Do peptides help with autoimmune disease?
4 peptides are graded for autoimmune disease on this page. The strongest grade is human RCT evidence, for thymulin and ARA-290 (cibinetide). Each one is weighed against the standard of care below, and the evidence table gives the grade and a note for every peptide.
What is the standard of care for autoimmune disease?
Disease specific specialist care: conventional disease modifying drugs such as methotrexate, biologic and targeted synthetic agents, short courses of corticosteroids, and organ monitoring; review vaccinations before starting immunosuppression.
Any peptide below should be judged against this baseline, not against doing nothing. Talk to a licensed provider before replacing or adding to an established treatment.
Which peptides have been studied for autoimmune disease?
Ordered by strength of evidence for this use. Grades follow the methodology; each peptide page lists the individual studies.
| Peptide | Evidence for this use | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thymulin | Evidence: Human RCT evidence | Two placebo controlled trials in rheumatoid arthritis found global improvement in 56% versus 17% on placebo; never developed further and not approved anywhere. [1] [2] |
| ARA-290 (cibinetide) | Evidence: Human RCT evidence | Improved small fiber neuropathy symptoms in sarcoidosis, an immune mediated disease, without treating the underlying disease; not approved. [3] |
| KPV | Evidence: Animal-only evidence | Reduced inflammation in mouse colitis models; no human study. [4] |
| LL-37 | Evidence: No published evidence | LL-37 is implicated in psoriasis and lupus, so it is a theoretical risk in autoimmunity rather than a treatment. [5] |
Head-to-head comparisons
Cost and access
Price ranges, lawful channels, and insurance notes for peptides graded here. State rules are in the legal guides by state.
Frequently asked questions
Which peptide has the strongest evidence for autoimmune disease?
Thymulin and ARA-290 (cibinetide) have the strongest evidence among the peptides graded here, at human RCT evidence. Thymulin: Two placebo controlled trials in rheumatoid arthritis found global improvement in 56% versus 17% on placebo; never developed further and not approved anywhere. ARA-290 (cibinetide): Improved small fiber neuropathy symptoms in sarcoidosis, an immune mediated disease, without treating the underlying disease; not approved. [1] [2] [3]
Is any peptide FDA approved for autoimmune disease?
No. None of the peptides graded for autoimmune disease is an FDA approved drug, so any use is outside an approved label and depends on the compounding and research status shown on each peptide page. [6]
Has any peptide been tested in a randomized trial for autoimmune disease?
Yes, for thymulin and ARA-290 (cibinetide). Check each note for the population and endpoints: a randomized trial in a related group or on a surrogate marker is weaker than one on the outcome you care about. [1] [2] [3]
Sources
- [1]Nonathymulin in rheumatoid arthritis: two double blind, placebo controlled trialsPubMed 3310925, 1987
- [2]Physiology and therapeutic potential of the thymic peptide thymulinPubMed 24588820, 2014
- [3]Safety and efficacy of ARA 290 in sarcoidosis patients with symptoms of small fiber neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind pilot studyPubMed 23168581, 2012
- [4]Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel diseasePubMed 18092346, 2008
- [5]A comprehensive summary of LL-37, the factotum human cathelicidin peptidePubMed 23246832, 2012
- [6]Drugs@FDA: FDA-approved drugs databaseFDA