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हड्डियों, जोड़ों और मांसपेशियों के इलाज में पेप्टाइड थेरेपी
Injectable and regenerative peptide therapies in orthopaedics and sports medicine — what the evidence shows for tendon, cartilage and bone healing, and where the hype outpaces the data.
यह क्या है¶
पेप्टाइड थेरेपी में बुनियादी इकाइयों की बहुत छोटी श्रृंखलाओं, जिन्हें पेप्टाइड कहा जाता है, का इस्तेमाल होता है, जिन्हें चोट लगे जोड़ या टेंडन (कंडरा) में या उसके पास इंजेक्शन से दिया जाता है। विचार यह है कि ये पेप्टाइड संदेशवाहकों की तरह काम करते हैं और आपके शरीर की अपनी मरम्मत की प्रक्रियाओं को ज़्यादा मेहनत से काम करने के लिए प्रेरित करते हैं। कुछ सप्लीमेंट के रूप में भी बेचे जाते हैं, जिन्हें इंजेक्शन के बजाय मुंह से लिया जाता है।
आपने पेप्टाइड के विज्ञापन ऑनलाइन या सोशल मीडिया पर देखे होंगे। इनका बड़े पैमाने पर प्रचार होता है, अक्सर बढ़ा-चढ़ाकर किए गए दावों के साथ और बहुत कम सरकारी निगरानी में [1]। यह जानना ज़रूरी है कि मांसपेशियों, टेंडन और जोड़ों की समस्याओं के लिए इंजेक्शन वाली पेप्टाइड थेरेपी अभी भी काफ़ी हद तक प्रयोग के स्तर पर है [2]। अभी क्लिनिकल देखभाल में इसके इस्तेमाल के समर्थन में प्रमाणों की कमी है [3], और पेप्टाइड सप्लीमेंट का इस्तेमाल उस सामान्य ऑर्थोपेडिक इलाज की जगह, या उसके साथ जोड़कर, नहीं करना चाहिए जो आपको वैसे मिलता [4]। खास तौर पर एक पेप्टाइड, BPC-157, का खेल प्रदर्शन और रिकवरी के लिए अक्सर प्रचार किया जाता है, लेकिन इंसानों में इसका कोई रैंडमाइज़्ड कंट्रोल्ड ट्रायल नहीं हुआ है [5], इसलिए इस पर विज्ञान स्थापित नहीं हुआ है कि यह कितना अच्छा काम करता है और कितना सुरक्षित है [5]।
लैब में और जानवरों पर हुए अध्ययनों में कुछ पेप्टाइड दिलचस्प असर दिखाते हैं। रोटेटर कफ़ (कंधे को घुमाने वाली मांसपेशियों और टेंडनों का समूह) के फटने (टियर) के चूहों वाले मॉडल में, कुछ पेप्टाइड ने टेंडन और हड्डी के बीच जुड़ाव को बेहतर किया [6] [7]। पेप्टाइड पर आधारित दूसरे जेल ने जानवरों के मॉडल में कार्टिलेज (उपास्थि) की मरम्मत में मदद की है [8] [9] [10], और एक ने जानवरों में मेरुरज्जु (स्पाइनल कॉर्ड) की गंभीर चोट में उम्मीद दिखाई है [11]। इससे अलग, हड्डी जोड़ने वाले दो प्रोटीन, जिन्हें बीएमपी (BMP) कहा जाता है और जो पेप्टाइड इंजेक्शन नहीं बल्कि हड्डी की सर्जरी में इस्तेमाल होने वाले ग्रोथ फ़ैक्टर हैं, की सलाह लेवल I अध्ययनों के आधार पर दी जा सकती है [12], और इन्हें फ्रैक्चर (हड्डी टूटना) की खास समस्याओं के लिए सरकारी मंज़ूरी मिली हुई है [13]। हायल्यूरोनिक एसिड और पेप्टाइड वाले एक लोशन ने 3 दिन के इलाज के दौरान, पहली बार लगाने के 3 घंटे के अंदर दर्द और जकड़न कम की [14]।
आपका डॉक्टर आपको बता सकता है कि ये इलाज कहां खड़े हैं और मौजूदा प्रमाण किस बात का समर्थन करते हैं।
क्या यह असर करता है?¶
ज़्यादातर पेप्टाइड इलाजों के लिए ईमानदार जवाब यह है कि हम अभी नहीं जानते। शोध प्रचार के बराबर नहीं पहुंचा है। ऑर्थोपेडिक और स्पोर्ट्स मेडिसिन के डॉक्टरों से कहा जाता है कि वे समझें कि पेप्टाइड थेरेपी के क्लिनिकल इस्तेमाल के समर्थन में अभी प्रमाणों की कमी है [3]। BPC-157 के लिए, जिस पेप्टाइड का रिकवरी और प्रदर्शन के लिए अक्सर प्रचार होता है, इस पर विज्ञान साफ़ तौर पर कम है कि यह कितना अच्छा काम करता है, कितना सुरक्षित है और इसका इस्तेमाल कब करना चाहिए [5]। इसलिए अगर आप इसे आज़माते हैं, तो आप ऐसा इसके पीछे इंसानों पर हुए अच्छे ट्रायल के बिना करेंगे।
हड्डी की सर्जरी में इस्तेमाल होने वाले एक अलग तरह के इलाज के पीछे ज़्यादा ठोस समर्थन है। हड्डी जोड़ने वाले एक प्रोटीन (एक बीएमपी, जो पेप्टाइड इंजेक्शन नहीं बल्कि ग्रोथ फ़ैक्टर है) को दो खास समस्याओं के लिए सरकारी मंज़ूरी मिली है: टिबिया (शिन की हड्डी) के खुले फ्रैक्चर (जिनमें त्वचा पर घाव हो) जिनका इलाज हड्डी के अंदर डाली गई रॉड से किया गया हो, और टिबिया के ऐसे फ्रैक्चर जो जुड़ नहीं पाए हों [13]। यह एक सीमित, साफ़ तौर पर तय इस्तेमाल है, जोड़ों और टेंडनों की मरम्मत का कोई आम इलाज नहीं।
