Metabolic & Weight Management

Adipotide

Also known as FTPP · Fat-Targeted Proapoptotic Peptide · Prohibitin-targeting peptide · Prohibitin-targeting peptide 1 · CKGGRAKDC-GG-D(KLAKLAK)2

PreliminarySubcutaneous injection (as used in preclinical/research settings)Not approved by the FDA for any indication. An IND for a Phase 1 oncology trial was cleared around 2012, but development was discontinued and no completed human efficacy or safety trial has been published. As of 2026 it is not recognized as an approved drug and is not listed as a compoundable bulk drug substance under 503A or 503B, so there is no legal U.S. pathway to obtain it for human use; it is sold only as a "research chemical" labeled not for human consumption. For athletes, it falls under WADA's prohibited "non-approved substances" category (S0), which covers any pharmacological substance not currently approved for human therapeutic use.

Adipotide is a synthetic peptidomimetic built from two linked domains: a "homing" sequence that binds a receptor complex (annexin A2 and prohibitin) reported on the endothelial cells lining white adipose tissue vasculature, and a proapoptotic sequence intended to trigger programmed cell death in those vessels, indirectly reducing fat mass. Its best-known evidence is preclinical: a 2011 study in spontaneously obese rhesus monkeys (published in Science Translational Medicine) reported weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity, alongside dose-dependent, generally reversible changes to kidney tubule structure. A Phase 1 oncology trial in patients with obesity-associated prostate cancer received FDA IND clearance around 2012 (Arrowhead), but no completed peer-reviewed human efficacy or safety results have been published, and development was discontinued. As of 2026 the evidence base remains largely animal-based with no validated human data, and nephrotoxicity is the dominant reported safety concern. Adipotide is not an approved medicine and exists only as an experimental research compound.

Studied / used for

Investigated for reduction of white adipose tissue mass and body weight in obesity models
Studied for effects on insulin sensitivity and markers of insulin resistance in obese primates
Investigated as a vascular-targeting (anti-angiogenic) approach to adipose tissue in preclinical research
Explored in early oncology research in the context of obesity-associated prostate cancer

Commonly reported side effects

Reversible kidney effects commonly reported in animal studies, including raised serum creatinine and renal tubular changes; nephrotoxicity is the primary reported safety concern and was the dose-limiting effect in preclinical models, and is commonly cited as a reason human development did not advance
Dehydration commonly reported
Reduced food intake commonly reported in preclinical models
Nausea and fatigue commonly reported
Injection-site soreness or irritation commonly reported

Preliminary. Mostly early or animal studies. This reflects the strength of the research base, not effectiveness or a recommendation.

Not medical advice.

This is an educational reference. Peptalk does not recommend, prescribe, endorse, or rate any compound, and provides no dosing information. Do not start, stop, or change any peptide, hormone, supplement, or therapy based on this page. All clinical decisions must be made with your licensed healthcare provider.

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