groups, n=24) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9467542/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 120
- Studies with random groups: 18
- Registered studies in people: 8
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# MOTS-c

mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA-c

https://graded.pl/en/substances/mots-c · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A peptide made in mitochondria, the power plants of cells. Studied mainly in cells and animals. No such medicine exists.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does MOTS-c work?

A peptide made in mitochondria, the power plants of cells. Studied mainly in cells and animals. No such medicine exists. Longer life: grade D, not clear. Mouse studies only. Papers tagged as studies with random groups measure MOTS-c in blood and do not give it to people.

### Is MOTS-c legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. No approved medicine. On 30 October 2026 the US health department (HHS) published a draft policy: it does not plan to act against pharmacies and doctors that make it on a prescription for a named patient, from an FDA-registered maker, until the FDA decides by rule. The draft is not binding, and comments close on 13 November 2026.

### Is MOTS-c banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is MOTS-c safe?

Not known. Papers tagged as studies with random groups measure MOTS-c in blood and do not give it to people. A 2026 review says very little is known about the safety of peptides like this one in people.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longer life | D | Not clear | Mouse studies only. Papers tagged as studies with random groups measure MOTS-c in blood and do not give it to people. |

## Studies we have read

- MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis. (Nature communications 2021; In animals) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33473109/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. No approved medicine. On 30 October 2026 the US health department (HHS) published a draft policy: it does not plan to act against pharmacies and doctors that make it on a prescription for a named patient, from an FDA-registered maker, until the FDA decides by rule. The draft is not binding, and comments close on 13 November 2026. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/30/2026-22192/enforcement-discretion-policy-regarding-503a-compounding-using-certain-peptide-bulk-drug-substances (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 269
- Studies with random groups: 4
- Registered studies in people: 6
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# NAD+

nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

https://graded.pl/en/substances/nad-plus · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A compound in every cell, needed to make energy. Clinics offer it as drips and injections. No such medicine in the EU or US.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does NAD+ work?

A compound in every cell, needed to make energy. Clinics offer it as drips and injections. No such medicine in the EU or US. Longer life: grade E, not clear. A 2026 review found no study of the effects of NAD+ itself given by drip or injection. Studies test NMN and NR, which the body turns into NAD+, and their results on health are mixed or show no effect.

### Is NAD+ legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. This covers medicines, not supplements. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). This covers medicines, not supplements. US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is NAD+ banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026. The substance is not on the WADA list, but drips and injections above 100 mL in 12 hours are banned, except in hospital care and medical tests.

### Is NAD+ safe?

Not known. A 2026 review of NAD+ drips found few data in people: small studies without comparison groups, observations and case reports.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longer life | E | Not clear | A 2026 review found no study of the effects of NAD+ itself given by drip or injection. Studies test NMN and NR, which the body turns into NAD+, and their results on health are mixed or show no effect. |

## Studies we have read

- NAD⁺ supplementation for anti-aging and wellness: A PRISMA-guided systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence. (Ageing Res Rev 2026; Review of studies) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41655607/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. This covers medicines, not supplements. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). This covers medicines, not supplements. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 211
- Studies with random groups: 1
- Registered studies in people: 58
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# NMN

nicotinamide mononucleotide · β-NMN

https://graded.pl/en/substances/nmn · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A substance the body turns into NAD+. Sold as a dietary supplement.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does NMN work?

A substance the body turns into NAD+. Sold as a dietary supplement. Longer life: grade C, not clear. Studies are short and measure NAD in blood or fitness tests, not ageing. One found better muscle response to insulin and another found no change.

### Is NMN legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. This covers medicines, not supplements. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). This covers medicines, not supplements. US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is NMN banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026.

### Is NMN safe?

Little data. Studies last weeks, not years. A consulting firm reports that the EU food safety agency EFSA gave one NMN product a positive safety opinion on 11 May 2026, for adults, excluding pregnancy and breastfeeding. We have not read the opinion itself.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longer life | C | Not clear | Studies are short and measure NAD in blood or fitness tests, not ageing. One found better muscle response to insulin and another found no change. |

## Studies we have read

- Ingestion of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide increased blood NAD levels, maintained walking speed, and improved sleep quality in older adults in a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled study. (GeroScience 2024; Random groups, n=60) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38789831/
- The efficacy and safety of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation in healthy middle-aged adults: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-dependent clinical trial. (GeroScience 2023; Random groups, n=80) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36482258/
- Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Augmentation in Overweight or Obese Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Physiologic Study. (The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism 2023; Random groups, n=30) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36740954/
- Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolism and arterial stiffness after long-term nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (Scientific reports 2023; Random groups, n=36) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36797393/
- Nicotinamide mononucleotide increases muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women. (Science (New York, N.Y.) 2021; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33888596/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. This covers medicines, not supplements. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). This covers medicines, not supplements. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 1555
- Studies with random groups: 17
- Registered studies in people: 33
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Ostarine

enobosarm · MK-2866 · GTx-024

https://graded.pl/en/substances/ostarine · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A SARM still being studied. It raised body mass without fat in older people and cancer patients, with no clear gain in fitness in the largest studies. No such medicine exists, and products sold online are often mislabelled.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does ostarine work?