दूसरा काम अभी लैब के स्तर पर है। जानवरों में, बढ़त से जुड़े एक पेप्टाइड वाले जेल ने नर्व (तंत्रिका) के ऊतक को बचाया और बहुत कम सूजन (इन्फ्लेमेशन) पैदा की, जो मेरुरज्जु की गंभीर चोट के संभावित भविष्य के इलाजों की ओर इशारा करता है [11]। पेप्टाइड पर आधारित जेल को माइक्रोफ्रैक्चर नाम की कार्टिलेज मरम्मत की एक तकनीक में जोड़ने से, जिसमें ठीक होने को बढ़ावा देने के लिए हड्डी में बहुत छोटे छेद किए जाते हैं, कार्टिलेज के ठीक होने के नतीजे बेहतर हो सकते हैं [8]। ये नतीजे शुरुआती कदम हैं। ये हमें नहीं बताते कि इंसानों में क्या होगा।
इंसानों पर हुए शोध से एक दिलचस्प सुराग मिलता है। शरीर में पाए जाने वाले दो रासायनिक संदेशवाहक, सब्स्टेंस P और एक दूसरा पेप्टाइड, टेनिस एल्बो नाम की समस्या में उन टेंडनों में ज़्यादा मात्रा में दिखते हैं जो ज़्यादा गंभीर रूप से खराब (डीजनरेट) हो चुके होते हैं [15]। इससे शोधकर्ताओं को पता चलता है कि पेप्टाइड टेंडन की समस्याओं में शामिल हैं। इससे यह पता नहीं चलता कि और पेप्टाइड देने से मदद मिलती है या नहीं।
इसलिए तस्वीर मिली-जुली है। हड्डी जोड़ने वाले प्रोटीन, जो पेप्टाइड इलाज नहीं हैं, फ्रैक्चर की खास समस्याओं के लिए मंज़ूर हैं। जानवरों और लैब का काम कहीं-कहीं उम्मीद जगाता है। लेकिन मांसपेशियों, टेंडन और जोड़ों की शिकायतों के लिए जिन इंजेक्शन वाले पेप्टाइड इलाजों का प्रचार होता है, उनके लिए अभी इंसानों पर ऐसे अच्छे ट्रायल नहीं हैं जो दिखाएं कि वे काम करते हैं। अगर कोई क्लिनिक आपको पेप्टाइड थेरेपी देने की पेशकश करे, तो यह पूछना उचित है कि आपकी खास समस्या के लिए उस खास इलाज के समर्थन में क्या प्रमाण हैं।
इसके जोखिम क्या हैं?¶
ईमानदार जवाब यह है कि अभी कोई भी जोखिमों की पूरी तस्वीर नहीं जानता। ज़्यादातर पेप्टाइड इलाजों के लिए इंसानों पर कोई अच्छे ट्रायल नहीं हैं, इसलिए इनके साइड इफ़ेक्ट कभी ठीक से गिने ही नहीं गए [3]। खास तौर पर BPC-157 के लिए, इसकी सुरक्षा पर विज्ञान स्थापित नहीं हुआ है [5]। यह कमी अपने-आप में एक जोखिम है: आप ऐसे इलाज का इस्तेमाल कर रहे होंगे जिसके नुकसान अज्ञात हैं।
बाज़ार में मौजूद कुछ पदार्थों के बारे में इस पर लंबे समय का कोई आंकड़ा नहीं है कि नरम ऊतक या हड्डी उन पर कैसी प्रतिक्रिया देते हैं [16]। इसका मतलब है कि कोई आपको नहीं बता सकता कि ये पदार्थ सालों में आपके शरीर के साथ क्या करते हैं, क्योंकि ये अध्ययन हुए ही नहीं हैं।
कुछ बातें हम ज़्यादा भरोसे से कह सकते हैं। हायल्यूरोनिक एसिड और पेप्टाइड वाले एक लोशन को इंसानों पर परखा गया है और सुरक्षित पाया गया है [14]। उसके आगे तस्वीर जल्दी धुंधली हो जाती है। पेप्टाइड सप्लीमेंट के प्रमाण इतने कमज़ोर हैं कि सामान्य ऑर्थोपेडिक देखभाल के साथ इनके इस्तेमाल का समर्थन नहीं करते [4]। और क्योंकि पेप्टाइड बढ़ा-चढ़ाकर किए गए दावों और बहुत कम सरकारी निगरानी के साथ बड़े पैमाने पर ऑनलाइन बेचे जाते हैं [1], किसी उत्पाद में असल में जो है वह लेबल पर लिखी बात से अलग हो सकता है।
अगर आप पेप्टाइड थेरेपी पर विचार कर रहे हैं, तो तौलने लायक मुख्य जोखिम यह है: प्रचार विज्ञान से बहुत आगे है। पूछें कि जो खास इलाज दिया जा रहा है उसके समर्थन में क्या प्रमाण हैं, और इंसानों में उसकी सुरक्षा के बारे में क्या पता है।
क्या यह आपके लिए सही है?¶
अभी, पेप्टाइड थेरेपी ऐसा इलाज नहीं है जिसकी सलाह हम मांसपेशियों, टेंडन या जोड़ों की ज़्यादातर समस्याओं के लिए दे सकें। प्रमाण बहुत कम हैं, और सुरक्षा की तस्वीर अधूरी है। अगर आपका टेंडन फटा है, आपको गठिया (आर्थराइटिस) है या कोई चोट धीरे-धीरे ठीक हो रही है, तो ऐसे स्थापित इलाज मौजूद हैं जिनके पीछे कहीं ज़्यादा मज़बूत रिकॉर्ड है। पहले वही होने चाहिए। पेप्टाइड थेरेपी ज़्यादा से ज़्यादा सामान्य देखभाल के साथ एक अतिरिक्त चीज़ होगी, और प्रमाण तो इसका भी समर्थन नहीं करते [4]।
कुछ ही दूसरे इलाज ज़्यादा ठोस ज़मीन पर हैं। हड्डी जोड़ने वाले दो प्रोटीन, जिन्हें बीएमपी कहा जाता है और जो पेप्टाइड इंजेक्शन नहीं बल्कि हड्डी की सर्जरी में इस्तेमाल होने वाले ग्रोथ फ़ैक्टर हैं, की सलाह लेवल I अध्ययनों के आधार पर दी जा सकती है [12], और इन्हें फ्रैक्चर की खास समस्याओं के लिए मंज़ूरी मिली है। पेप्टाइड और हायल्यूरोनिक एसिड वाले एक लोशन को इंसानों पर परखा गया है और सुरक्षित पाया गया है, और इससे दर्द और जकड़न में शुरुआती राहत मिली [14]। अगर इनमें से कोई सीमित इस्तेमाल आप पर लागू होता है, तो आपका डॉक्टर आपको बताएगा।
बाकी सब चीज़ों के लिए, जिनमें रिकवरी और प्रदर्शन के लिए ऑनलाइन प्रचारित पेप्टाइड भी शामिल हैं, आप कुछ ऐसा आज़मा रहे होंगे जिसके पीछे इंसानों पर हुए अच्छे ट्रायल नहीं हैं [5]। सोशल मीडिया पर दिखने वाले दावे बढ़ा-चढ़ाकर किए गए हैं और ज़्यादातर बिना नियमन के हैं [1]।
