Peptide Database

BK · Kallidin precursor fragment

Bradykinin is a 9-amino-acid vasoactive peptide of the kinin-kallikrein system. It produces vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, pain, and inflammation by acting on B1 and B2 receptors. ACE inhibitors (a major drug class) lower blood pressure partly by preventing bradykinin degradation. Icatibant, a B2 antagonist, is approved for hereditary angioedema. Research also implicates bradykinin in COVID-19 pathology (bradykinin storm hypothesis).

ET-1 · Big endothelin-1

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a 21-amino-acid vasoconstrictor peptide produced primarily by vascular endothelial cells. It is the most potent endogenous vasoconstrictor known, acting through ETA and ETB receptors on vascular smooth muscle and endothelium. Elevated ET-1 is implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure, and renal disease — driving the development of endothelin receptor antagonists (bosentan, ambrisentan, macitentan) as clinical drugs.

Victoza · Saxenda

Liraglutide is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and obesity (Saxenda). It achieves fatty acid attachment to albumin for extended half-life, enabling daily dosing. The LEADER trial established significant cardiovascular mortality benefit in high-risk patients, and research continues into neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties beyond metabolic indications.

Ozempic · Wegovy

Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and obesity (Wegovy). By mimicking the incretin hormone GLP-1, it enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite via central hypothalamic pathways. Landmark trials demonstrate up to 15–17% body weight reduction and significant cardiovascular mortality benefit.