A SARM still being studied. It raised body mass without fat in older people and cancer patients, with no clear gain in fitness in the largest studies. No such medicine exists, and products sold online are often mislabelled. Muscle mass: grade B, effect in studies. Body mass without fat rose in early and in the largest studies, but only in older adults and cancer patients. The maker paid for the studies. Strength: grade C, conflicting results. Physical function improved in an early study, while the two largest studies went in opposite directions. Top strength was not what they tested.

### Is Ostarine legal?

PL: No approval. The Polish sanitary inspectorate lists ostarine, ligandrol and other SARMs as not allowed in food supplements. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. Not approved. FDA treats bodybuilding products containing SARMs as unapproved drugs.

### Is ostarine banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is Ostarine safe?

Serious warning.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle mass | B | Effect in studies | Body mass without fat rose in early and in the largest studies, but only in older adults and cancer patients. The maker paid for the studies. |
| Strength | C | Conflicting results | Physical function improved in an early study, while the two largest studies went in opposite directions. Top strength was not what they tested. |

## Studies we have read

- Phase III Study of the Effect of GTx-024 on Muscle Wasting in Patients (POWER 1) (ClinicalTrials.gov 2014; Random groups, n=321) https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01355484
- Effect of GTx-024 on Muscle Wasting in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (POWER 2) (ClinicalTrials.gov 2014; Random groups, n=330) https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01355497
- Effects of enobosarm on muscle wasting and physical function in patients with cancer: a double-blind, randomised controlled phase 2 trial. (Lancet Oncol 2013; Random groups, n=159) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23499390/
- The selective androgen receptor modulator GTx-024 (enobosarm) improves lean body mass and physical function in healthy elderly men and postmenopausal women: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial. (J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2011; Random groups, n=120) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22031847/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. No approval. The Polish sanitary inspectorate lists ostarine, ligandrol and other SARMs as not allowed in food supplements. https://www.gov.pl/web/gis/zespol-do-spraw-suplementow-diety (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. Not approved. FDA treats bodybuilding products containing SARMs as unapproved drugs. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fraudulent-products/certain-bodybuilding-products-put-consumers-risk-heart-attack-stroke-serious-liver-damage-and-more (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 108
- Studies with random groups: 3
- Registered studies in people: 17
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Oxytocin

Pitocin · Syntocinon

https://graded.pl/en/substances/oxytocin · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A natural hormone and a medicine used in childbirth. Sprays for mood or social life are a research topic, not an approved use.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does oxytocin work?

A natural hormone and a medicine used in childbirth. Sprays for mood or social life are a research topic, not an approved use. Muscle mass: grade C, effect in studies. One small study with random groups, 21 older adults with obesity and weak muscles: body mass without fat rose by 2.25 kg against placebo in 8 weeks. Nobody has repeated it or tested healthy people. Fat loss: grade B, no effect in studies. In the largest study, 61 adults with obesity over 8 weeks, weight and body fat did not change more than on placebo. Two smaller studies in special groups found no weight loss either.

### Is Oxytocin legal?

PL: Approved medicine. Approved in Poland, including Oxytocin Grindeks and Oxytocin Richter (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). The database does not show whether a prescription is needed. EU: Approved medicine. No EU-wide approval. Separate national medicines in 28 countries of the European medicines database, EMA (9 October 2026). US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (oxytocin).

### Is oxytocin banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026.

### Is Oxytocin safe?

Well known. Long hospital use in childbirth and a US drug label. That says nothing about sprays or injections sold for other purposes.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle mass | C | Effect in studies | One small study with random groups, 21 older adults with obesity and weak muscles: body mass without fat rose by 2.25 kg against placebo in 8 weeks. Nobody has repeated it or tested healthy people. |
| Fat loss | B | No effect in studies | In the largest study, 61 adults with obesity over 8 weeks, weight and body fat did not change more than on placebo. Two smaller studies in special groups found no weight loss either. |

## Studies we have read

- Intranasal Oxytocin for Obesity. (NEJM Evid 2024; Random groups, n=61) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38815173/
- A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial of Intranasal Oxytocin to Promote Weight Loss in Individuals With Hypothalamic Obesity. (J Endocr Soc 2023; Random groups, n=13) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37153702/
- Intranasal Oxytocin Improves Lean Muscle Mass and Lowers LDL Cholesterol in Older Adults with Sarcopenic Obesity: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. (J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; Random groups, n=21) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34029521/

## Is it legal

- PL: Approved medicine. Approved in Poland, including Oxytocin Grindeks and Oxytocin Richter (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). The database does not show whether a prescription is needed. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: Approved medicine. No EU-wide approval. Separate national medicines in 28 countries of the European medicines database, EMA (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (oxytocin). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=018243 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 1231
- Studies with random groups: 445
- Registered studies in people: 289
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Peptide blends

BPC-157 + TB-500 · GLOW · KLOW · CJC-1295 + ipamorelin

https://graded.pl/en/substances/peptide-blends · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

Ready-mixed vials of several peptides. We found no study with random groups of BPC-157 with TB-500, so read each ingredient on its own page.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does peptide blends work?