यह फ़ैसला आप और आपका डॉक्टर मिलकर लें। पूछें कि जो खास इलाज दिया जा रहा है उसके समर्थन में क्या प्रमाण हैं, उसकी सुरक्षा के बारे में क्या पता है, और सामान्य विकल्प क्या हैं। ऊपर जोखिमों वाले हिस्से में बताया गया है कि नुकसानों के बारे में क्या पता है और क्या नहीं। अगर जवाबों का तालमेल न बैठे, तो मना करना और साबित हो चुकी देखभाल पर टिके रहना उचित है।
मुख्य बात¶
मांसपेशियों, टेंडन और जोड़ों की ज़्यादातर समस्याओं के लिए, पेप्टाइड थेरेपी के पक्ष में हम अभी इंसानों पर हुए अच्छे ट्रायल नहीं दिखा सकते। प्रचार विज्ञान से बहुत आगे चल रहा है, और सुरक्षा की तस्वीर अधूरी है। इससे अलग, फ्रैक्चर की कुछ खास समस्याओं के लिए हड्डी जोड़ने वाले प्रोटीन (बीएमपी) के पीछे ज़्यादा ठोस समर्थन है; ये पेप्टाइड इलाज नहीं हैं। अगर आपको पेप्टाइड थेरेपी की पेशकश की जाए, तो जानने लायक सबसे ज़रूरी बात यह है: अभी कोई आपको नहीं बता सकता कि यह कितना अच्छा काम करती है या समय के साथ यह आपके शरीर के साथ क्या करती है। पूछें कि जो खास इलाज दिया जा रहा है उसके समर्थन में क्या प्रमाण हैं, और साबित हो चुके विकल्प क्या हैं।
संदर्भ¶
[1] Paper 32. Performance & Promises: A Social Media Review of Alleged Indications, Risks and Usage of “Peptides” in Musculoskeletal Health. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/2325967126s00290
[2] Injectable Peptides in Sports Medicine: A Structured Narrative Review of Evidence, Safety, and Antidoping Implications. JBJS Reviews. 2026. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.26.00027
[3] Injectable Peptide Therapy: A Primer for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Physicians. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/03635465251357593
[4] Peptide Supplements and Their Therapeutic Applications in Sports Medicine. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/03635465261464420
[5] Injectable Therapeutic Peptides—An Adjunct to Regenerative Medicine and Sports Performance?. Arthroscopy. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.09.005
[6] Effects of BMP-7 and Low Molecular Weight Peptide Solution on Healing in a Rotator Cuff Tear Model: A Histopathological and Biomechanical Study in Rats. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2026.04.003
[7] Growth Hormone–Releasing Peptide 2 May Be Associated With Decreased M1 Macrophage Production and Increased Histologic and Biomechanical Tendon‐Bone Healing Properties in a Rat Rotator Cuff Tear Model. Arthroscopy. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.11.094
[8] Microfracture Augmentation With Trypsin Pretreatment and Growth Factor–Functionalized Self-assembling Peptide Hydrogel Scaffold in an Equine Model. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2021. DOI: 10.1177/03635465211021798
[9] Effects of the Combination of Microfracture and Self-Assembling Peptide Filling on the Repair of a Clinically Relevant Trochlear Defect in an Equine Model. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.m.01408
[10] Self-assembling peptides with hBMP7 biological activity promote the differentiation of ADSCs into nucleus pulposus-like cells. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2022. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03102-8
[11] Biofunctionalized peptide-based hydrogel as an injectable scaffold for BDNF delivery can improve regeneration after spinal cord injury. Injury. 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2018.12.027
[12] Carrier systems and application of growth factors in orthopaedics. Injury. 2008. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(08)70014-7
[13] Clinical applications of growth factors in bone injuries: Experience with BMPs. Injury. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(13)70008-1
