How we work

Why peptides are worth understanding

Peptides are an important part of modern medicine. More than 80 are approved as medicines, for conditions such as diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis, and more and more new ones are in clinical trials.^[1] We want you to understand what they are, what they can be used for, and what the research shows.

How we choose sources

Every claim about effects has a numbered source. We use peer-reviewed studies and public authorities first, then news. Every source is checked against PubMed, DOI or the official website, and we give the study type and number of participants. The date the sources were last checked is shown at the top of every peptide page.

All the sources are collected in the source library, where you can filter by peptide, study type and year.

How we show how far the research has come

Research on new medicines starts in the laboratory and moves on to studies in humans. Results in animals need to be confirmed in humans before we know whether they apply to us.^[2] For each use, we show where on that path the research is:

• Lab and animal studies: the research is at the laboratory stage.
• Early studies in humans: the first, often small, studies have been done.
• Controlled studies in humans: at least one good randomised study, or several smaller studies that agree.
• Large studies in humans: several large randomised studies or a meta-analysis with consistent results.

Benefits first, at the real research stage

We start with what a substance is and what the research has found, including the promising results, at the stage the research has actually reached. Our aim is to help you understand what each peptide can do, in clear and friendly language.

From draft to published page

1. We plan the page based on questions readers actually ask.
2. We choose sources and write a draft.
3. A fact-checker checks each claim against its source.
4. We check tone, clarity and research stage.
5. An expert reviews the page when possible.
6. The page is published with a date and a change log.

Updates and corrections

Every peptide page is reviewed at least once a year, and more often when new studies arrive. Corrections are shown with a date. See Corrections, or get in touch if you find an error.