Ready-mixed vials of several peptides. We found no study with random groups of BPC-157 with TB-500, so read each ingredient on its own page. Recovery and injury: grade D, not clear. In one study of tendons in rats, BPC-157 with TB-500 added nothing over either alone. There is no study of a mix in people.

### Is Peptide blends legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no medicine like this in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no medicine like this (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is peptide blends banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. BPC-157 and TB-500 are banned, so a mix with them is banned too.

### Is Peptide blends safe?

Not known. We found no safety study of ready-mixed vials. Read each ingredient on its own page.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery and injury | D | Not clear | In one study of tendons in rats, BPC-157 with TB-500 added nothing over either alone. There is no study of a mix in people. |

## Studies we have read

- Effects of BPC-157 and TB-500 on Achilles tendon healing in rats: A histopathological and biomechanical study. (Joint diseases and related surgery 2026; In animals, n=32) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42542926/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no medicine like this in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no medicine like this (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 13
- Studies with random groups: 0
- Registered studies in people: 0
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# PT-141

bremelanotide · Vyleesi

https://graded.pl/en/substances/pt-141 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A medicine approved in the US as Vyleesi for low sex drive in women before menopause. Not approved in the EU.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does PT-141 work?

A medicine approved in the US as Vyleesi for low sex drive in women before menopause. Not approved in the EU. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is PT-141 legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Vyleesi).

### Is PT-141 banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026.

### Is PT-141 safe?

Well known. A US drug label for one use. It warns that blood pressure rises and pulse falls for a short time after each injection, and lists darker skin.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Vyleesi). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=210557 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 113
- Studies with random groups: 14
- Registered studies in people: 10
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# RAD-140

testolone · vosilasarm

https://graded.pl/en/substances/rad-140 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A SARM still being studied. No such medicine exists.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does RAD-140 work?

A SARM still being studied. No such medicine exists. Muscle mass: grade D, conflicting results. Animal studies only. In young rats muscle fibres grew thicker. In female mice strength did not rise after 10 weeks and overall health got worse. The only study in people was in breast cancer and did not measure muscle. Strength: grade D, no effect in studies. One study in female mice: after 10 weeks strength did not differ from the control group, and the mice were frailer and more likely to die.

### Is RAD-140 legal?

PL: No approval found. The Polish sanitary inspectorate lists SARMs as not allowed in food supplements. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is RAD-140 banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is RAD-140 safe?

Serious warning. A case report describes liver damage with blocked bile flow in a 24-year-old man after 5 weeks of use.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle mass | D | Conflicting results | Animal studies only. In young rats muscle fibres grew thicker. In female mice strength did not rise after 10 weeks and overall health got worse. The only study in people was in breast cancer and did not measure muscle. |
| Strength | D | No effect in studies | One study in female mice: after 10 weeks strength did not differ from the control group, and the mice were frailer and more likely to die. |

## Studies we have read

- Preclinical assessment of the selective androgen receptor modulator RAD140 to increase muscle mass and bone mineral density. (Physiol Rep 2025; In animals, n=40) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40680216/
- RAD140 (Testolone) negatively impacts skeletal muscle adaptation, frailty status and mortality risk in female mice. (Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2023; In animals) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37758180/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. No approval found. The Polish sanitary inspectorate lists SARMs as not allowed in food supplements. https://www.gov.pl/web/gis/zespol-do-spraw-suplementow-diety (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 43
- Studies with random groups: 0
- Registered studies in people: 1
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Rapamycin

sirolimus · syrolimus · Rapamune

https://graded.pl/en/substances/rapamycin · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A medicine that weakens the immune system, used after transplants. Some people take it for ageing, which is not an approved use. It extends the life of mice, but short studies in people show no clear benefit. It carries serious warnings at transplant doses.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does rapamycin work?

A medicine that weakens the immune system, used after transplants. Some people take it for ageing, which is not an approved use. It extends the life of mice, but short studies in people show no clear benefit. It carries serious warnings at transplant doses. Muscle mass: grade C, conflicting results. A rise in body mass without fat appeared only in women on 10 mg in one study, and it was not the main goal of that study. Strength: grade B, no effect in studies. Two small studies of older adults showed no gain in function, and one suggested a weaker response to training. Longer life: grade C, not clear. Mice clearly lived longer. Studies in people are short, measure indirect signs and show no steady benefit.