[14] A pre-market interventional, single-arm clinical investigation of a new topical lotion based on hyaluronic acid and peptides, EGYFILTM, for the treatment of pain and stiffness in soft tissues. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2023. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06903-y
[15] The expression of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide is associated with the severity of tendon degeneration in lateral epicondylitis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2021. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04067-1
[16] Biodegradable implants in soft tissue refixation: Experimental evaluation, clinical experience, and future needs. Injury. 2002. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(02)00128-6
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Overview¶
- Peptide therapeutics in orthopaedics have evolved from naturally occurring agents like bone morphogenetic proteins to rationally engineered synthetics [3].
- Injectable peptides for sports medicine remain largely experimental [8].
- While peptide therapy may possess significant therapeutic and regenerative potential, there is a current lack of evidence to support the clinical use of these peptides [1].
- Because of the lack of robust efficacy and safety data, peptide supplements should not currently be recommended as a replacement or adjunct for existing orthopaedic standard of care [4].
- Growth factors play a critical role in the biologic processes that drive tendons to heal [5].
- Platelet-derived growth factor has promise for healing ligaments but must be administered in appropriate doses soon after injury [7].
- Data support the potential use of intralesional IGF-I for treatment of debilitating tendon injuries [9].
- Only BMP-2 and BMP-7 can be recommended based on level I studies [10].
- A myofibroblast–mast cell–neuropeptide axis of fibrosis in the joint capsules in post-traumatic contractures has been identified as a potential target for prophylactic or therapeutic interventions [11].
- Parathyroid hormone-related peptide may be involved in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis [12].
- Osteogenic growth peptide treatment resulted in a stronger expression of transforming growth factor-β, both locally and systemically, in rat fracture healing specimens [13].
- Local delivery of specific neuropeptides could reverse the functional deficits of neuropathic ligaments in only 2 weeks in a rat model [15].
- The effect of transforming growth factor-β1 on the expression of the type-II collagen gene was observed as early as 12 hours after administration, but this effect was not observed in response to bone morphogenetic proteins 3 or 4 [20].
- VEGF is not recommended for enhancement of bone formation during distraction osteogenesis [22].
- In the first 2 weeks after lesion induction, tissue levels of IGF-I protein decreased approximately 40% compared to normal tendon [31].
- The use of BMP currently has two FDA-approved indications: treatment of open tibial fractures treated with intramedullary fixation and treatment of tibia long bone non-union [57].
- Chondrocyte-binding peptides may be coupled to therapeutic molecules to provide targeted treatment for cartilage disorders [2].
- The term “medicinal signaling cells” has important implications for orthopaedic surgeons when counseling patients, selecting biologic adjuncts, interpreting outcome data, and designing future clinical trials [21].
- Loss of function in musculoskeletal tissues initiates from either a failure of the cells that produce and maintain the extracellular matrix or as a consequence of material failure of the extracellular matrix itself [43].
- Advances in the identification of candidate therapeutic cell populations and the development of new biomaterials have occurred over the last three decades to address degenerative processes in musculoskeletal tissues [43].
