Mythbusting the Most-Hyped Peptides

Peptides like BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295 and retatrutide are among the hottest trends for optimizers, gym bros, looksmaxxers and the longevity crowd. But is it wise to inject bioactive molecules into the bloodstream that haven’t passed the drug approval process?   In this episode, Marty and Stu welcome the Harvard- and Stanford-educated Leigh Baxt, who mythbusts about peptides and other panaceas on Instagram @sciencemomscicomm.  Baxt is a translational scientist who specializes in drug development. She points out the many problems with injecting peptides into the body, including the major one that many of these peptides are activating biological pathways that cancer cells love.  In this episode we discuss the following questions:  —What are peptides? —Why are peptides so hot? —Are peptides safe?  —What do peptides do? —What is a wolverine stack? We also provide a quick guide to peptides like BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295 and retatrutide, and walk through the drug-approval process that protects human beings from predatory marketing. The episode concludes with a discussion of what Marty, Stu and Leigh think is so wrong about promoting peptides to young people.  What scientific evidence supports peptide use? Find out in our latest episode! Exercise Science is powered by EverMe, the longevity intelligence app. To get a free two-month trial to EverMe exclusively for Exercise Science listeners, go to: everme.ai/exercisescience Thanks also to our sponsor Biafit, your all-in-one fitness platform designed to help you become the best version of yourself. Enter the promotional code **HARDFACTS** at checkout to receive a **one-time 10% discount** on the purchased subscription. Download BiaFit at your favorite app store, and learn more here: https://getbiafit.com/ #BPC157 #wolverinestack #peptides #looksmaxxing #longevity **EPISODE LINKS** Leigh Baxt is on Instagram @sciencemomscicomm Leigh collaborates heavily with Unbiased Science: https://www.unbiasedscience.com/ Leigh was also on Simon Hill: Are Peptides Safe? What You Need to Know About BPC-157 Retatrutide phase 2 trial for obesity in the New England Journal of Medicine Good overview from Patricia Brubaker on problems with injecting peptides Want to hack your body with peptides? The Economist opines **SHOW LINKS** Follow or subscribe at your favourite platform @realexercisescience: Substack. YouTube. TikTok. Instagram. Apple Podcasts. Spotify. On X you can find us @realexscience.  Stu is everywhere, too, but mostly on Instagram and X. Follow him on TikTok too! Marty just started his own Instagram. Give him a follow! He’s also on X!Exercise Science is produced by Ghost Bureau, the Toronto content agency.  **DISCUSSION POINTS** 00:00 Cold open 01:02 Introducing Leigh Baxt 04:54 What are peptides? 07:25 Antivaxxers 09:24 BPC-157 11:05 TB-500 12:20 Wolverine stacking 13:10 CJC-1295 13:55 Retatrutide 16:28 Drug approval process 18:08 Peptides & cancer 20:12 Most drugs fail 22:03 Are peptides safe 23:52 Peptides & patents 26:28 Peptide categories 27:35 What’s wrong with wolverine stacks 29:54 Drug interactions 31:53 Why are peptides so hot? 34:27 Predatory marketing 37:21 Peptide predictions **DISCLAIMER** The Exercise Science podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Strength training and fitness carry inherent risks. Always consult with a physician or qualified healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program or making changes to your diet. The hosts, producers, sponsors and guests of this podcast disclaim any liability for any injuries or losses connected with the information discussed in this show. The science of strength and fitness is continually evolving. While we strive to provide accurate, evidence-based information, we make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information discussed. Martin Gibala is an advisor to and holds equity in Longevity League Ltd., a US-based company whose services in part relate to exercise. Leigh Baxt does not represent her employer on this platform and all views expressed are her own. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.realexercisescience.com