### Is Rapamycin legal?

PL: Prescription only. Rapamune is a prescription medicine approved across the EU. Using it for ageing is not an approved use. EU: Approved medicine. Rapamune is approved after kidney transplants and for a rare lung disease. US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine. Using it for ageing is not an approved use.

### Is rapamycin banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026.

### Is Rapamycin safe?

Little data.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle mass | C | Conflicting results | A rise in body mass without fat appeared only in women on 10 mg in one study, and it was not the main goal of that study. |
| Strength | B | No effect in studies | Two small studies of older adults showed no gain in function, and one suggested a weaker response to training. |
| Longer life | C | Not clear | Mice clearly lived longer. Studies in people are short, measure indirect signs and show no steady benefit. |

## Studies we have read

- Exercise and Weekly Sirolimus (Rapamycin) in Older Adults: RAPA-EX-01 Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. (J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2026; Random groups, n=40) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41985884/
- Influence of rapamycin on safety and healthspan metrics after one year: PEARL trial results. (Aging (Albany NY) 2025; Random groups, n=129) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40188830/
- A randomized control trial to establish the feasibility and safety of rapamycin treatment in an older human cohort: Immunological, physical performance, and cognitive effects. (Exp Gerontol 2018; Random groups, n=25) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29408453/
- Rapamycin fed late in life extends lifespan in genetically heterogeneous mice. (Nature 2009; In animals) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19587680/

## Is it legal

- PL: Prescription only. Rapamune is a prescription medicine approved across the EU. Using it for ageing is not an approved use. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/rapamune (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: Approved medicine. Rapamune is approved after kidney transplants and for a rare lung disease. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/rapamune (Checked: Not yet)
- US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine. Using it for ageing is not an approved use. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=021083 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 2574
- Studies with random groups: 19
- Registered studies in people: 86
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Retatrutide

LY3437943

https://graded.pl/en/substances/retatrutide · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A substance under study that mimics three hormones linked to appetite and blood sugar. Not approved in the EU or US.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does retatrutide work?

A substance under study that mimics three hormones linked to appetite and blood sugar. Not approved in the EU or US. Fat loss: grade A, effect in studies. Early and large studies show big weight loss: 18.8% at the highest dose and 5.1% on placebo, in adults with diabetes. No medicine is approved yet, and this grade says nothing about products sold online.

### Is Retatrutide legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is retatrutide banned in sport?

May be banned, WADA 2026. It is not on the WADA list, but WADA also bans substances that no health authority has approved, so it may be banned.

### Is Retatrutide safe?

Little data. There are early results and the first large studies. Pulse rose, most of all around week 24. A 2026 case report describes constant nausea after injecting a product said to contain retatrutide. There is no approval and no follow-up over many years.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat loss | A | Effect in studies | Early and large studies show big weight loss: 18.8% at the highest dose and 5.1% on placebo, in adults with diabetes. No medicine is approved yet, and this grade says nothing about products sold online. |

## Studies we have read

- Retatrutide in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes (TRIUMPH-2): a double-blind, parallel-group, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. (Lancet (London, England) 2026; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42810372/
- Effects of retatrutide on body composition in people with type 2 diabetes: a substudy of a phase 2, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. (The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology 2025; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40609566/
- Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity - A Phase 2 Trial. (The New England journal of medicine 2023; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37366315/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

May be banned, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 213
- Studies with random groups: 10
- Registered studies in people: 34
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Selank

TP-7

https://graded.pl/en/substances/selank · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A synthetic peptide studied in Russia for anxiety. It is said to be registered there, which we could not confirm. Not approved in the EU or US.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does selank work?

A synthetic peptide studied in Russia for anxiety. It is said to be registered there, which we could not confirm. Not approved in the EU or US. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is Selank legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is selank banned in sport?

May be banned, WADA 2026. It is not on the WADA list. The ban does not cover substances approved by an authority, and it is said to be approved in Russia, which we could not confirm.

### Is Selank safe?

Not known. A 2020 lab paper says that, as far as the authors know, it has not completed any study in people.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

May be banned, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 68
- Studies with random groups: 2
- Registered studies in people: 2
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Semaglutide

Ozempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus

https://graded.pl/en/substances/semaglutide · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A medicine that mimics GLP-1, a gut hormone that lowers appetite. Approved in the EU and US for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Approval covers only these medicines.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does semaglutide work?

A medicine that mimics GLP-1, a gut hormone that lowers appetite. Approved in the EU and US for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Approval covers only these medicines. Fat loss: grade A, effect in studies. Weight fell by 14.9% on average, and by 2.4% on placebo, after 68 weeks. Two more large studies agree. The maker paid for the studies, which tested the pharmacy medicine.

### Is Semaglutide legal?

PL: Prescription only. EU-wide approvals, including Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, cover Poland. The European medicines database (EMA) shows no separate Polish product (9 October 2026). EU: Prescription only. Approved across the EU as Ozempic and Wegovy. This covers that medicine only, not products sold outside pharmacies. US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Wegovy).