How It Works¶
Current Clinical Status and Safety¶
- There is a current lack of evidence to support the clinical use of injectable peptides [1].
- Peptide supplements should not currently be recommended as a replacement or adjunct for existing orthopaedic standard of care due to the lack of robust efficacy and safety data [4].
- Regenerative medicine holds great promise for orthopaedic surgery by developing novel therapies that replace, repair, or promote tissue regeneration [19].
Bone Healing and Fracture Repair¶
- Osteogenic growth peptide treatment results in a stronger expression of transforming growth factor-β both locally and systemically in rat fracture models [13].
- Topical application of nerve growth factor increases the effectiveness and rate of repair of bone in rat fracture models [18].
- Local growth factor application enhances healing in the early phase without alteration of the normal healing process [35].
- Mesenchymal stem cell expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1β provides potent synergistic effects supporting bone formation in local regenerative therapy models [41].
Tendon and Ligament Healing¶
- Insulin-like growth factor-I improves cellular and molecular aspects of healing in a collagenase-induced model of flexor tendinitis [9].
- Recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB treatment is an effective therapy and may be an option for clinical applications to treat tendinopathy [16].
- Tissue responses to growth factors in tendons and ligaments may vary at different anatomic sites [17].
- The pentapeptide KTTKS promotes the expressions of type I collagen and transforming growth factor-β of tendon cells [23].
- Interventions developed to improve healing of flexor tendons must address differences in regulation between tendon and tendon sheath because they will likely affect the outcomes [40].
- The IGFBP response of flexor tendons to injury and healing provides information necessary for the design of protocols that may enhance tendon healing through manipulation of IGF-I ligand and binding protein levels [42].
Cartilage and Osteoarthritis¶
- Chondrocyte-binding peptides identified by phage display may be coupled to therapeutic molecules to provide targeted treatment for cartilage disorders [2].
- Effective mechanisms of growth factor delivery for articular cartilage repair may differ for different growth factors [24].
- Transduction with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein decreased the synovial expression of interleukin-1α, interleukin-1β, and matrix metalloproteinases, indicating a mechanism for prevention of matrix degradation [25].
- Cartilage fragments from osteoarthritic knees promote chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells without exogenous growth factor induction [37].
- The actions of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins 2 and 3 in articular cartilage extend beyond the classic modulation of IGF receptor action [38].
- Transforming growth factor-β exerts at least some of its actions in articular cartilage via cross-talk mechanisms involving the IGF-BP-2 system [39].
Mechanistic Pathways and Fibrosis¶
- A myofibroblast–mast cell–neuropeptide axis of fibrosis exists in the joint capsules in post-traumatic contractures [11].
- Epigenetic regulators are critical for normal skeletogenesis and are viable candidate drug targets for short-term local pharmacological strategies to mitigate musculoskeletal tissue degeneration [26].
What the Evidence Shows¶
Current Clinical Status and Recommendations¶
- Orthopaedic and sports medicine providers must understand the current lack of evidence to support the clinical use of peptide therapies, despite their potential therapeutic and regenerative capabilities [1].
- Due to a lack of robust efficacy and safety data, peptide supplements should not currently be recommended as a replacement or adjunct for existing orthopaedic standard of care [4].
- The use of BPC-157 for sports performance and recovery is not recommended because there are no randomized controlled trials investigating its use in human subjects, and the science is lacking to determine overall effectiveness, safety profile, and clinical indications [50].
- Social media posts regarding peptides in musculoskeletal health mostly extrapolate from preclinical or anecdotal data, marketing them as panaceas for health, performance, and aesthetics [32].
Bone Healing and Fracture Repair¶
- Osteogenic growth peptide treatment resulted in a stronger expression of transforming growth factor-β both locally and systemically in rat fracture healing models [13].
- Topical application of nerve growth factor increased the effectiveness and rate of repair of bone in rat fracture models [18].
- Recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2) dose-dependently increased the percentage of patients with radiographic bone union and decreased the average time needed for union in a prospective trial on patients with osteotomy [33].
- Treatment with a scaffold alone improved defect stability at 16 weeks compared to nontreatment but did not achieve bone union or restoration of mechanical function in critically sized bone defects [47].
- The addition of a BMP binding peptide (BBP) to recombinant human BMP-7 may result in lesser amounts of rhBMP-7 needed to achieve union in the clinical setting [49].
- Only BMP-2 and BMP-7 can be recommended based on level I studies for carrier systems and application of growth factors in orthopaedics [10].
- A synthetic growth factor mimetic at a dose of 100 ng per 0.2 mL of injectable demineralized bone matrix (DBM) gel generated the most optimal results for augmenting DBM mineralization [51].
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is not recommended for enhancement of bone formation during distraction osteogenesis [22].
Tendon and Ligament Healing¶
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has promise for healing ligaments but must be administered in appropriate doses soon after injury [7].
- Intralesional insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has potential use for the treatment of debilitating tendon injuries [9].
- Recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB) treatment is an effective therapy and may be an option for clinical applications to treat tendinopathy [16].
