This meeting was on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.

6:30 PM - 8PM at the Lake Okahumpka Recreation Center.

We had 47 people attend. 

Cheryl Atkins presented on the topic of Peptides. She was fresh from attending the three day peptide workshop at: https://gordonmedicalforum.com/peptides-cutting-edge-2025-registration/ and able to provide us with a summary of all she has learned from this and her other resources. 

Highlights from the meeting:

• Bioregulator peptides play a key role in cellular communication and gene expression.

• FDA approval for peptides is limited; most are not approved due to lack of large clinical trials.

• Peptides are used for disease treatment, anti-aging, performance enhancement, and regenerative medicine.

• Popular peptides include BPC-157, semaglutide, tirzepatide, and thymic peptides.

• Peptide therapy is evolving, with ongoing research and regulatory challenges.

Introduction to Bioregulator Peptides and Historical Context

• Bioregulator peptides, also called Kapinsen peptides, regulate cell functions via encoded amino acid sequences.

• Research began under Vladimir Kapinsen at Kirov Medical Military Academy, Leningrad.

• First bioregulators derived from pineal gland, thymus, hypothalamus; later from various tissues (retina, liver, placenta, etc.).

• Short peptides interact with DNA, influencing gene expression and protein synthesis.

• Bioregulators studied for potential anti-tumor and geroprotective effects.

Peptide Basics, Types, and Administration Methods

• Peptides are linked chains of amino acids controlling cellular functions; longer chains are more specific.

• Peptides act as chemical messengers in all living organisms; can be natural (animal/plant-derived) or artificial.

• Common peptides include insulin (diabetes), glutathione (tissue growth), semaglutide and tirzepatide (weight loss/diabetes).

• Peptides used for disease treatment, anti-aging, longevity, and performance enhancement; low to non-existent side effects.

• Administration methods: injection (subcutaneous), intranasal, capsule, oral drops, patches.

Clinical Use Cases, Mechanisms, and Safety of Peptides

• Peptide therapy used in regenerative medicine to target specific needs.

• Peptides are short amino acid chains; over 7,000 discovered, dozens used clinically.

• BPC-157: highly anti-inflammatory, promotes healing in gut, muscles, tendons, bones, neuroprotective, no reported toxicity, broad clinical applications.

• Thymic peptides (e.g., TB500/TB4): support immunity, tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, protect heart, broad benefits in autoimmune, neurodegenerative, and infectious diseases.

• Thymic and pineal gland function declines with age, affecting immunity and disease risk; peptide supplementation used to counteract effects.

Regulatory Status, FDA Approval, and Market Challenges

• Peptides used for tissue repair, healing, immune support, and inhibiting viral replication.

• BPC-157 (Body Protecting Compound) commonly recommended for gut issues; form and administration matter.

• Regenerative medicine doctors (MD, DO, DC, NP) most familiar with peptides; not typically primary care; field not taught in traditional medical schools.

• Most peptides not FDA approved due to lack of large clinical trials; about 80–100 peptides FDA approved, mainly as prescription drugs (e.g., insulin, liraglutide, semaglutide).

• Peptides sold online often unregulated, may be unsafe; labeled 'not for human use' to avoid FDA penalties; FDA has issued warnings to clinics and compounding pharmacies.

• Patent issues limit pharmaceutical investment in peptide trials; most peptides are experimental and technically illegal for human injection.

• Peptides more accepted in cardiology and orthopedics for inflammation management and recovery.

Anecdotal Evidence, Practical Considerations, and Q&A

• BPC-157 widely used for injury recovery by professional sports teams; lacks FDA approval and patent protection.

• Peptides often require injection; some forms (sublingual, nasal) bypass stomach degradation.

• Insurance rarely covers peptide therapies; patients often seek non-insurance clinics.

• Collagen peptides convert to protein at ~22%; whey is more efficient but does not support skin/hair health; eggs convert at ~52%.

• Clinical trials show collagen peptides improve skin and joint flexibility, though digestion breaks them into amino acids first.