### Is semaglutide banned in sport?

Allowed, being watched, WADA 2026. Not banned. In 2026 WADA is collecting data on its use in sport.

### Is Semaglutide safe?

Well known. Large studies and a US drug label. The label carries its strongest warning, on rare thyroid tumours in rodents, and lists sudden inflammation of the pancreas. This describes the pharmacy medicine.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat loss | A | Effect in studies | Weight fell by 14.9% on average, and by 2.4% on placebo, after 68 weeks. Two more large studies agree. The maker paid for the studies, which tested the pharmacy medicine. |

## Studies we have read

- Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. (The New England journal of medicine 2021; Random groups, n=1961) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/
- Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. (JAMA 2021; Random groups, n=611) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33625476/
- Semaglutide 2·4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. (Lancet (London, England) 2021; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33667417/

## Is it legal

- PL: Prescription only. EU-wide approvals, including Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, cover Poland. The European medicines database (EMA) shows no separate Polish product (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: Prescription only. Approved across the EU as Ozempic and Wegovy. This covers that medicine only, not products sold outside pharmacies. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/ozempic (Checked: Not yet)
- US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Wegovy). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=215256 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Allowed, being watched, WADA 2026. https://www.gov.br/abcd/pt-br/composicao/atletas/substancias-e-metodos-proibidos/2026ProgramadeMonitoramento.pdf

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 5817
- Studies with random groups: 312
- Registered studies in people: 793
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Semax

ACTH(4-7)PGP

https://graded.pl/en/substances/semax · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A synthetic peptide studied mainly in Russia. It is said to be registered there, which we could not confirm. Not approved in the EU or US.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does semax work?

A synthetic peptide studied mainly in Russia. It is said to be registered there, which we could not confirm. Not approved in the EU or US. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is Semax legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. No approved medicine. On 30 October 2026 the US health department (HHS) published a draft policy: it does not plan to act against pharmacies and doctors that make it on a prescription for a named patient, from an FDA-registered maker, until the FDA decides by rule. The draft is not binding, and comments close on 13 November 2026.

### Is semax banned in sport?

May be banned, WADA 2026. It is not on the WADA list. The ban does not cover substances approved by an authority, and it is said to be approved in Russia, which we could not confirm.

### Is Semax safe?

Not known. A 2020 lab paper says that, as far as the authors know, it has not completed any study in people.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. No approved medicine. On 30 October 2026 the US health department (HHS) published a draft policy: it does not plan to act against pharmacies and doctors that make it on a prescription for a named patient, from an FDA-registered maker, until the FDA decides by rule. The draft is not binding, and comments close on 13 November 2026. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/30/2026-22192/enforcement-discretion-policy-regarding-503a-compounding-using-certain-peptide-bulk-drug-substances (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

May be banned, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 210
- Studies with random groups: 1
- Registered studies in people: 0
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Sermorelin

GRF(1-29) · GHRH(1-29) · Geref

https://graded.pl/en/substances/sermorelin · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A fragment of the hormone that tells the body to release growth hormone. It was sold in the US as Geref, which has since been withdrawn.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does sermorelin work?

A fragment of the hormone that tells the body to release growth hormone. It was sold in the US as Geref, which has since been withdrawn. Muscle mass: grade D, conflicting results. One small study of 19 people aged 55 to 71, without random groups: everyone got placebo first, then the drug. Body mass without fat rose in men but not in women. No study tested people who train.

### Is Sermorelin legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA register marks Geref as withdrawn.

### Is sermorelin banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is Sermorelin safe?

Little data. Described as a test and a treatment for children short of growth hormone. That says nothing about adults using it for muscle or ageing.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle mass | D | Conflicting results | One small study of 19 people aged 55 to 71, without random groups: everyone got placebo first, then the drug. Body mass without fat rose in men but not in women. No study tested people who train. |

## Studies we have read

- Endocrine and metabolic effects of long-term administration of [Nle27]growth hormone-releasing hormone-(1-29)-NH2 in age-advanced men and women. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997; No random groups, n=19) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9141536/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA register marks Geref as withdrawn. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=019863 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 366
- Studies with random groups: 34
- Registered studies in people: 27
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Snap-8

acetyl octapeptide-3

https://graded.pl/en/substances/snap-8 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A peptide used in anti-wrinkle creams. We found no studies under these names.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does Snap-8 work?

A peptide used in anti-wrinkle creams. We found no studies under these names. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is Snap-8 legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. This covers medicines, not cosmetics. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). This covers medicines, not cosmetics. US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is Snap-8 banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026.

### Is Snap-8 safe?

Not known. A cosmetic ingredient. We found no studies.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. This covers medicines, not cosmetics. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). This covers medicines, not cosmetics. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 0
- Studies with random groups: 0
- Registered studies in people: 0
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Somatropin

human growth hormone · HGH · rhGH · HGH 191AA

https://graded.pl/en/substances/somatropin · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

Human growth hormone made in a lab. A prescription medicine for a shortage of this hormone and a few other conditions. Approval covers these medicines, not products sold outside pharmacies.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does somatropin work?