- Injections of rhPDGF-BB at 3 and 10 mg increased maximum load-to-failure, and 10 mg increased stiffness, relative to controls and commonly used treatments in a rat Achilles tendon collagenase model [28].
- The pentapeptide KTTKS has potential clinical use to improve the process of tendon healing [23].
- Growth hormone-releasing peptide 2 (GHRP-2) may enhance bone-tendon healing and reduce retear rate after rotator cuff repair [48].
Cartilage and Osteoarthritis¶
- Additional in vivo studies are needed to evaluate the potential of growth factors as stimulators in cartilage repair [14].
- Transduction with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) decreased the synovial expression of IL-1α, IL-1β, and matrix metalloproteinases, indicating a mechanism for prevention of matrix degradation [25].
- Recombinant fibroblast growth factor-18 (sprifermin) at 100 μg provided the highest treatment benefit for microfracture-induced cartilage healing [27].
- Treatment with the self-assembling KLD peptide in combination with microfracture resulted in no additional improvements over microfracture-only treatment in an equine model [45].
- Transforming growth factor-β1 stimulated the expression of the type-II collagen gene in periosteum-derived cells as early as 12 hours after administration, an effect not observed with bone morphogenetic proteins 3 or 4 [20].
- Patients with advanced osteoarthritis demonstrated little elevation in myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, and chlorinated peptides were undetectable [44].
- Suppression of nerve growth factor (NGF) may result in varied effects depending on different stages of the osteoarthritic disease process [58].
Nerve Healing¶
- The combination of nerve growth factor and ciliary neurotrophic factor may enhance regeneration in the peripheral nervous system [59].
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists¶
- GLP-1 receptor agonists may not produce sufficient weight loss to achieve body mass index cutoffs for total joint arthroplasty depending on individual patient factors, including starting bodyweight [30].
- After adjusting for metabolic confounds, the postulated skeletal benefit of GLP-1 receptor agonists did not translate to meaningful risk reductions for upper extremity fragility fracture [46].
General Regenerative Medicine Context¶
- Regenerative medicine holds promise for orthopaedic surgery by developing novel therapies that replace, repair, or promote tissue regeneration [19].
- The concept of "medicinal signaling cells" has implications for orthopaedic surgeons when counseling patients, selecting biologic adjuncts, interpreting outcome data, and designing future clinical trials [21].
Practical Considerations¶
Current Status and Recommendations¶
- Orthopaedic and sports medicine providers must understand the current lack of evidence to support the clinical use of peptide therapies [1].
- Due to the lack of robust efficacy and safety data, peptide supplements should not currently be recommended as a replacement or adjunct for existing orthopaedic standard of care [4].
- Today only BMP-2 and BMP-7 can be recommended based on level I studies [10].
Tendon and Ligament Applications¶
- rhPDGF-BB treatment is an effective therapy and may be an option for clinical applications to treat tendinopathy [16].
- Injections of rhPDGF-BB increased maximum load-to-failure (3 and 10 mg) and stiffness (10 mg) relative to controls and commonly used treatments [28].
- Findings indicate a benefit to the use of MSCs and AdIGF-MSCs for the treatment of tendinitis [54].
Cartilage and Joint Applications¶
- The highest treatment benefit for microfracture-induced cartilage healing was detected following 100 μg sprifermin treatment [27].
- Therapeutic strategies for microfracture augmentation, such as growth factor–functionalized self-assembling peptide hydrogel scaffolds, can be cost-effective ways to improve cartilage healing outcomes [53].
- A myofibroblast–mast cell–neuropeptide axis of fibrosis in joint capsules is identified as a potential target for prophylactic or therapeutic interventions in post-traumatic contractures [11].
Bone Healing and Fracture Management¶
- Nerve growth factor administration suggests it may play an important role in the healing processes of fractured bone [18].
- rhFGF-2 dose dependently increased the percentage of patients with radiographic bone union and decreased the average time needed for such union [33].
Perioperative and Systemic Considerations¶
- GLP-1 receptor agonists have perioperative implications in total joint arthroplasty patients [29].
- GLP-1 agonists may not produce sufficient weight loss to achieve body mass index cutoffs for total joint arthroplasty depending on individual patient factors, including starting bodyweight [30].
- It is no longer acceptable to treat various athletic conditions with medications without accounting for the effects on performance, the medical-legal implications, and the identification of exercise-induced conditions [34].
Safety and Mechanistic Insights¶
- Growth factor treatment of chondrocyte cell cultures for cell therapy purposes can be regarded as safe in terms of telomere biology [55].
- Most social media posts extrapolate from preclinical or anecdotal data, marketing peptides as panaceas for health, performance, and aesthetics [32].