Human growth hormone made in a lab. A prescription medicine for a shortage of this hormone and a few other conditions. Approval covers these medicines, not products sold outside pharmacies. Muscle mass: grade A, effect in studies. Body mass without fat rose in older adults and amateur athletes. One study traced the rise to water, so it does not mean more muscle. Strength: grade A, no effect in studies. Strength did not improve in older men, and a review of healthy young adults says it may not improve. One study saw better sprinting, which faded 6 weeks after stopping.

### Is Somatropin legal?

PL: Prescription only. Approved in Poland as Genotropin and Norditropin Flexpro, and across the EU as Omnitrope (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). EU: Prescription only. Approved across the EU as Omnitrope and others. This covers that medicine only, not products sold outside pharmacies. US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Omnitrope).

### Is somatropin banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is Somatropin safe?

Well known. A US drug label and long medical use. In a study of healthy older adults, diabetes or blood sugar problems appeared in 18 men on the hormone and 7 without it.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle mass | A | Effect in studies | Body mass without fat rose in older adults and amateur athletes. One study traced the rise to water, so it does not mean more muscle. |
| Strength | A | No effect in studies | Strength did not improve in older men, and a review of healthy young adults says it may not improve. One study saw better sprinting, which faded 6 weeks after stopping. |

## Studies we have read

- The effects of growth hormone on body composition and physical performance in recreational athletes: a randomized trial. (Annals of internal medicine 2010; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20439575/
- Systematic review: the effects of growth hormone on athletic performance. (Annals of internal medicine 2008; Review of studies) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18347346/
- Growth hormone and sex steroid administration in healthy aged women and men: a randomized controlled trial. (JAMA 2002; Random groups, n=131) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12425705/
- Growth hormone replacement in healthy older men improves body composition but not functional ability. (Annals of internal medicine 1996; Random groups, n=52) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8633830/

## Is it legal

- PL: Prescription only. Approved in Poland as Genotropin and Norditropin Flexpro, and across the EU as Omnitrope (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: Prescription only. Approved across the EU as Omnitrope and others. This covers that medicine only, not products sold outside pharmacies. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/omnitrope (Checked: Not yet)
- US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Omnitrope). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=021426 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 1093
- Studies with random groups: 119
- Registered studies in people: 157
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# SS-31

elamipretide · Forzinity · MTP-131 · Bendavia

https://graded.pl/en/substances/ss-31 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A peptide that acts in mitochondria, the power plants of cells. Approved in the US on a fast track as Forzinity for Barth syndrome, a rare genetic disease. Not approved in the EU.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does SS-31 work?

A peptide that acts in mitochondria, the power plants of cells. Approved in the US on a fast track as Forzinity for Barth syndrome, a rare genetic disease. Not approved in the EU. Strength: grade C, conflicting results. A large study in a rare muscle disease found no improvement, after small studies gave unclear results. The FDA approved it on a fast track to improve muscle strength in Barth syndrome, another rare disease. None of this concerns healthy people.

### Is SS-31 legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Forzinity).

### Is SS-31 banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026.

### Is SS-31 safe?

Little data. The US label covers a rare disease, Barth syndrome, and warns that benzyl alcohol in the product can harm newborns. In long follow-up, reactions at the injection site were the most common problem.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | C | Conflicting results | A large study in a rare muscle disease found no improvement, after small studies gave unclear results. The FDA approved it on a fast track to improve muscle strength in Barth syndrome, another rare disease. None of this concerns healthy people. |

## Studies we have read

- Long-term efficacy and safety of elamipretide in patients with Barth syndrome: 168-week open-label extension results of TAZPOWER. (Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics 2024; No random groups, n=10) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38602181/
- Efficacy and Safety of Elamipretide in Individuals With Primary Mitochondrial Myopathy: The MMPOWER-3 Randomized Clinical Trial. (Neurology 2023; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37268435/
- A randomized crossover trial of elamipretide in adults with primary mitochondrial myopathy. (Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle 2020; Random groups, n=30) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32096613/
- Randomized dose-escalation trial of elamipretide in adults with primary mitochondrial myopathy. (Neurology 2018; Random groups, n=36) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29500292/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Forzinity). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=215244 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 472
- Studies with random groups: 19
- Registered studies in people: 29
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# TB-500

thymosin beta-4 · Tβ4 · timbetasin

https://graded.pl/en/substances/tb-500 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

This name is used for thymosin beta-4 or a short piece of it. A test of products sold online found contents that did not match their description.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does TB-500 work?

This name is used for thymosin beta-4 or a short piece of it. A test of products sold online found contents that did not match their description. Recovery and injury: grade D, not clear. In one study of tendons in rats, TB-500 improved early healing. There is no study of this fragment in people.

### Is TB-500 legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). US: No approval. No approved medicine. On 30 October 2026 the US health department (HHS) published a draft policy: it does not plan to act against pharmacies and doctors that make it on a prescription for a named patient, from an FDA-registered maker, until the FDA decides by rule. The draft is not binding, and comments close on 13 November 2026.

### Is TB-500 banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is TB-500 safe?

Not known. Studies of thymosin beta-4 do not test this fragment. A 2026 review says very little is known about the safety of peptides like this one in people.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery and injury | D | Not clear | In one study of tendons in rats, TB-500 improved early healing. There is no study of this fragment in people. |

## Studies we have read

- Effects of BPC-157 and TB-500 on Achilles tendon healing in rats: A histopathological and biomechanical study. (Joint diseases and related surgery 2026; In animals, n=32) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42542926/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA), which covers EU and national approvals, lists no such medicine (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. No approved medicine. On 30 October 2026 the US health department (HHS) published a draft policy: it does not plan to act against pharmacies and doctors that make it on a prescription for a named patient, from an FDA-registered maker, until the FDA decides by rule. The draft is not binding, and comments close on 13 November 2026. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/30/2026-22192/enforcement-discretion-policy-regarding-503a-compounding-using-certain-peptide-bulk-drug-substances (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 632
- Studies with random groups: 3
- Registered studies in people: 19
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Tesamorelin

Egrifta · TH9507

https://graded.pl/en/substances/tesamorelin · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A medicine that raises growth hormone, approved in the US for excess belly fat in adults with HIV. The EU application was withdrawn.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does tesamorelin work?

A medicine that raises growth hormone, approved in the US for excess belly fat in adults with HIV. The EU application was withdrawn. Fat loss: grade B, effect in studies. Fat around the organs in the belly fell about 18% in people with HIV, the approved use. The effect faded after stopping. There are no data on ordinary weight loss.

### Is Tesamorelin legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: No approval. The application for Egrifta was withdrawn. US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Egrifta).

### Is tesamorelin banned in sport?

Banned in sport, WADA 2026.

### Is Tesamorelin safe?

Well known. A US drug label for one use. It warns of cancer risk and raised IGF-1. Studies were in people with HIV.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat loss | B | Effect in studies | Fat around the organs in the belly fell about 18% in people with HIV, the approved use. The effect faded after stopping. There are no data on ordinary weight loss. |

## Studies we have read

- Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial. (JAMA 2014; Random groups, n=50) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25038357/
- Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with a safety extension. (Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999) 2010; Random groups, n=404) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20101189/

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: No approval. The application for Egrifta was withdrawn. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/egrifta (Checked: Not yet)
- US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Egrifta). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=022505 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Banned in sport, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 95
- Studies with random groups: 21
- Registered studies in people: 24
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Thymosin alpha-1

thymalfasin · Zadaxin · Tα1

https://graded.pl/en/substances/thymosin-alpha-1 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A peptide from the thymus gland, studied mainly in chronic hepatitis B. It is a medicine in Italy (Zadaxin) and reported as one in other countries. Not in the US register.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does Thymosin alpha-1 work?

A peptide from the thymus gland, studied mainly in chronic hepatitis B. It is a medicine in Italy (Zadaxin) and reported as one in other countries. Not in the US register. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is Thymosin alpha-1 legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: Approved medicine. No EU-wide approval. Zadaxin (thymalfasin) is approved in Italy (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is Thymosin alpha-1 banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026. It is not on the WADA list. The ban does not cover substances approved by an authority, and it is approved in Italy.

### Is Thymosin alpha-1 safe?

Little data. Given to thousands of patients with infections, according to a 2015 review. We found no similar data in healthy people.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: Approved medicine. No EU-wide approval. Zadaxin (thymalfasin) is approved in Italy (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 890
- Studies with random groups: 64
- Registered studies in people: 66
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Tirzepatide

Mounjaro · Zepbound · LY3298176

https://graded.pl/en/substances/tirzepatide · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A medicine that mimics two gut hormones, GIP and GLP-1, which affect appetite and blood sugar. Approved in the EU and US for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Approval covers only these medicines.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does tirzepatide work?

A medicine that mimics two gut hormones, GIP and GLP-1, which affect appetite and blood sugar. Approved in the EU and US for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Approval covers only these medicines. Fat loss: grade A, effect in studies. Weight fell by 20.9% on average at the highest dose studied, and by 3.1% on placebo, after 72 weeks. In people with diabetes it fell 12.8% to 14.7%, and 3.2% on placebo. Weight came back after stopping. The maker paid for the studies, which tested the pharmacy medicine.

### Is Tirzepatide legal?

PL: Prescription only. The EU-wide approval of Mounjaro covers Poland. The European medicines database (EMA) shows no separate Polish product (9 October 2026). EU: Prescription only. Approved across the EU as Mounjaro. This covers that medicine only, not products sold outside pharmacies. US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Mounjaro).

### Is tirzepatide banned in sport?

Allowed, being watched, WADA 2026. Not banned. In 2026 WADA is collecting data on its use in sport.