Key Evidence¶
- [L5] While peptide therapy may possess significant therapeutic and regenerative potential, it is critical that orthopaedic and sports medicine providers understand the current lack of evidence to support the clinical use of these peptides. [1] (10.1177/03635465251357593)
- [Paper] We anticipate that such peptides may be coupled to therapeutic molecules to provide targeted treatment for cartilage disorders. [2] (10.1002/jor.22325)
- [Paper] Peptide therapeutics in orthopaedics have evolved from naturally occurring agents like bone morphogenetic proteins to rationally engineered synthetics. [3] (10.2106/jbjs.26.00785)
- [L5] Because of the lack of robust efficacy and safety data, peptide supplements should not currently be recommended as a replacement or adjunct for existing orthopaedic standard of care. [4] (10.1177/03635465261464420)
- [Paper] It has become clear that growth factors play a critical role in the biologic processes that drive tendons to heal. [5] (10.1197/j.jht.2005.01.012)
- [Paper] These results indicate that platelet-derived growth factor has promise for healing ligaments but that it must be administered in appropriate doses soon after injury. [7] (10.1002/jor.1100140509)
- [L5] Injectable peptides for sports medicine remain largely experimental. [8] (10.2106/jbjs.rvw.26.00027)
- [Paper] These data support the potential use of intralesional IGF-I for treatment of debilitating tendon injuries. [9] (10.1016/s0736-0266(02)00009-8)
- [Paper] Today only BMP-2 and BMP-7 can be recommended based on level I studies. [10] (10.1016/s0020-1383(08)70014-7)
- [L5] These observations identify putative mechanistic components of a myofibroblast–mast cell–neuropeptide axis of fibrosis in the joint capsules in post-traumatic contractures and potential prophylactic or therapeutic interventions. [11] (10.1002/jor.22676)
- [L4] Our results suggest that parathyroid hormone-related peptide may be involved in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. [12] (10.1002/jor.1100150204)
- [Paper] The specimens treated with osteogenic growth peptide had a stronger expression of transforming growth factor-β, both locally and systemically. [13] (10.1002/jor.1100180119)
- [Paper] Additional in vivo studies are needed to evaluate the potential of these growth factors as stimulators in cartilage repair. [14] (10.1002/jor.1100180111)
- [Paper] Local delivery of specific neuropeptides could reverse the functional deficits of these neuropathic ligaments in only 2 weeks. [15] (10.1002/jor.20335)
- [Paper] Data suggest that rhPDGF-BB treatment is an effective therapy and may be an option for clinical applications to treat tendinopathy. [16] (10.1002/jor.22222)
- [Paper] Although growth factors have the potential to modulate soft-tissue repair, tissue responses in tendons and ligaments may vary at different anatomic sites. [17] (10.1002/jor.1100140407)
- [Paper] The resultant increases in effectiveness and rate of repair of bone with administration of nerve growth factor suggest that it may play an important role in the healing processes of fractured bone. [18] (10.1002/jor.1100150212)
- [L5] Regenerative medicine holds great promise for orthopaedic surgery by developing novel therapies that replace, repair, or promote tissue regeneration. [19] (10.1002/jor.20432)
- [Paper] This effect was observed as early as 12 hours after administration of transforming growth factor-β1 but was not observed in response to bone morphogenetic proteins 3 or 4. [20] (10.1002/jor.1100150321)
- [L5] Caplan’s term “medicinal signaling cells” and has important implications for orthopaedic surgeons when counseling patients, selecting biologic adjuncts, interpreting outcome data, and designing future clinical trials. [21] (10.5435/jaaos-d-26-00882)
- [Paper] VEGF is not recommended for enhancement of bone formation in this setting. [22] (10.1016/s0736-0266(02)00159-6)
- [Paper] These findings strongly implicated the potential clinical use of pentapeptide KTTKS to improve the process of tendon healing in the future. [23] (10.1002/jor.20455)
- [L3] These data indicate that effective mechanisms of growth factor delivery for articular cartilage repair may differ for different growth factors. [24] (10.1002/jor.22444)
- [Paper] Transduction with IL-1Ra decreased the synovial expression of IL-1α and IL-1β and matrix metalloproteinases, indicating a mechanism for prevention of matrix degradation. [25] (10.1016/j.orthres.2004.06.020)
- [Paper] The combined body of molecular and genetic studies focusing on epigenetic regulators indicates that these proteins are critical for normal skeletogenesis and viable candidate drug targets for short-term local pharmacological strategies to mitigate musculoskeletal tissue degeneration. [26] (10.1002/jor.24305)
- [Paper] We detected the highest treatment benefit following 100 μg sprifermin treatment. [27] (10.1002/jor.25063)
- [L3] Injections of rhPDGF-BB increased maximum load-to-failure (3 and 10 m g) and stiffness (10 m g) relative to controls and commonly used treatments. [28] (10.1002/jor.22483)
- [Paper] This review critically appraises current evidence on perioperative implications of GLP-1 receptor agonists in total joint arthroplasty patients. [29] (10.5435/jaaos-d-25-00892)
- [Paper] While efficacious, GLP-1 agonists may not produce sufficient weight loss to achieve body mass index cutoffs for total joint arthroplasty depending on individual patient factors, including starting bodyweight. [30] (10.2106/jbjs.rvw.23.00167)
- [Paper] In the first 2 weeks after lesion induction, tissue levels of IGF-I protein actually decreased approximately 40% compared to normal tendon. [31] (10.1016/j.orthres.2004.05.007)