### Is Tirzepatide safe?

Well known. Large studies and a US drug label. The label carries its strongest warning, on rare thyroid tumours in rats, and lists severe stomach and bowel problems. This describes the pharmacy medicine.

## What studies show

| | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat loss | A | Effect in studies | Weight fell by 20.9% on average at the highest dose studied, and by 3.1% on placebo, after 72 weeks. In people with diabetes it fell 12.8% to 14.7%, and 3.2% on placebo. Weight came back after stopping. The maker paid for the studies, which tested the pharmacy medicine. |

## Studies we have read

- Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Adults With Obesity: The SURMOUNT-4 Randomized Clinical Trial. (JAMA 2024; Random groups, n=670) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38078870/
- Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity in people with type 2 diabetes (SURMOUNT-2): a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. (Lancet (London, England) 2023; Random groups) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37385275/
- Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. (The New England journal of medicine 2022; Random groups, n=2539) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35658024/

## Is it legal

- PL: Prescription only. The EU-wide approval of Mounjaro covers Poland. The European medicines database (EMA) shows no separate Polish product (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: Prescription only. Approved across the EU as Mounjaro. This covers that medicine only, not products sold outside pharmacies. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/mounjaro (Checked: Not yet)
- US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (Mounjaro). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=215866 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Allowed, being watched, WADA 2026. https://www.gov.br/abcd/pt-br/composicao/atletas/substancias-e-metodos-proibidos/2026ProgramadeMonitoramento.pdf

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 2711
- Studies with random groups: 135
- Registered studies in people: 309
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# VIP

vasoactive intestinal peptide · aviptadil

https://graded.pl/en/substances/vip · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A natural peptide that acts on blood vessels and the gut. Studied in lung disease. With phentolamine it is a licensed injection for erection problems in some European countries. Not in the US register.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does VIP work?

A natural peptide that acts on blood vessels and the gut. Studied in lung disease. With phentolamine it is a licensed injection for erection problems in some European countries. Not in the US register. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is VIP legal?

PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. EU: Approved medicine. No EU-wide approval. Aviptadil with phentolamine (Invicorp, Corpin) is approved in Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). VIP alone is not. US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine.

### Is VIP banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026.

### Is VIP safe?

Little data. Studied as a drip in very ill COVID-19 patients and as an injection for erection problems. That does not describe any other use.

## Is it legal

- PL: No approval. The European medicines database (EMA) lists no such medicine in Poland (9 October 2026). The Polish register was down, so we could not check it directly. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: Approved medicine. No EU-wide approval. Aviptadil with phentolamine (Invicorp, Corpin) is approved in Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). VIP alone is not. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: No approval. The FDA drug register has no such medicine. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 627
- Studies with random groups: 11
- Registered studies in people: 23
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

# Vitamin B12

cyanocobalamin · hydroxocobalamin · methylcobalamin

https://graded.pl/en/substances/vitamin-b12 · Checked: Not yet

Preliminary version. The editors have not finished checking this card, and grades may change.

A vitamin available as an injectable medicine for a shortage. Injections for energy or weight loss are a different use.

> This site is for information and education only. It does not promote or encourage the use or purchase of the substances described and is not medical advice. Many are not authorised as medicines and their safety has not been established. We sell nothing and have no ties to sellers. For health decisions, consult a doctor.

## Short answers

### Does Vitamin B12 work?

A vitamin available as an injectable medicine for a shortage. Injections for energy or weight loss are a different use. We have not graded the studies yet. The number of papers in the databases is shown on the page.

### Is Vitamin B12 legal?

PL: Approved medicine. Approved as Vitaminum B12 Wzf and Sf injections, and as Cobalaxin and Energamma by mouth (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). EU: Approved medicine. Separate national medicines in 31 countries of the European medicines database, EMA (9 October 2026). US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (cyanocobalamin).

### Is Vitamin B12 banned in sport?

Not on the list, WADA 2026. The substance is not on the WADA list, but drips and injections above 100 mL in 12 hours are banned, except in hospital care and medical tests.

### Is Vitamin B12 safe?

Well known. An old medicine with a US label. The label describes severe damage to the optic nerve in people with early Leber disease, a rare eye condition.

## Is it legal

- PL: Approved medicine. Approved as Vitaminum B12 Wzf and Sf injections, and as Cobalaxin and Energamma by mouth (European medicines database, EMA, 9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- EU: Approved medicine. Separate national medicines in 31 countries of the European medicines database, EMA (9 October 2026). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/article-57-product-data_en.xlsx (Checked: Not yet)
- US: Prescription only. Prescription medicine (cyanocobalamin). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=215107 (Checked: Not yet)

## Doping

Not on the list, WADA 2026. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/trb-2026-25.html

## How much research exists

- Scientific papers: 529
- Studies with random groups: 37
- Registered studies in people: 143
- These are search results. A count shows how much exists, not how good the studies are. 1 Nov 2026.

---
Open data: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/