- [Paper] Most posts extrapolate from preclinical or anecdotal data, marketing peptides as panaceas for health, performance, and aesthetics, as evidenced by the poor DISCERN scores. [32] (10.1177/2325967126s00290)
- [L2] The rhFGF-2 dose dependently increased the percentage of patients with radiographic bone union, and decreased the average time needed for such union. [33] (10.1002/jor.20315)
- [Paper] It is no longer acceptable to treat various athletic conditions with medications without accounting for the effects on performance, the medical-legal implications, and the identification of exercise-induced conditions. [34] (10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70076-4)
- [Paper] In conclusion, local growth factor application enhances the healing in the early phase without alteration of the normal healing process. [35] (10.1016/j.orthres.2003.09.009)
- [L5] The findings support the hypothesis that cartilage fragments from osteoarthritic knee promote chondrogenic differentiation without exogenous growth factor induction. [37] (10.1002/jor.21541)
- [Paper] This suggests the hypothesis that the actions of these IGFBPs in articular cartilage extend beyond the classic modulation of IGF receptor action. [38] (10.1002/jor.20660)
- [Paper] These data help to support the postulate that TGF-β exerts at least some of its actions in articular cartilage via cross-talk mechanisms involving the IGF-BP-2 system. [39] (10.1016/s0736-0266(02)00154-7)
- [Paper] These findings indicate that interventions developed to improve healing of these tissues will have to address these differences, because they will likely affect the outcomes. [40] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2006.06.011)
- [Paper] SDF-1b provides potent synergistic effects supporting BMSC-mediated bone formation and appears a suitable candidate for optimization of bone augmentation in translational protocols. [41] (10.1002/jor.22749)
- [Paper] The results of this study document the IGFBP response of flexor tendons to injury and healing, which provides information necessary for the design of protocols that may enhance tendon healing through manipulation of IGF-I ligand and binding protein levels. [42] (10.1002/jor.20000)
- [L4] Patients in the control and advanced OA groups demonstrated little elevation in MPO levels and Cl-peptides were undetectable. [44] (10.1002/jor.20400)
- [L5] Treatment with the self-assembling KLD peptide in combination with microfracture resulted in no additional improvements over microfracture-only treatment. [45] (10.2106/jbjs.m.01408)
- [L3] After adjusting for metabolic confounds, we found that the postulated skeletal benefit of GLP 1RAs did not translate to meaningful risk reductions in this population. [46] (10.1016/j.injury.2026.113456)
- [Paper] Treatment with scaffold alone improved defect stability at 16 weeks compared to nontreatment, but did not achieve bone union or restoration of mechanical function. [47] (10.1002/jor.20372)
- [L5] The present study might be a transitional study to show the efficacy of GHRP-2 in enhancing bone-tendon healing and reduce retear rate after rotator cuff repair. [48] (10.1016/j.arthro.2024.11.094)
- [Paper] Improved healing imparted by the addition of BBP may result in lesser amounts of rhBMP-7 needed to achieve union in the clinical setting. [49] (10.1002/jor.21252)
- [L5] The authors do not recommend the use of BPC-157 for sports performance and recovery because there are no randomized controlled trials investigating its use in human subjects, and the science is clearly lacking to determine the overall effectiveness, safety profile, and clinical indications for sports enhancement in athletes. [50] (10.1016/j.arthro.2024.09.005)
- [Paper] In these studies, 100 ng of peptide per 0.2 mL of injectable DBM gel generated the most optimal results. [51] (10.1002/jor.20215)
- [L5] Therapeutic strategies for microfracture augmentation, such as those presented in this study, can be cost-effective ways to improve cartilage healing outcomes. [53] (10.1177/03635465211021798)
- [Paper] These findings indicate a benefit to the use of MSCs and AdIGF-MSCs for the treatment of tendinitis. [54] (10.1002/jor.20887)
- [Paper] Growth factor treatment of chondrocyte cell cultures for cell therapy purposes can be regarded as safe in terms of telomere biology. [55] (10.1002/jor.21007)
- [Paper] The use of BMP currently has two FDA-approved indications: treatment of open tibial fractures treated with intramedullary fixation and treatment of tibia long bone non-union. [57] (10.1016/s0020-1383(13)70008-1)
- [Paper] Suppression of NGF may result in varied effects depending on different stages of the osteoarthritic disease process. [58] (10.1002/jor.25382)
- [Paper] These data support the conclusion that the use of nerve growth factor and ciliary neurotrophic factor in combination may enhance regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. [59] (10.1053/jhsu.2001.24148)
References¶
[1] Injectable Peptide Therapy: A Primer for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Physicians. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/03635465251357593
[2] Identification of chondrocyte‐binding peptides by phage display. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 2013. DOI: 10.1002/jor.22325
[3] Peptide Therapeutics in Orthopaedics. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2026. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.26.00785
[4] Peptide Supplements and Their Therapeutic Applications in Sports Medicine. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/03635465261464420
[5] The Use of Growth Factors on Tendon Injuries. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2005. DOI: 10.1197/j.jht.2005.01.012
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